What makes a badass woman entrepreneur? She’s the woman who not only creates opportunity for herself, but creates changes in the world that inspire and empower other women. You never know how your next great idea can change the world! I was inspired to launch Pink Girls Run The World 3 years ago after having lunch with another female entrepreneur ( CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT IT). Few entrepreneurs grow up knowing exactly what they want to do. I was SO moved by how a trip to Paris sparked the vision that led to Shaunya and Leona Hartley launching their Brooklyn based Shaun Léon Bath & Body brand that I had to share their story below.
Shaunya and Leona Hartley at Mercier in France
PGRW: Can you explain how a Girls’ Trip to France sparked your interest in launching Shaun Leon Beauty with your mom?
During our trip we visited two Champagne Houses as well as the Musee du Parfum. After witnessing these well-known, multi-generational brands we started thinking about our interests, what the market is missing as well as our legacy.
PGRW: I love how you are so candid about not foreseeing that “aha moment” where everything connected before your trip. What's your #1 tip for people that have been thinking about exploring entrepreneurship, but don’t know where to start in terms of the type of business to launch?
Many people are into entrepreneurship for passions and many are driven by problem-solving. I say think about what you love to do and how often your circle recommends your passion to others. For us as a beauty brand, we spent a lifetime of experimenting with bath and beauty products as well as understanding the changes in the marketplace. We did a lot of research- lots. Everything from trends, our vendors, competitors. It's humbling, but it is really worth it.
PGRW: Your commitment to going the extra mile to source natural/paraben-free ingredients for Shaun Leon Beauty has landed you in exotic destinations around the globe. Describe the most interesting person that you met on one of your travels?
Being African-American women there is a global sense of appreciation for us- we don't get here in the US. As conscientious travelers we try to be immersive in the culture, while also giving the international head nod, wave and say hello to other Black people. I think having a connection with someone who is just like you and I that is the best part but, if we were to narrow it down, (Shaunya) would say that in Guadeloupe we dined at a Senegalese restaurant and had great conversations with the owners on the diaspora. Similar situation in Paris, we dined at a burger spot run by a Moroccan guy and his staff was Afro-French- we talked about where we stood globally and how Black American television like The Cosby Show and Different World really molded his love for African-American women.
PGRW: Pink Girls Run The World is all about creating the life your love. What has been your favorite place that you have traveled to and what made it so special?
That Paris trip for the both of us was great- it was like a week-long class field trip. but Leona will also say that Lyon which she worked out of was amazing because it was a solo jaunt for 6 weeks. Shaunya will say she can't put her finger on the favorite place, but Budapest was pretty amazing.
PGRW: What is the best piece of travel advice that you have received?
I think enjoy yourself is probably the best piece of advice because it makes you realize that you have to be in the moment and take in all the minutia of a trip.
PGRW: What is the worst piece of travel advice that you have received?
I think telling people that someplace isn't safe- especially with us being born and raised in Brooklyn can really be annoying. The world is a scary place, but it is also a beautiful place- if you let fear hold you back from wanderlust, you subject yourself to knowing very little.
PGRW: Where is your brand currently sold?
We are currently sold online at www.ShaunLeon.com
“Mothers and daughters together are a powerful force to be reckoned with.” - Melia Keeton-Digby