From Eczema to Empire: How Jel Mojana Built a Clean Beauty Brand That Heals and Empowers

In this vibrant and deeply inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with Jel Mojana, founder of Mojana Soaps, a clean beauty brand based in Huntsville, Alabama that's turning heads nationwide—including at a major New York City holiday market. Jel shares her powerful journey from struggling with severe eczema and sensitive skin to formulating her own organic soaps during the pandemic. What began as a personal solution quickly transformed into a thriving business built on science, creativity, and purpose. A full-time nurse, Jel discusses juggling healthcare and entrepreneurship, breaking cultural expectations, overcoming fear and self-doubt, and learning to trust herself under pressure. This episode is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the belief that dreams don't come with deadlines. Jel's story proves that when passion meets purpose—and consistency—you can create something that not only succeeds, but genuinely helps others. Key Discussion Points (with time stamps): (00:02) Introduction to Jel Mojana and Mojana Soaps (01:22) Being selected for a prestigious New York holiday market (02:12) Cold-process soaps, clean ingredients, and best-selling oatmeal soap (03:22) Being voted a crowd favorite by the NYC market committee (03:53) Fun colors, bakery-inspired shapes, and creative branding (04:36) Childhood influences and early entrepreneurial spirit (05:25) Severe eczema, skin flare-ups, and the turning point during COVID (06:14) Learning organic formulation and testing products on herself (07:15) Combining a love of baking with soap design (08:05) How entrepreneurship changed her confidence and resilience (08:48) The joy of repeat customers and real impact on skin health (09:58) Time management as a full-time nurse and business owner (10:55) The moment it all felt real—when strangers trusted her brand (11:42) Overcoming fear, finances, and self-doubt as a woman of color (12:21) Where to buy Mojana Soaps and store location in Huntsville (13:26) Self-talk and pushing forward on hard days (14:14) Cultural expectations and being labeled "crazy" for starting a business (15:32) Expanding into body butter, shampoo bars, and cancer-support products (16:39) Using a science background and nursing experience to innovate (17:25) Key supporters who believed in her from day one (18:25) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: start before you're ready (19:07) Branding, product quality, and consistency as success drivers (19:54) Favorite quote by Jack Ma and belief in education and growth (21:54) Encouragement for young women to believe in themselves (22:21) Investing in yourself as the foundation for others believing in you Notable Quotes: "I've come this far. I cannot stop now." "Start before you're ready. You don't need to be perfect." "Dreams don't have deadlines." "You don't need anyone to believe in you—just believe in yourself." "If you invest in yourself, people will eventually invest in you." Takeaways: Personal pain can spark powerful purpose. Clean, effective products come from research and intention. Confidence grows through action, not waiting for certainty. Creativity and science can coexist beautifully in business. Cultural expectations don't define your destiny. Consistency and belief are just as important as talent. Investing in yourself is the first step to building trust with others. Connect with Guest: • Email: [email protected] • Website: https://mojanasoaps.com/ • Instagram: @mojanasoaps Connect with Us: • Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher • Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ • April's email: [email protected] Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media!