Marilyn Jones is an unstoppable entrepreneur who continues to stay busy coming up with the next best ideas. As the founder and CEO of the ME brand and B Fragranced, LLC, one of her biggest focuses right now is getting the word out about her special scents.
Jones’ Summer 2015 fragrance Embellish has been a hit this season, with the product making an appearance in Gladys magazine, Real Style magazine, and more. The eau de parfum spray mimics the essence of class, romance and glamour as it includes traces of apple, peach, citron, amber and sandalwood, jasmine and honeysuckle. The scent is a treat to anyone who is in the presence of someone wearing it.
The fabulous businesswoman let us in on how the memory of her mother motivates her creations, how confidence is a key to her success, and her love for gospel music.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
The desire to create my own fragrance/brand was driven by memories of my mom. At age 5, my mother loss her battle to breast cancer. The only true memory that I had of her was her scent, which I believe ignited the love for fragrances. Growing up, I enjoyed mixing different fragrances to come up with my own identity of a smell.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience you create?
What separates me is my passion to promote self-confidence and self-beautification — to help each and every person find their beauty within. The world/society paints a picture of how you’re supposed to look, what you should wear, how you should smell. My product line ME allows a person to apply the first steps of confidence which leads to more self-love. When asked what’s the name of the fragrance you’re wearing? That person will respond with confidence and boldness, “ME.” Why? Because whatever you wear ultimately brings out the best in you!
For those considering entering this arena, what skill sets do you recommend mastering? What traits are most conducive to success?
It’s imperative that you know your abilities, be confident in your product or skills. You have to see yourself successful and execute, execute and execute. I say be confident because you will get many no’s before you’ll receive your ‘yes.’ But, you have to let each ‘no’ be the fuel to the fire to keep you motivated and hungry to succeed.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
The beauty of Google and social media affords a great opportunity to have unlimited resources to stay relevant and build relationships with customers as well as potential customers. It is extremely important to attend and get involved with networking events which aid in the success of my brand.
Do you think there are any widely held misconceptions about what you do? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
I think the biggest misconception is that this line of business was only crafted for the privileged or well-known/celebrities. You have to believe in yourself, your talents and your God given abilities. There are no barriers that cannot be broken and no closed doors that cannot be opened. You have to believe in yourself.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
The Bible, Live Your Dreams by Les Brown and Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits by T.D. Jakes.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
1. I am successful. I love that my brand is recognized around the world.
2. I embrace the infinite possibility of today. I am free of believing that my options are limited.
3. Even if I take a wrong turn, I can find another route. Stopping is not an option.
4. Instead of being discouraged by how far I still have left to go, I choose to be grateful for how far I’ve already come.
5. I choose to take action in spite of my fear of failure. No matter what happens, I give myself credit for daring to try.
Please define your personal brand.
B Fragranced, LLC believes that “your” personal signature should be emphasized, and when asked the question, “What’s the name of the fragrance that you’re wearing?” You would simply respond, “ME.” The selected fragrance would be the core of whatever mood you are feeling, and it would echo sexy, sophisticated, classy, romantic, glamorous and much more. The brand ME is a catchy yet uniquely identifiable brand that celebrates who you are.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
Aruba. I love the white sands. It was such a relaxing and refreshing vacation.
What keeps you inspired?
The love of my brand and my family.
What scripture are you leaning on?
Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
How do you stay connected with customers?
Social media as well as trade shows.
What’s on your playlist?
My favorite: “I Will Trust” by Fred Hammond. I have it on repeat. That song really encouraged me through a lot of challenging moments. There were times when I questioned if what I was doing was worth the tears, the time, the money, and the work that I passionately put into making this business a success.
Where did you vacation this summer?
My husband and I went to Hawaii this summer.
