Women’s History Month has come to a close, but we continue to celebrate when in business who are literally essential. KJ3 Essentials Founder, Shante James is a wife, mother of three, and entrepreneur. When the pandemic pushed everyone indoors and altered work schedules, Shante and her family turned their hobby into a passion and a business, KJ3 ESSENTIALS. Because their family suffers from allergies and sensitive skin, they were always experimenting with natural ingredients already found in their kitchen.
They began making deodorant and lip balms for their oldest daughter, who was 6 at the time. What started out as kitchen-made products turned into the brand working with major U.S. labs, which now manufactures their product line. Today, you can find the products at easily accessible places like Amazon, Walmart online and many other e-commerce sites.
We obtained an exclusive interview with Shante James to discover the origins of her career and insight as an essential business owner.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Shante: I grew up in Flint, Michigan and graduated from Oakland University, and received my MSA from the University of Phoenix. I worked for a big-box retailer for 14 years holding various positions from a cashier and quickly moving to higher positions in administration and management. I also worked for our local school district in accounting. I became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of our second child. In 2019, I opened a local Beauty Supply Boutique with a family member. Due to schedule changes, Covid-19, and personal events, we pivoted to e-commerce and a mobile store in the summer of 2020. During my time at home, I turned my hobby of making natural skincare products for my kids from a hobby to a business. I was inspired by kids and the suppliers of hair companies that our beauty supply store carries. Our first product was our Kids Natural deodorant, which was made for our oldest daughter, who started puberty at 6. I felt that if I could sell hair care, I could also sell my own skincare. I have been a serial entrepreneur since 2010, I started as a travel agent and ventured into other opportunities. As of now, I am married with three children under the age of 10. Entrepreneurship is what works best for our family lifestyle. Being an entrepreneur also helps my family build generational wealth and a legacy.
What do you define as success?
Shante: I define success as achieving anything that you have a plan, goal, or vision to accomplish. Even if it’s easy for you, remember others are watching and your success is motivation and success to others.
Do you believe in work-life balance? If so how do you maintain it?
Shante: I do believe in work-life balance. I understand that it can be hard to achieve. I am personally thankful for my husband, who works full time to support our household, while I do the other full-time work at home and build a business to work on extending work-life balance for us all.
How do you come up with new ideas for your business?
Shante: New ideas come to me as visions, my children add on the ideas and I work with my mentors and strategists as well.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Shante: My best piece of advice for aspiring new entrepreneurs is not to let the idea or vision slip away. Grab a pen and notebook and start brainstorming. I encourage them to find a mentor and join the various chambers of commerce, SCORE, and other small business programs regulated through government programs and universities.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
Shante: In the next 6 months, we plan to focus on building relationships with our current customers and marketing our brand to make KIDLIFE, a well-known trusted house brand when it comes to kids’ daily essentials. We are also working on launching two new products to the market that we know the customers we love along with getting our products into the storefront for easier convenience for our customers.
What would attract listeners to your story?
Shante: I think what would attract listeners to our story is that we are a brand that cares for our customer’s kids just as much as we care for ours and want the best for them! Kidlife is the best and as parents, we all want the best for our kids. We want to attract customers that are ingredient conscious. We also want to inspire our community and parents that are possibly stay-at-home parents to seek entrepreneurship and encourage their kids as well. We want our kids to know that they will be able to take on career choices as well as opportunities in entrepreneurship as a second source of income.
Keep up to date online: https://www.kj3essentials.com/
Instagram: @kidlifeklub
Lynnecia S. Eley is Founder & Managing Editor of Soigne’ + Swank Magazine. She is a career-driven entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she is an award-winning University Assistant Dean and Adjunct Professor committed to excellence, dedication, and caring for others. Known as the Confidence Doula, Lynnecia is a best-selling author and coach, a founder of Two Queens Media and Black & Ivy League, Inc. You can learn more about Lynnecia and her platforms at www.shecaninspire.com.
