BSL Tell me the story behind the name MAJESTIQUE.
CHARNA Majestique is the name of an African Dance I learned while performing with the
Andrew Cacho African Drummers & Dancers of Washington, DC (Which I’m still a member
of) while I was carrying my daughter. It tells a story of royalty and regality. It’s a beautiful
piece that I fell in love with. When it came time for me to think of a name for my business… I
wanted the name to reflect that Royal spirit of my ancestors, Class, Integrity, Elegance and
the Highest Standards. No other word came to mind. So, Majestique it was and is.
BSL What would you say makes Majestique stand out amongst its competitors?
CHARNA I think the uniqueness of my products and services. I think outside of the box. I
don’t want my products or packaging to look like anyone else’s… or the scents or names.. I
try to have fun with the entire process which I then pass on to my customers. I welcome my
clients to get involved in the process. They have products named after them as well as
being able to be a part of the favorite’s process which allows their names and sometimes
pictures to be featured on my site from time to time. I strive for incredible and personal
customer service and do my best to make sure my products exceed expectation. I put my
heart and soul into everything I do. I feel that God has blessed me with this talent, and it
would be an injustice to him to do anything less than my best.
BSL What has been your biggest challenge so far and what motivates you to keep going?
CHARNA Challenges are never ending when you are trying to get a business up and
running. I think my biggest challenge is patience and money. I think this is the case with
most small businesses. I used to get really frustrated when I’d miss an opportunity due to
finances.. But I soon learned how to take baby steps and realized not all opportunities were
for me. I then learned to be prepared…No matter what it is, or how small it may be, I make
sure to do something towards my Majestique goal everyday!!! I’ve learned that having a
solid foundation is key. Majestique will grow just the way God wants it to grow. One of my
favorite quotes comes from Les Brown. He said… “An overnight success takes about 15
years…” If I go by that…I’m half way there… and I’ll be ready when the time comes!
What keeps me motivated is being able to be available for my daughter & family. That and
the fact that I LOVE doing what I do!!! I have a GREAT support team… and I surround
myself with positive people who have a mission of their own!
BSL Which would you say is harder: being an African American entrepreneur, being a
woman entrepreneur or being an African American woman entrepreneur?
CHARNA I would have to say being an African American Entrepreneur. I think we as Black
woman have definitely established a solid reputation in the business world as strong leaders
and business owners. The challenge comes when some (not all) people learn that you are
African American. I’ve found that because Black Businesses have gained such poor
reputations for business dealings, people have come to expect that. That being poor
customer service, poor or inadequate products or services, unprofessional attitudes, etc.
With these issues, people tend to shy away from doing business with Black owned
businesses. Or they come in the door ready to “make a deal” because they automatically
assume that your product or service is less valuable than the competitor. Whatever the case
may be, I welcome the challenge. I can’t tell you how many times people are “surprised”
when they receive a Majestique Service or Product or how many times I’ve heard… “Oh my
goodness… it’s so professional”. I laugh to myself because I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Black Business Owners are now in a position to re-define the negative stereotypes we’ve
obtained over the past years… once we show the “world” that we are professional business
owners, they will have no choice but to except it and respect it.
CHARNA Majestique is the name of an African Dance I learned while performing with the
Andrew Cacho African Drummers & Dancers of Washington, DC (Which I’m still a member
of) while I was carrying my daughter. It tells a story of royalty and regality. It’s a beautiful
piece that I fell in love with. When it came time for me to think of a name for my business… I
wanted the name to reflect that Royal spirit of my ancestors, Class, Integrity, Elegance and
the Highest Standards. No other word came to mind. So, Majestique it was and is.
BSL What would you say makes Majestique stand out amongst its competitors?
CHARNA I think the uniqueness of my products and services. I think outside of the box. I
don’t want my products or packaging to look like anyone else’s… or the scents or names.. I
try to have fun with the entire process which I then pass on to my customers. I welcome my
clients to get involved in the process. They have products named after them as well as
being able to be a part of the favorite’s process which allows their names and sometimes
pictures to be featured on my site from time to time. I strive for incredible and personal
customer service and do my best to make sure my products exceed expectation. I put my
heart and soul into everything I do. I feel that God has blessed me with this talent, and it
would be an injustice to him to do anything less than my best.
BSL What has been your biggest challenge so far and what motivates you to keep going?
CHARNA Challenges are never ending when you are trying to get a business up and
running. I think my biggest challenge is patience and money. I think this is the case with
most small businesses. I used to get really frustrated when I’d miss an opportunity due to
finances.. But I soon learned how to take baby steps and realized not all opportunities were
for me. I then learned to be prepared…No matter what it is, or how small it may be, I make
sure to do something towards my Majestique goal everyday!!! I’ve learned that having a
solid foundation is key. Majestique will grow just the way God wants it to grow. One of my
favorite quotes comes from Les Brown. He said… “An overnight success takes about 15
years…” If I go by that…I’m half way there… and I’ll be ready when the time comes!
What keeps me motivated is being able to be available for my daughter & family. That and
the fact that I LOVE doing what I do!!! I have a GREAT support team… and I surround
myself with positive people who have a mission of their own!
BSL Which would you say is harder: being an African American entrepreneur, being a
woman entrepreneur or being an African American woman entrepreneur?
CHARNA I would have to say being an African American Entrepreneur. I think we as Black
woman have definitely established a solid reputation in the business world as strong leaders
and business owners. The challenge comes when some (not all) people learn that you are
African American. I’ve found that because Black Businesses have gained such poor
reputations for business dealings, people have come to expect that. That being poor
customer service, poor or inadequate products or services, unprofessional attitudes, etc.
With these issues, people tend to shy away from doing business with Black owned
businesses. Or they come in the door ready to “make a deal” because they automatically
assume that your product or service is less valuable than the competitor. Whatever the case
may be, I welcome the challenge. I can’t tell you how many times people are “surprised”
when they receive a Majestique Service or Product or how many times I’ve heard… “Oh my
goodness… it’s so professional”. I laugh to myself because I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Black Business Owners are now in a position to re-define the negative stereotypes we’ve
obtained over the past years… once we show the “world” that we are professional business
owners, they will have no choice but to except it and respect it.
THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT
Shining A Light on African American Entertainment & Culture
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BSL What type of experience did you have
beforehand?
CHARNA I majored in Fashion Marketing,
Management and Merchandising in college.
However, I actually was a budding entrepreneur at the
age of 10. I used to make and sell hair accessories to
my classmates. My next venture was making and
selling hand painted clothing, such as T-Shirts,
sneakers, jeans… whatever I could put a paint brush
to. After that, I set out to pursue my career as a Visual
Specialist and followed that for years. I’m grateful for
the opportunity because it allowed me to see the
process of how the multi-billion dollar corporations
market and distribute their products and services.
beforehand?
CHARNA I majored in Fashion Marketing,
Management and Merchandising in college.
However, I actually was a budding entrepreneur at the
age of 10. I used to make and sell hair accessories to
my classmates. My next venture was making and
selling hand painted clothing, such as T-Shirts,
sneakers, jeans… whatever I could put a paint brush
to. After that, I set out to pursue my career as a Visual
Specialist and followed that for years. I’m grateful for
the opportunity because it allowed me to see the
process of how the multi-billion dollar corporations
market and distribute their products and services.
BLACK SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: CHARNA LITTLE cont...
