Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanina “Justice” Yap.
Hi Jeanina “Justice”, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Skin has always been a struggle of mine and insecurity growing up. I struggled with acne and it dictated a lot of my mood on certain days. As I got older, I made it a priority to take care of my skin. As my acne started to go away as an adult. I made sure to always keep moistured.
In 2020, I had gotten back from vacation and noticed my sun burn on my shoulders. It started peeling and I instantly rushed to the store to find something thick and rich, not just the typical lotion that was watered down. I couldn’t find anything at that time so I decided to make my own.
I knew I wanted something natural with raw cocoa butter so I ordered a batch online. I started to test out different mixtures and after research and advice from mentors, I finally came up with my prototype.
I started posting short videos using my body butters and dancing to different songs on social media and I started to get good feedback on my content, so I stayed consistent.
Shortly after, Covid hit, and I continued to post videos with my body butters and a friend of mine gave me the bright idea to start selling my body butters. So I took the advice and I made a batch and posted it online and over night, it sold out! Twice in a row, it started selling out and getting consistent orders. That’s when I knew I had something.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey hadn’t always been smooth. There are days when it’s up and down. I took a couple of years off from my business back in 2022 and 2023. Life took me through many transitions and completely stopped working on my business.
Managing your own business on your own takes a lot of self encouragement and motivation. If you don’t get it done, nothing will get done.
I had a moment where I doubted myself. And I started to feel unmotivated. I allowed my emotions to discourage me from moving forward. It was a weird time in my life.
It wasn’t until I got asked to vend at a backyard event. I decided I’d bring my left over inventory of body butters and it was at that moment, my dream came back to life and reminded what I had all along. I almost sold out that night. I even got returning customers from it.
From that day, I went and ordered my supplies and started whipping up my body butters again. I started vending at pop ups and farmer’s markets again. It’s been the best decision I’ve made since.
Getting back to doing what I love.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was a licensed cosmetologist for 20 years. I’ve always liked to create and have always worked in the beauty industry.
I specialize in hair, permanent make up and now I create skin care products.
I’m most proud of my customer service. I love meeting new people. I also enjoy building relationships with the many people I encounter, whether it’s in my salon chair or at my markets.
What sets me apart from others is my natural essence and energy. I love listening and connecting with my customers. Everyone has a story and I’m always honored when they share a piece of it with me through our brief encounters, when they are trying on our body butters or oils etc.
How do you think about luck?
I feel that I’ve had good fortunes within my business. I believe in reaping what you sow. I have a big heart and I think having consideration is essential to a peaceful life.
As long as you have good intentions that are pure, life will work itself out. It’s not always going to be easy. Life will test you numerous times. But during those times, I always remember to take a deep breath, close my eyes and think of everything that I have to be thankful for. Like my son and family. That keeps me striving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Cocobuttachronicles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocobuttachronicles
