My Journey on Bet on Black: Sharing My Story

From my grandmother’s kitchen to the national stage, Umber by J. Lenay has been a journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose. When I started this brand, I never imagined standing in front of a panel of industry experts, sharing my story, and pitching for a chance to win $200,000 on Bet on Black, but here I am—humbled, grateful, and excited to share my experience with you.

Why I Stepped onto the Bet on Black Stage

When I first heard about Bet on Black, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Not only is this competition about elevating Black entrepreneurs, but it’s about celebrating innovation, resilience, and impact. And that’s exactly what Umber by J. Lenay is about—helping women with hirsutism and excessive hair growth regain their confidence.

For those who don’t know, I founded Umber by J. Lenay after my personal struggle with hirsutism. I spent years dealing with unwanted facial and body hair, trying everything from waxing to laser treatments, and even undergoing painful and expensive electrolysis sessions. Nothing gave me the long-term solution I needed. That’s when I took matters into my own hands and created a natural, plant-based fade oil that works with the body to slow hair growth and improve skin health.

When I stepped onto that stage, I wasn’t just pitching a product—I was sharing a deeply personal story that so many women around the world can relate to.

The Mentorship That Changed Everything

Before my pitch, I had the honor of sitting down with Adrien Lofton, Google’s VP of Marketing. Let me tell you—this session was a game-changer. Adrien saw something in me that I hadn’t fully embraced yet. She reminded me that my personal story is what connects me to my audience, and I needed to lean into that more.

She also dropped some major gems about marketing and storytelling. One of her biggest pieces of advice was to expand beyond Instagram and invest in YouTube storytelling. She emphasized that long-form content could help potential customers see real transformations, testimonials, and educational content that would build trust in the brand. I’ve always been a little camera-shy, but she reminded me that discomfort leads to growth. That was exactly the push I needed to start thinking bigger.

Taking the Stage and Owning My Story

As I walked onto the Bet on Black stage, my heart was pounding. But I kept reminding myself—this is bigger than me. This is for the women waking up every morning, hiding their faces, feeling like there are no solutions for them. This is for the young girls who think they’re alone in their struggles. This is for the community we’ve built through Umber by J. Lenay.

I shared my journey, from struggling with self-confidence to formulating the perfect blend of herbal ingredients that would change lives. I talked about how our fade oil has helped over 20,000 women feel seen, heard, and beautiful in their own skin. The judges listened intently, and I could see the impact my words were making. 

Jasmine’s Pitch to the Judges

Standing in front of the panel, I knew this was my moment to make an impact. I started by sharing the personal story that led me to create Umber by J. Lenay. I explained how, like so many other women, I struggled with excessive facial and body hair and how existing solutions either didn’t work or weren’t designed for women like me.

I introduced our hero product—the Hair Reducing Fade Oil, a unique blend of natural ingredients designed to gradually reduce hair growth while improving skin texture. I explained how this product has helped thousands of women reclaim their confidence, and I shared real testimonials from customers who have seen life-changing results.

The judges were intrigued, asking insightful questions about my ingredients, efficacy claims, and market strategy. One judge wanted to know how my product compared to traditional hair removal methods like laser treatments and electrolysis. I explained that my solution is a gentle, accessible alternative, especially for women of color who often face complications with laser hair removal.

Another judge asked about regulatory concerns and how I planned to navigate them. I acknowledged the importance of compliance and emphasized my plans to invest in third-party clinical trials to substantiate my claims. They appreciated my transparency and strategic approach.

The feedback I received was incredibly encouraging. One judge remarked on the emotional connection I had built with my customers, saying that my authenticity and commitment to the community were big factors in my brand’s success. Another noted that I had already established a strong foundation and advised me to focus on refining my digital marketing strategies to scale the business even further.

The Judges’ Feedback and What’s Next

Hearing the judges’ feedback was incredibly validating. They saw the value in what I was doing, they recognized the potential of Umber by J. Lenay, and they encouraged me to take it even further. 

One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of regulatory compliance. As we grow, we need to ensure that our claims align with industry standards while still maintaining the authenticity of our brand. Another key insight was the opportunity to expand beyond our current customer base by developing complementary products that cater to a wider audience.

The moment that really stuck with me was when one of the judges looked me in the eye and said, “You have something special. Keep going.”

Lessons Learned from the Experience

Being on Bet on Black was about so much more than just winning funding. It was about believing in myself, embracing my unique journey, and understanding that my story has the power to inspire and help others. 

One lesson I took to heart was the importance of persistence. Building a business, especially in the beauty and wellness industry, requires resilience. There are moments when sales slow down, when marketing efforts don’t work as expected, and when self-doubt creeps in. But seeing the reaction of the judges and hearing how much they believed in my brand reaffirmed that I’m on the right path. 

Another key takeaway was the significance of visibility. Adrien Lofton made an excellent point during our mentorship session—people can’t support what they don’t know exists. I realized that I needed to push myself outside of my comfort zone and truly put myself out there. Sharing my story in an authentic way, whether through social media, YouTube, or interviews, is just as important as having a great product. 

The Power of Community and Representation

One of the things I’m most proud of is the Umber by J. Lenay support group. What started as a small space for women to share their journeys has grown into a powerful community of encouragement and education. Seeing women lift each other up, share their progress, and support one another reminds me why I started this in the first place.

I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in the beauty industry addressing this issue. I didn’t see products made for Black women dealing with excessive hair growth. That’s why I created Umber by J. Lenay, and that’s why representation matters so much. Being on Bet on Black was a full-circle moment for me—proving that our stories, our struggles, and our solutions deserve to be seen and celebrated.

A Huge Thank You

I want to thank Bet on Black, Revolt, Target, and the incredible judges for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most of all, I want to thank my customers, my community, and every woman who has shared her journey with me. Your trust in Umber by J. Lenay fuels my mission every single day.

No matter what happens next, I know one thing for sure—this is just the beginning. Umber by J. Lenay is here to stay, and we’re going to continue changing lives, one bottle at a time.