Camille Rose founder Janell Stephens has all the time moved with intentionality. This was the case from when she began making products in her kitchen for her eczema-prone kids in 2011, to now having best sellers just like the Algae Deep Conditioner or their Spiked Honey Mousse. But this journey surely hasn’t all the time been a straightforward one. “So many individuals wanted to vary my ingredients and make the products into something that wasn’t so natural,” Stephens tells ESSENCE. “I made sure I didn’t allow that to occur.”

Trusting her gut can also be what led her to, as of today, partner with two icons within the making: rapper Latto, and singer and the ESSENCE digital cover star, Victoria Monét. For Stephens, this decision felt like a no brainer, not only because they were each already fans of the brand, but in addition because they each reflect the brand’s ethos. “They’re all about women’s empowerment. They should not afraid to be courageous or step outside of their comfort zones,” Stephens shares.

Moreover, “each Victoria and Latto care about what they placed on their body, face and hair,” she says. “I need to remind folks that, although they wear protective styles while performing, they’re ensuring they’re caring for his or her hair and scalp while in those styles.”

And each of those ladies are equally as thrilled as Stephens is to be in partnership with Camille Rose; a collaboration that can include representing the brand on their social platforms, and attending experiential events. “I’m super excited to partner with a Black-owned, female-led brand,” Latto says. “I need to introduce more textured hair girlies to a brand with products that I do know and trust.“

Similarly, for Monét, “the values of the corporate were an ideal match,” she says. “From the way in which they prioritize using food-grade ingredients, to Janell being a mother, like I’m, to a toddler with eczema,” she adds. “I feel like this partnership can also be necessary because my goal as an artist is to encourage, be a source of sunshine and supply knowledge where I can.”

And speaking of inspiration, there’s actually more on the way in which from Stephens and Camille Rose. “I’m enthusiastic about expanding and partnering with more amazing men and women to assist us raise our brand awareness domestically and internationally,” Stephens shares. And thru all of it, she’s ensuring to maintain her integrity and keenness on the forefront. “I like having the ability to create hair and sweetness products for ladies. I like learning about different herbs, oils and butters and the way they contribute to our beauty and our lifestyle.”