MEET MIRLINA JEAN MARY

May 12

CBN: Hi ! We’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. Be sure to include any important connections to your Caribbean identity and how it has influenced or shows up in your work.

Mirlina: I’m Mirlina Jean Mary, and I’m a proud Haitian-American entrepreneur, creative visionary, and purpose-driven leader who wears many hats—but at the heart of everything I do is community, resilience, and impact. I was raised by hardworking Haitian parents who taught me the value of persistence, integrity, and faith. Growing up in a Caribbean household shaped me in powerful ways—it made me resilient, focused, and not easily shaken, no matter the challenges I face. That same fire fuels everything I pour into my businesses today. Professionally, I’m the Co-founder and owner of La Lune Beauty Supply, the only Black-owned beauty supply store located in Deltona, Florida. This isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. We’re creating a space where people, especially women of color, feel seen, valued, and celebrated. What makes our store so special is that it’s rooted in education, empowerment, and representation. We don’t just sell products—we tell stories, offer resources, and help others begin their own entrepreneurial journeys. Today, our brand continues to grow its online presence, customer base, and community impact. We’ve gone from zero followers to over 27K in under a year—simply by staying authentic and showing up with value. Beyond beauty, I’m passionate about mentoring aspiring business owners, especially women and those from Caribbean backgrounds. I want people to know that purpose and profit can coexist and that your roots are not a barrier—they’re your superpower. Whether I’m working on new real estate ventures, running my restaurant, organizing events, or speaking at conferences, my goal remains the same: to inspire, educate, and uplift. I’m not just building businesses—I’m building a legacy rooted in purpose and impact.

CBN: It’s wonderful to meet you! Thanks for that lovely insight. What skills or habits have you developed that have been crucial to managing and growing your business? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Mirlina: One of the most crucial skills I’ve developed on my journey is adaptability. As a business owner, you have to learn how to pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned—and trust me, they won’t always go as planned. Whether it’s supply chain issues, staffing challenges, or financial setbacks, I’ve learned to stay calm, assess the situation, and move forward with intention. My Haitian upbringing plays a big role in that—I was raised to be resilient and solution-oriented, not shaken by temporary obstacles. Another major habit I’ve developed is discipline. I’ve had to learn how to stay committed even when motivation runs low. Being consistent, showing up every day, and doing the work—even when no one’s clapping—is what separates dreamers from doers. Also, I’ve invested time in financial literacy and delegation. In the beginning, I tried to do everything myself. But growth came when I started building a team, asking for help, and putting systems in place. For anyone early in their business journey, my biggest piece of advice is ththis: Start before you feel ready. You’ll learn as you go. - Stay teachable. Read, listen, and find mentors. - Build a community. Business can be lonely—having support makes all the difference. - Stay grounded in your “why.” That’s what keeps you going when things get hard. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Progress over perfection, always.

CBN: Speaking of progress, what role does data play in your strategic marketing progress ? How do you gather and analyze data to refine your marketing efforts?

Mirlina: Data plays a huge role in how I approach marketing across all my businesses. In the early days, I relied heavily on instinct—but as we’ve grown, I’ve learned that data doesn’t lie. It helps take the guesswork out of decision-making and allows me to put my time, energy, and resources where they’ll have the most impact. At La Lune Beauty Supply, we track everything—from engagement on social media to what types of content lead to the most in-store visits or DMs. For example, we noticed that educational videos and behind-the-scenes content performed best, so we doubled down on that strategy. That shift helped us go from zero followers to over 27K in less than a year. For Wing Shack, we pay close attention to customer feedback, peak order times, menu item performance, and online reviews. It helps us make informed decisions—like when to introduce new specials, adjust pricing, or even shift how we staff on busy nights. We gather data through: - Social media insights (Instagram, Facebook, analytics) - POS reports (what’s selling and when) - Customer feedback (surveys, reviews, direct conversations) - Website and email campaign performance metrics My team and I review this data regularly to refine our strategy. If something isn’t converting, we don’t take it personally—we pivot. If something is working, we find ways to scale it. My advice: Don't be afraid of the numbers. Even if you're not a “data person,” start simple. Track your content, watch your sales trends, and ask your customers questions. The answers are usually right there—you just have to be willing to listen.

“If something isn’t converting, we don’t take it personally—we pivot. If something is working, we find ways to scale it. My advice: Don’t be afraid of the numbers. Even if you’re not a “data person,” start simple. Track your content, watch your sales trends, and ask your customers questions. The answers are usually right there—you just have to be willing to listen.”

— Mirlina Jean Mary

CBN: Can you share an example of a significant opportunity that came about through your business network?

Shana: Absolutely—so many key opportunities in my journey have come from simply being in the room* and staying connected. One powerful example was when I connected with members of the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GHACC). That relationship didn’t just open doors—it helped elevate my brand and introduced me to a whole network of professionals who believed in my mission. Through that connection, I was honored with an award recognizing my work in the community and my role as a Black-owned business owner in Central Florida. That moment led to interviews, collaborations, speaking invitations, and new clients who found me through the exposure. It reminded me that sometimes your name is being mentioned in rooms you haven’t even entered yet—but it starts with showing up, building relationships, and staying true to who you are. What I’ve learned is this: Networking isn’t about selling yourself—it’s about serving, connecting, and building trust. People want to work with people they believe in. When you lead with authenticity and purpose, the right opportunities find their way to you. My advice? Don’t isolate yourself. Attend local events. Join business groups. Build relationships before you need them. And most importantly—nurture those connections. Because the truth is, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who believes in you.

We thank you Shana for sharing your BOLD JOURNEY!

Contact/Follow: mirlina.jeanmary@gmail.com | @Mrslalune | www.Iamlalune.com