Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlen Jones.
Hi Carlen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey with CJ Essentials LLC from a very personal place. What began as a hobby—creating natural products for myself and my family—quickly became a passion when I realized how powerful clean, intentional self-care could be. After facing my own health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, I became even more committed to wellness, healing, and taking control of what we put on and into our bodies.
On January 2017, I turned that passion into a business, focused on creating affordable, all-natural products for skin, hair, and overall wellness. Over time, CJ Essentials LLC grew beyond products into a platform for education and empowerment. I began teaching others how to make candles and skincare, hosting workshops, and creating spaces—both online and in person—where entrepreneurs could learn, grow, and feel supported.
Along the way, I also became an author, using my voice and lived experiences to inspire, encourage, and empower others through my writing. My books reflect the same themes that guide my work—healing, resilience, faith, and growth—and allow me to connect with people on a deeper level beyond business.
Today, CJ Essentials LLC is a nationally certified minority women-owned brand with customers across the United States. I continue to evolve as an entrepreneur, author, educator, and mentor, using my story to remind others that even through adversity, it’s possible to build something meaningful, impactful, and lasting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road—and honestly, that’s been one of the biggest teachers in my journey.
Like many entrepreneurs, I faced financial challenges, limited resources, and the pressure of wearing all the hats in the early days. Building a business from the ground up meant learning through trial and error, making mistakes, and sometimes starting over. There were moments of self-doubt, burnout, and questioning whether I was doing enough or moving fast enough.
One of the most personal struggles was navigating serious health challenges while still trying to show up for my family and my business. Being a cancer survivor reshaped my priorities and forced me to slow down, listen to my body, and redefine what success really looks like. Balancing healing with entrepreneurship wasn’t easy, but it strengthened my purpose.
Another challenge was visibility—being seen, heard, and taken seriously as a minority woman-owned business. I had to advocate for myself, push past fear, and step into leadership even when it felt uncomfortable.
Every obstacle taught me resilience, patience, and faith. Those struggles didn’t stop the journey—they shaped it, and they’re a big part of why I’m so passionate about helping other entrepreneurs navigate their own paths with confidence and support.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers around wellness, education, and empowerment. I am the founder of CJ Essentials LLC, a health and wellness brand specializing in all-natural skincare, hair care, body care, and home fragrance products. I’m known for creating clean, affordable products that are both effective and intentional, with a strong focus on self-care, healing, and everyday wellness.
Beyond products, I specialize in education and mentorship. I teach candle-making and skincare classes, host entrepreneur workshops, and create platforms—such as live sessions, meetups, and online content—where both new and seasoned entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and grow. I’m also an author, using my writing to inspire resilience, faith, and personal growth, drawing from real-life experiences.
What I’m most proud of is building a business that goes beyond sales. CJ Essentials LLC has become a trusted brand and a community. I’m proud of being a nationally certified minority women-owned business, of reaching customers nationwide, and of helping others turn their ideas into sustainable businesses through hands-on guidance and encouragement.
What sets me apart is authenticity and purpose. Everything I create—products, programs, or content—is rooted in lived experience, transparency, and service. As a cancer survivor, wellness isn’t just a trend for me; it’s personal. I don’t just teach entrepreneurship from theory—I teach from experience, challenges, and growth. My goal has always been to leave people better than I found them, empowered with knowledge, confidence, and tools to succeed.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
That’s a great question, because risk has definitely been a part of my journey—even when I didn’t label it that way at the time.
I don’t see myself as a reckless risk-taker, but I do believe in calculated risk. For me, risk has always been about trusting purpose while still doing the work—researching, learning, planning, and then taking the leap even when things aren’t perfect.
One of the biggest risks I took was turning something personal and meaningful into a business. Leaving the comfort of “just a hobby” to invest time, money, and energy into CJ Essentials LLC meant betting on myself without guarantees. Another major risk was continuing to build and evolve my business while navigating serious health challenges. Choosing not to quit, even when slowing down was necessary, required a different kind of courage and faith.
I’ve also taken risks by expanding beyond products—stepping into education, authorship, and mentorship. Putting my voice, story, and expertise out publicly opened me up to criticism and vulnerability, but it also created deeper impact and connection.
My perspective on risk is simple: growth requires it. Risk doesn’t mean fear is gone—it means you move forward anyway, with intention. I believe the biggest risk is staying stuck because you’re afraid to try. When risks are aligned with purpose, preparation, and faith, even the setbacks become lessons that move you closer to where you’re meant to be.
Pricing:
- CJ Essentials LLC Products: All-natural skincare, hair care, body care, and wellness products range in price depending on the item, with most products priced to remain affordable and accessible.
- Candle-Making & Skincare Classes: Hands-on classes and workshops are offered at varying price points based on the type of class, materials included, and group size.
- Entrepreneur Workshops & Programs: Educational workshops, meetups, and empowerment programs are priced to remain budget-friendly for new and growing entrepreneurs.
- Books & Digital Resources: Author-published books, workbooks, and digital resources are available at affordable price points and designed to provide practical guidance and inspiration.
- Custom Orders & Private Events: Pricing varies based on customization, quantity, and event type.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cj-bodyhairessentials.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cj_bodyhairessentials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodyandhairessentials
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlen-jones-246029174/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Carlenskreativekitchen
