My family: Naiah, Jennifer, Deja, Demone, and me (Jailyn)
Najade Skin is the humble conception of my parents, Jennifer & Demone Neville. And their idea to translate independence and comfort into body care symbolizes the love they shared with one another. Naiah, Jailyn, Jamar, and Deja—serve as the namesakes and inspiration for Najade Skin. From as early as 5 years old, my parents demonstrated self-love through the attention they gave their physical selves. I watched my mother work magic with eyebrow pencils, combs, & razors. I watched my father meticulously wash & comb his beard to ensure that it was at peak-fluffiness. They inspired me to find self-love through taking charge of my physical expression; I learned that I can overcome any challenge by taking the time to care for myself.
We tragically lost my father on December 26th, 2020. Our family has been rocked to its core with grief and agony. My father was the glue that held together all the love and joy inside our home. My father was the biggest motivator behind our goals and dreams.
My mother & father, Jennifer & Demone
My sisters, mom, and I faced the challenge of whether to move forward with Najade Skin. In an instant, we lost our positive outlook on our financial potential. Grief is all-consuming, and we worried that the now-uncertain future would not be as kind to women launching a business on their own.
I worried about what it would mean to continue our business without our dad here to see our success. I worried that he’d resent us if he knew we chose to move on. Most of all, I worried that amidst all of this moving on, he’d be forgotten somewhere in the distant past.
But I know my father. I know he would have wanted me to take the time to care for myself, just like he told me many years ago. His vision for Najade Skin was once characterized by comfort and finding peace within our own skin. He envisioned a brand that enabled others to overcome challenges through caring about their bodies ’ needs.
My family has relied greatly on this vision to help steer us back in a prosperous direction. We are blessed to have the opportunity to work so closely as a unit on a product we are passionate about. We are blessed to be finding the triumph within the tragedy.
Najade Skin is an ode to all that made my father so wonderful. His independent spirit and desire for comfort are what drives us to create such a pleasurable experience for others. My father knew how to make even the most ordinary engagements feel luxurious, and our audience is guaranteed to find that same luxury in each of our products.
As our business progresses and we expand to even more households, I am comforted knowing that my father’s name travels with us. I am grateful that I have my sisters and mother to take this journey with me.
My father, Demone
Demone Neville’s lasting impact enabled us to turn our grief into growth, and now Najade Skin continues to magnify beyond our wildest dreams.