Now that I’ve had a chance to breathe a bit after another successful Black Business Expo, I’m back with this week’s featured black entrepreneur. I met Jasmine C. Banks back around 2012 when I created Word is Bond Poetry Slam on Madison’s south side. She’s always been the sista with the big smile, supportive cheers and an abundance of positive energy. You can depend on her for honest feedback and a dose of “real talk” to pull you out of a bad mood. Jasmine has been dropping all kinds of love and hope and goodness and magic into her products that so many of us have come to enjoy. It’s with joy that I share her business “Perfect Imperfections” with you.
Heymiss Progress: Jasmine, you’ve been a favorite at each of my events this year. From my Black Women’s Leadership Conference in May to the following two Black Business Expos, I’ve loved witnessing how you’ve turned your passion into a business. Your Bohemian Bazaars have featured your products and you’ve been a vendor at many events across the greater Madison area, what’s the story behind “Perfect Imperfections”?
Jasmine Banks: The name Perfect Imperfections is for my dad who passed away in 2005. Growing up, I was a total daddy’s girl and even though he was perfect in my eyes, he was human. So I knew that he had a lot of imperfections but he was perfect to me. So the name Perfect Imperfections is my dad. The actual products and the thoughts behind it are all my mom. My mother was diagnosed with cancer in June 2012 and passed away on November 20, 2012. To watch someone you love battle cancer firsthand is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to witness. After my mom passed away, I was obsessed with trying to figure out how such a tragic disease affects everyone, no matter who you are, where you come from, your race, sex or age. It simply doesn’t matter. So my brain took me to a space that said, it’s got to be things that we all use and think nothing about. So I began doing some research and checking labels. Once I did that, I began to make my own toiletry products such as deodorant and toothpaste. I eventually added soap and other products. I was bringing my friends and family on Facebook along with me on this journey, simply by posting pictures and stories/commentary to go along with them. Soon, friends were asking how much I sold my products for? Which I had no idea how to even respond to that, but it put me in a position to think about the next step of turning my passion into a business.
HP: Speaking of Facebook, I remember one of our mutual friends sharing on her page how much she loved your Lemon Poppy Seed soaps. She was just about down to the last piece and was anxious to get more. What are other customers saying about your products?
JB: They love them! They appreciate the fact that with the exception of my soaps, I work with ingredients that come out of the kitchen and you can actually eat. My focus is truly chemical free to the very best of my ability. They love the packing, the different smells and the details. I’ve had a few customers tell me that they keep the soaps away from their children and husbands. This is their soap and not to be used or confused with the family soap. Which as a mother, I totally understand!
HP: YAS! Do not touch my soap!! You definitely have a loyal customer in me. It’s your whipped butter I’m wearing right to keep my hands soft and protected from this Wisconsin wind. Which products are your top sellers?
JB: My soaps, for sure, Lemon Poppy Seed and Lavender scents are in serious competition. With each event that I attend, I hope to introduce new products to see what my customers like.
HP: Where do you find the inspiration to create new scents?
JB: For me, the inspiration has a lot to do with the seasons. In my mind, winter has a certain smell to it just like fall, spring and summer. Mother Earth is an amazing place and I think we get so far removed from nature’s beauty because we get so consumed by “man” made things. My hope is that Perfect Imperfections presents you with a way to get back to Mother Earth.
HP: I’m always willing to be a tester for anything you’d like to try out, Jasmine. I always see your siblings at events and I love witnessing how supportive they are! How have they impacted your business?
JB: Being the youngest of five girls, my sisters have always been the ones that I turn to for any and everything. They have always been my sounding board and voice of reason. They are always willing to help and pitch in. My business is no different. Funny thing is, they know my heart would honestly give ALL of my products away at no charge because that’s my heart but they keep me focused and on my path.
HP:That’s love! Thanks for allowing me to share your “Perfect Imperfections”! I’m loving trying out the new soaps and candles I grabbed from you on Black Friday. Lastly, tell us how to connect with you.
JB:I can be reached by email at: [email protected] or add me on Facebook at “Jasmine C. Banks.”
Next week, I’m back with African N American Fits!
Go out and support black business owners this week!
Progress!
