Jackie Aina is that girl! Known for her YouTube channel and massive following, the beauty influencer turned entrepreneur, has always been an advocate for inclusivity in the beauty industry. Her popularity grew through her YouTube channel, where she shares makeup tutorials, product reviews, and beauty tips. Aina schools the girls with expertise in makeup application, particularly for the girls with deeper skin tones.
She actively promotes diversity and is an advocate for representation in the beauty industry, shedding light on the need for more inclusive shade ranges and challenging beauty standards. Additionally, she has partnered with various beauty brands and launched her own successful makeup collaborations before creating her own brand FORVR Mood.
But, Jackie Aina’s influence extends beyond the beauty world, as she uses her platform to address social issues and promote positive change.
If you know Aina then you know she is a scent expert. She can name what notes are in a fragrance that YSL Beauty launched 3 years prior, and she even taught us how to layer our perfume in a way in which they all blend perfectly. It was a surprise—but not really surprising—when she decided to step into the entrepreneur space as a candle brand owner. The brand CEO has collaborated with companies in the past on makeup palettes, so we thought she’d go that route, but she’s always 10 steps ahead and doesn’t leave footprints.
Her candle line Forvr Mood is a mood. She launched the brand with her fiancé Denis, whom we see occasionally on her social media platforms. The pair is keeping our homes, offices, and spaces smelling delicious.
For Black Business Month, EBONY sat down with Jackie to learn how Forvr Mood came to fruition and what she’s learned as a new business owner.
EBONY: We all know you as Jackie Aina the beauty guru, and we know you don’t work jobs, you are a job. (Shoutout to the City Girs) Where did your desire to become a business owner come from?
Jackie Aina: Influencers and creators are business owners because of what we do. In the beginning I was my own lawyer, editor and videographer; I went over my own contracts, etc. So naturally, as my journey as a self-employed creator began to grow, my business and the people I hired grew too. I think creating a product felt like the next best natural transition because I knew exactly what I wanted to create and how I wanted to occupy and innovate that space. It’s very, very different from being in front of the lens, but I absolutely love how being a founder has allowed me to grow and evolve as well.
You know your scents almost as well as Jacques Cavallier does. How do you decide on your scents?
When choosing a fragrance I factor in my mood, what I’m wearing, where I’m going (if I’m going anywhere because fragrance at home is a must too), the weather, the time of day, how I want to be perceived etc. All of those are things that go through my head as I go through my fragrance collection daily.
What are some things you’ve learned, as a new business owner, that initially threw you for a loop?
Every day expect something chaotic to happen! And there’s no guidebook or blueprint for being a founder, only gems and lessons learned from others but everyone’s path is totally different.
I’ve had the ‘Musta Been The Wind Candle’ burning after work for a few weeks now. What are some of your favorite wind down scents?
In the evening I love Cuffing Season, it’s romantic and it’s truly a classic.
For all of us single folks out there, how does it feel to work with your soulmate?
It’s the best decision we’ve ever made together. When you work with someone you love, you have to know your role and respect their role. We do that quite well, and it also simplifies making big decisions together.
Where do you see the brand in 10 years? You’re all about self-care. Will there be a chain of Forvr Mood spa’s?
I’m honestly excited and ready for wherever the fragrance industry needs innovating. One thing I’ve learned is what may seem like the plan one year is out the window the next!
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