We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brandan Garner. Check out our conversation below.
Brandan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I love this question! I feel like I’ve been walking a “thought-out” path if you will. I have been more intentional about my future, my goals, and my purpose. This has not always been true for me, life has handed me some curveballs for sure. However, I am grateful to become more intentional my work, my business, and my overall life goals. So far, it’s been paying off.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello!
My name is Brandan and I am the owner of Sugarstar Luxury Body Products. I specialize in making body products that incorporate natural ingredients with exciting scent combinations to make skin smooth, soft, nourished, and most importantly healthy. I am currently looking forward to a couple upcoming Pop-Up Shops that I have this month in August. (Black Pride — 08-16 @ noon & Festival of Nations –08-23 & 08-24)
I’ve been working on my brand since 202o and I am happy with where I have come so far. It really has been a passion project that captures my bright and inviting energy with the scent and packaging I utilize on all of my products.
But, I am happy to get back into it and come out with some new and exciting products. A couple days ago, I made my first batch of lip balms and I can’t wait to show them off soon!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Being guarded for sure!
I think for so much of my life, especially navigating it as a black-gay man, the world makes you feel like you should be smaller and operate in the background. I know so many other black-gay men that are ashamed of being themselves fully; Afraid of playing it big, or honoring themselves by being fully them because of familial or societal pressures. It is something that I have had my own internal struggles about as well — but really we only get one life! I intend to live mine fully.
I am happy to have gotten out of my comfort zone in this specific area, but moreover I have decided that I deserve to live my best life! On top of working full-time and owning a business, I recently went on my dream vacation to Bali by myself. It was one of the most liberating experiences ever and something I never seen myself doing, especially solo. The young kid in me that struggled financially, smiled and was able to revel in me accomplishing a goal that big. I am so proud that I have proven to myself that if I set my mind towards something I can get it done. I am excited to continue along in this pathway going forward.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Life has had it share of ups and downs recently.
After returning from a trip to Bali, I planned to leave Saint Louis, move to Chicago, and start my Master’s program. I had saved up and done all the research — it felt like the logical next step in my career. But as the date approached, I felt unsettled. I began to question whether the program truly aligned with my long-term goals. Despite all the planning and momentum, I couldn’t go through with the move. At first, I saw this as a failure. I was also disappointed and discouraged.
Over time, though, I’ve come to see this change of plans as a form of protection. As I got closer to the planned move, I had to reconsider my thinking. Truthfully, I had reservations about the program that I chose– the same program I spent years accepting as a natural succession to the professional work I am already involved with. However, when it came to leaving, I couldn’t go through with it.
I’ve been in a season of going hard for myself — investing in my future, creating a strong support network, and embracing the life I can build. And while I didn’t end up where I expected, I’ve realized that sometimes changing your mind is actually a sign of strength, not failure.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
You cannot coddle, groom, or nurture your pain!
I believe that pain just is. It happens to everyone – sometimes unjustly and without reason and the world keeps spinning. It’s unfair for sure.
However, I think sometimes people believe that pain gives them an out to stop trying and/or growing. It saddens me at times when people I know– brilliant and excellent people allow it to curb their dreams or passions. I know that healing takes time; one deserves time to breathe or stop and gain a different perspective. However, I do not believe that people should identify so much with it that it becomes their foundation.
I think that having people that you love, passions that you’re interested in, and things to look forward to greatly help yielding this type of ideation. It is important to step into the life you want to lead with intentionality, purpose and grace.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I think I am most peaceful playing with my cat Smokey and playing video-games! I love walks and cycling in nature, specifically Tower Grove and Forest Park!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sugarstar.org
- Instagram: sugarstar444
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Sugarstar444
Image Credits
Putu Kamang — Indonesian Tour Guide
