Bourgeois Original is a body care, candle and apparel company started by Newark, NJ native Shaquanda Stephenson. Our empowering centralized message is based upon a philosophy instilled in her since childhood to always strive for the best and not to settle for less or follow the crowd. It is our belief that we were created with destiny already in us and should embrace our originality, our uniqueness. We are purpose filled people, born with boundless permission to be who we are, unapologetically. Through Bourgeois Original’s products and services, we empower you to speak your truth, command your atmosphere and feel amazing doing it!

God leaves bread crumbs for us to follow on our journey to purpose. Here was the one that gave me just what I needed to get out of my own way and embrace, without apologizing to myself and others, who I was chosen to be. . .

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

- Marianne Williamson

Usually a bio goes here, outlining the mundane things we've done with our lives, but I wanted to share this experience instead. Watching the movie Akeelah and The Bee, hearing her read this quote and admit she was afraid and what she was afraid of was like having a conversation with God and He's showing me the only thing holding me back. Right then, I broke down and sobbed in a deep tone that let me know, something had just broken open; I was releasing, but I was also receiving. There have been many moments, experiences, etc. before and after this, but this one in particular I felt led to share.

I am not me without God. This company and how the name negatively caused me to shrink back for so many years is now being used as a vehicle, a driving force to bring others into the light of who they are so they can shine too . . . giving permission to their family, friends, co-workers, spouses, children and MORE the same permission to be great! It's a domino effect. I pushed the first one with Bourgeois Lux, LLC . . . will you join me and push the next one?