Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandan Garner.
Hi Brandan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Brandan Garner, and I am the Sugarstar Luxury Body Products owner! Sugarstar Luxury Body Products started as a love letter for those who utilize natural body products but enjoy fun, bright colors, and smell awesome. Juxtaposed against the background of the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the origin of my business started from being briefly furloughed from my job. I had always envisioned myself starting a business, and at this time, I began looking for something to do as I began exploring business ideas. I knew that I felt my best smelling good and being fresh, so with further research, I came up with Sugarstar Luxury Body Products! It was important for me to offer the best ingredients and keep my brand fun-spirited, and my business does just that. Sugarstar allows me to express myself; I can provide consumers with unique scent combinations, bright and exciting packaging, and superb customer service. Currently, I have found myself at various pop-up shops around the Saint Louis City & Saint Louis County areas and, most recently, offering companies, like Myioshi Massage & Spa, their custom scents.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business from scratch has been an uphill battle. In the Genesis of my company, I wanted to ensure that I was honoring my promise that I would offer my customers natural ingredients and products that would be good for their skin. As a result, I have dedicated countless hours to researching and formulating different ideas. “I will not put out what I will not use” has been a constant saying of mine, and thus as of now, I have two five-star products, my body butter and body creams. Additionally, being furloughed in 2020 and figuring out what to expect next, like many others, was a scary time for me. Amongst this, I was and still am learning business concepts and funding Sugarstar, which has sometimes been challenging. Despite this, I liken myself to a Phoenix, the bird that always rises from the ashes. I am a Black Business Owner that is figuring out my business day by day. My passion and tenacity for growth will eventually put Sugarstar Luxury Body Products on the map, and I am excited about my journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I graduated with my BA in Psychology from the University of Missouri- Saint Louis and currently work as an Integrated Health Specialist for adults with mental disabilities. While sometimes challenging, offering my clients the resources necessary for their growth is rewarding. My recent employer has strengthened my knowledge of ways to help this population with advocacy, access to proper clinicians, and improving overall mental health with coping skills. Additionally, I am excited about the advent of the Suicide and Crisis Hotline, 988, and what it means to a society that is plagued with thoughts of suicidal ideation. I have worked in the Human Services sphere for about 5+ years and believe that operating a people-centered business is paramount. Listening to my customer’s likes is how I identify new scent combinations and adhere to other helpful suggestions.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some changes you expect to see over the next five to ten years?
Consumers are very interested in incorporating natural ingredients that are also moisturizing and hydrating. I see more natural products rising in the next 5 to 10 years. I want to incorporate ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide into my future products. I also foresee and would love to see more Black Creators making products like mine.
Pricing:
- Body Butter (8 oz.) – $20
- Body Butter (4 oz.) – $8
- Body Cream (8 oz.) – $15
- Body Cream (4 oz.) – $8
Contact Info:
- Website: sugarstar.org
- Instagram: @ssugarstarr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarstar444/
Image Credits
Main Picture Taken by: Renaissance TJS
