She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Podcast

Episode Summary

Jannice Newson is the founder and CEO of Lillian Augusta Beauty, the company behind the world's first plant-based braiding hair. In this episode, Jannice Newson shares how a career in environmental science unexpectedly led her into entrepreneurship, product development, and beauty innovation. She discusses the challenges of building a company from scratch, navigating funding barriers, and staying committed to a vision even when progress felt painfully slow. This conversation is an inspiring look at reinvention, resilience, and creating solutions that make a meaningful impact.

Key Takeaways

• How personal frustration can become the foundation for a successful business idea

• Why career pivots often happen at the intersection of expertise and lived experience

• The importance of seeking help, advisors, and expert support as a founder

• How resilience and adaptability helped Jannice navigate setbacks and uncertainty

• Lessons on fundraising, resourcefulness, and building a business with limited capital

• Why ambitious women should never eliminate themselves from opportunities before asking

Meet Jannice Newson

Jannice Newson is an environmental scientist, entrepreneur, and the co-founder and CEO of Lillian Augusta Beauty, a company producing innovative plant-based braiding hair designed to be healthier for both people and the planet. Drawing on her background in Environmental Science and Conservation Ecology, Jannice transformed a personal challenge with traditional synthetic braiding hair into a mission-driven business focused on beauty, wellness, and sustainability.

Her work has been featured in Crain's Chicago Business, ESSENCE, Blavity, and Girls Who Green the World by Diana Kapp. Beyond her work as a founder, Jannice serves on the boards of the Enterprise for Youth Climate and Career Corps, the Charles Roundtree Bloom Project, and the Delta Institute. When she's not building her company, she enjoys trail walks, crocheting, and reading autobiographies.

Visit her website | Follow her on Instagram

How She Pivoted

Jannice Newson never planned to build a beauty company. While working in environmental science, she became frustrated by the allergic reactions and damage caused by traditional synthetic braiding hair. Instead of accepting the problem, she decided to find a solution.

"I think we need to go and make some hair from plants. I don't know how we're going to do this, but this needs to be done."

After years of research, testing, setbacks, and persistence, Jannice transformed an idea into Lillian Augusta Beauty, creating the world's first plant-based braiding hair.

Insights for Ambitious Women

Jannice's journey is a reminder that setbacks do not define your potential. One of her biggest lessons was learning to separate her identity from the challenges of building a business.

"Just because something is going wrong with the company doesn't mean something is wrong with me."

She also encourages women to stop assuming the answer is no before they've even asked the question. Growth often starts when you're willing to step into unfamiliar spaces and advocate for yourself.

"Please don't self-select yourself out. Get in front of people, talk to them, let them tell you no."

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