Name: Shanetta Blackman
Hometown: Wood-Ridge
Kids: Maizyr, 12, Amazin, 10, Ryziam, 7 and Nizama 2
Business: Your Beauty Plug
Business: Your Beauty Plug
New Jersey Family: Tell me about your business and what makes it unique?
Shanetta Blackman: My business is a all-natural hair product. I specialize in hair growth and my top selling product is my hair mask “The Sauce.” My hair products are unique because it’s all-natural, no-chemical base. I also provide counseling for those who are interested in making their own hair products out of things out of their own kitchens. I also make specialty products for those who are suffering from alopecia or hair loss.
NJF: When did you launch the business, and what was your biggest inspiration to launch it?
SB: I just launched my business November 16. What inspired me to launch on that date is because that’s my second son’s birthday. He has high functioning autism and he just inspires me to live in my truth and passion. He sees the world as black or white and is very honest about life. He doesn’t get excuses or obstacles—he forces me to be the best version of me.
SB: I just launched my business November 16. What inspired me to launch on that date is because that’s my second son’s birthday. He has high functioning autism and he just inspires me to live in my truth and passion. He sees the world as black or white and is very honest about life. He doesn’t get excuses or obstacles—he forces me to be the best version of me.
NJF: How have you pivoted your business to adapt to this stressful and uncertain time?
SB: This time has been life changing for everyone. My business is still in a early stage so I’m mainly built off of word-of-mouth. I had to and continue having to make my social media presence more relevant. I also had to really focus on time management because I am home schooling four children now that the schools are closed, so I needed to create a time to do my business.
SB: This time has been life changing for everyone. My business is still in a early stage so I’m mainly built off of word-of-mouth. I had to and continue having to make my social media presence more relevant. I also had to really focus on time management because I am home schooling four children now that the schools are closed, so I needed to create a time to do my business.
NJF: If possible, how are you and your business giving back through this period?
SB: I still offer at-home tips like how to maintain your hair and even your skin during this time from things that are in your cabinets and fridge. I also donate to the COVID-19 testing.
SB: I still offer at-home tips like how to maintain your hair and even your skin during this time from things that are in your cabinets and fridge. I also donate to the COVID-19 testing.
NJF: What will be the first thing you do as a business when this is behind us?
SB: One of the first things I will do as a business once this pandemic is behind us is bring my products to local beauty supply stores. I also would love to tour around and talk to moms like me and show them they do not have to give up on their dreams. They can run home base businesses and still be a mom.
SB: One of the first things I will do as a business once this pandemic is behind us is bring my products to local beauty supply stores. I also would love to tour around and talk to moms like me and show them they do not have to give up on their dreams. They can run home base businesses and still be a mom.
NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten that you want to share with others?
SB: One of the best business advice I got was ‘how you do one thing is how you do everything.’ What that means is if you’re trying to work and be a mom at the same time, you will fail at both. You have to create a time management schedule because this will allow you to give 100 percent to the thing you’re doing. If you are working, find a time slot that your children are down and sleeping, [then you’re] being the best at your business. When your kids are awake, you can be the best mom you can be and you won’t feel the guilt.
SB: One of the best business advice I got was ‘how you do one thing is how you do everything.’ What that means is if you’re trying to work and be a mom at the same time, you will fail at both. You have to create a time management schedule because this will allow you to give 100 percent to the thing you’re doing. If you are working, find a time slot that your children are down and sleeping, [then you’re] being the best at your business. When your kids are awake, you can be the best mom you can be and you won’t feel the guilt.