In a powerful message of love and empowerment, 22-year-old Jassma’ray Johnson, the founder and CEO of Simply Sámone, is breaking barriers in the beauty industry.
Recently recognized as one of the Des Moines Register’s 15 People to Watch in 2024, Johnson is on a mission to celebrate and uplift Black women through her socially conscious cosmetics company.
Simply Sámone, named after Johnson’s middle name, goes beyond selling lip glosses. Johnson envisions her brand as an evolution in the beauty industry, challenging the norms and advocating for inclusivity.
Her website greets visitors with a simple yet profound message:
Johnson aims to create a community that supports and uplifts Black women, providing them with confidence, love, and affirmations.
The journey of Simply Sámone began with Johnson facing adversity as a fourth-grader when she was made fun of by other kids.
This experience led her to create her own lip gloss, and the impact it had on her self-esteem stayed with her. In college, feeling isolated, Johnson turned back to her love for beauty products, leading to the establishment of Simply Sámone.
The beauty industry has long struggled with diversity, with only 4-5% of all employees being Black. Johnson is determined to change this narrative and carve out her space in the industry.
Through her company, she envisions a shift in the beauty industry, advocating for diverse representation in employment, advertising, and product offerings that cater to women of color.
One of Johnson’s key values is affordability without sacrificing quality. Despite facing challenges, including fluctuating product orders, she remains committed to her mission. Johnson has not only built a successful business but also gives back to her community.
She awarded a scholarship to a student at her alma mater, East High School in Des Moines, and plans to continue the scholarship for women of color in 2024.
Looking ahead, Simply Sámone is set to expand its product line to include body oils, lip liners, foundation, and eye products.
Johnson envisions a future where her brand becomes a physical space, providing a place for women of color to purchase cosmetics and enjoy massages.
She is also working towards obtaining a massage therapy license, aligning with the skincare products she hopes to develop.
Jassma’ray Johnson’s journey is not just about the success of Simply Sámone but also about creating space for Black women to feel seen, heard, and empowered. As she continues to break barriers in the beauty industry, Johnson remains a trailblazer to watch in 2024.
For more information about Simply Sámone, visit Simply Sámone Website.
