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In honor of Black Business Month, we’re so excited to announce our new mini advice column with Brianna Arps, the CEO and founder of award-winning fragrance brand MOODEAUX. Every Wednesday in August, Brianna will share her tips for building a business from the ground up.
Before launching MOODEAUX, Brianna spent 10+ years writing for major publications like Refinery29, ESSENCE, Us Weekly, INSIDER, and Elite Daily. After getting laid off in 2018, she became an “accidental entrepreneur,” and now she’s spilling her business secrets. 🤫
Next up: Three hard lessons I learned in the first year of biz.
Before I became an “accidental entrepreneur,” I thought perfectionism would save me. In college, it shaped my reputation; as a media professional, it became my safety net. I swore that if I got everything right—every deadline met, every detail triple-checked—my value would be undeniable, and my job security unshakable.
When I launched MOODEAUX, that same perfectionist mentality followed me, shaping many of my earliest business decisions. But this time, it wasn’t about climbing someone else’s corporate ladder—this business became my new career and my means of survival, built to fill a gap I saw in the fragrance market.
Here’s what I didn’t expect, though! When your business is that personal, the highs feel euphoric and the lows cut reaaallll deep. You’re not just building a brand; you’re putting a core part of yourself on display for others to judge, and hopefully, embrace.
I know I’m not the only one. If you’ve ever poured yourself into something you believe in—a side hustle, a passion project, an early-stage startup—you know how much courage, grit, and resilience it demands, too.
Year One of MOODEAUX taught me a lot. Here are three hard-won lessons every dream-chaser should keep in mind.
1. “Do It Anyway”
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. It’s anxiety that manifests as busywork, over-preparation, and convincing yourself you’re “not ready yet.” The truth? You’ll never feel 100% ready. The most important thing you can do in Year One is get your product or service into the world and start testing your hypothesis ASAP. What you bring to market on day one will evolve, shapeshift, and likely look nothing like it does a year later—which is okay! Don’t be like me back in the day; don’t let the need to “get it right” stop you from getting -ish done. Your future self will appreciate your willingness to fail fast, turning mistakes into momentum.
2. Your Story Is Your Superpower
An investor planted this seed in my mind a while back: Your lived experience is your greatest competitive advantage. No one else on planet Earth has your unique background and distinct perspectives. Use them both to your benefit. Get crystal clear on your “why” and let it guide every decision—from your mission and vision to the way you pitch and present your brand. Keep your eyes on the prize and resist the urge to chase trends or copy someone you admire. A venture can’t grow beyond the founder’s clarity. The sharper your focus, the stronger your foundation.
3. Build Your Bench
If you want to go far, you can’t go alone. An old, borderline cheesy adage, yes—but one that’ll forever ring true in business. It means forming a strong network of mentors, advisors, peers, and collaborators, as well as surrounding yourself with subject-area experts from the very beginning. For instance, hiring a qualified legal team to secure your trademarks, review contracts, and safeguard your intellectual property before dumping money into branding, packaging, and product development. I learned this the hard way, and it cost me five figures before MOODEAUX ever made a dime. So! Choose your people with as much intention as you do your ideas, and remember to lean on them often.
Year One will test you, shape you, and humble you—with every step showing you just how unstoppable you are. You got this!
xXBA
MORE ADVICE FROM BRIANNA
"How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Hustle, a Passion, and a Business?"
The $15,000 Mistake That Almost Cost Me My Business
How to Start a Business (Without Breaking the Bank)
