Exclusively Interviewed by London Summers
HH: Janell, it’s such a pleasure to connect with you! Your journey is incredibly inspiring especially how you famously started Camille Rose® right in your kitchen. Could you share what that early journey looked like and what inspired you to turn your passion into a full-fledged business?
JS: Camille Rose really began in my kitchen, when I was trying to help my children with their eczema. I remembered my own family using natural recipes passed down through generations, and I knew I had to lean into those rituals to create something safe and healing for them. That process sparked a deeper curiosity in me and sent me on a quest to learn all I could about natural ingredients and holistic care. What started as a way to care for my family began to resonate with so many others. That’s when I realized it was bigger than me, and I was inspired to turn that passion into a business that could nurture an entire community.
HH: Every entrepreneurial journey comes with obstacles. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did they push you toward your big national launch?
JS: In the beginning, one of the biggest challenges was scaling. I was still hand-making every product, even after we got into Target. That period was exhausting, but it taught me resilience and sharpened my commitment to quality. Those growing pains became my greatest lessons, and they pushed me to learn the business side of beauty, from manufacturing to retail partnerships, which gave me the foundation to take Camille Rose national and ultimately global.
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HH: Camille Rose® has had a huge impact on the Black hair care industry. How do you see your brand influencing the way natural hair is celebrated and cared for today?
JS: When I started, textured hair wasn’t prioritized in the beauty industry. I wanted to change that by creating products that centered our needs unapologetically. Today, I see Camille Rose as part of a much larger movement where natural hair is celebrated, not hidden. Our influence comes from consistently delivering products that work, but also from showing that Black beauty is worthy of premium care, luxury, and innovation. We’ve helped shift the narrative from compromise to celebration.
HH: As someone who lives and breathes hair care, what’s your personal go-to hairstyle, and why?
JS: My go-to is a twist-out. It’s versatile, timeless, and it makes me feel most like myself. It’s also special to me because it’s the very style that inspired some of Camille Rose’s earliest products, like our Almond Jai Twisting Butter. A good twist-out reflects what I love about natural hair; it’s expressive, it’s unique to each person, and it always tells a story.
HH: Camille Rose® has a wide range of products. Which items have become your ultimate best sellers, and what makes them stand out?
JS: The Almond Jai Twisting Butter will always be my crown jewel because it carries the heart of where Camille Rose began. It’s made with almond oil and aloe, ingredients that smooth and soften while giving curls a lasting, defined hold. When people use it, I want them to feel like they’re treating their hair to something decadent yet deeply nourishing. Curl Love Moisture Milk has become a daily essential because it cocoons curls in moisture with rice milk and avocado oil, leaving the hair supple, shiny, and full of life. And our Guava Slip collection has been such a joy to share with the community. Guava is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and when blended into the formula, it creates a slip that makes detangling almost effortless while still protecting and strengthening the hair. These products stand out because they aren’t just formulas in a bottle. They are rituals of care, crafted to turn everyday moments into something luxurious, loving, and intentional.
HH: Beyond products, Camille Rose® represents culture and empowerment. How do you aim to inspire your community and uplift others through your brand?
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JS: From the beginning, Camille Rose has been about creating a sense of belonging. I want our community to feel seen, heard, and valued, whether it’s through our Rosettes ambassador program, our partnerships, or the way we show up in culture. For me, empowerment means meeting people where they are and making sure textured hair is part of the larger conversations happening in beauty, fashion, and beyond. That’s why we’ve leaned into collaborations with artists like Mariah The Scientist, North West, Quinta Brunson, and Victoria Monét, and even partnered with designer LaQuan Smith to bring natural hair care center stage at New York Fashion Week. Camille Rose was built with integrity and love, and we continue to evolve boldly without ever losing sight of the community that made us who we are.
HH: For those looking to start their own brand or follow their creative passions, what advice would you give them, especially when starting from scratch?
JS: My advice is to start with purpose. Don’t chase trends, instead build something rooted in authenticity and need. Be patient, because real growth takes time. And most importantly, stay true to your vision, even when the path isn’t clear. I started with a mixing bowl in my kitchen and a dream to help my children. If you stay grounded in your ‘why’ you’ll be able to navigate the challenges and create something meaningful.