Today we’d like to introduce you to Justus Howard.
Hi Justus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been working toward a continuous goal since high school—to become a business mogul. But honestly, the journey started even earlier. I launched my first business at just 7 years old, crocheting and selling jewelry. That entrepreneurial spirit never left me. In high school, I used to joke, “I don’t wear brand names because I am a brand,” and wow, has that come full circle.
I’ve always had hustle in me. After one of my birthday parties, I used the leftover candy to start a mini candy business in my neighborhood—until it sold out fast. By 17, I’d already worked multiple jobs. I originally wanted to study fashion design at the Art Institute in Nashville, but my mom encouraged me to attend Mississippi State, where I majored in psychology. While in school, I kept money flowing by doing lashes and hair, and I even made clothes and jewelry to sell at flea markets.
At 23, during my first real financial hardship, I became a makeup artist—and that changed everything. It started at a call center, doing makeup for coworkers. Then came selling lashes, wholesaling them during COVID, and expanding into lip gloss and press-on nails. During that same time, I launched my event business, creating beautiful, intimate experiences for people despite the challenges of social distancing.
As I turned 30 on September 14, 2024, I felt it was time to bring all the lessons, wins, and losses of my 20s together. That’s what inspired me to write my self-help book, Love Yourself First. With a background in psychology and a passion for mental health, I’ve always found fulfillment in listening and guiding—from my makeup clients to women I met through events. My journey has had its challenges, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come—and even more excited for the legacy I’m building.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not—it’s been anything but smooth. In fact, I wrote a whole book about overcoming challenges because I’ve lived through more than my fair share. What I’ve come to realize is that the way I handle those challenges—knowing when to persevere and when to pivot—is what’s brought me this far.
Working in a leasing office for income-based housing showed me just how many people don’t know how to shift gears when life gets hard. That realization inspired the title of my book: Love Yourself First: The No-Fluff Guide to Taking Control. I wanted to give people real tools—not just motivational quotes, but actual strategies for taking their power back.
My journey has included surviving toxic and abusive relationships, sexual assault, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, stalking, and homelessness. I’ve faced rejection, failed businesses, and battled depression and suicidal thoughts since I was 12 years old. It’s been dark. But I truly believe God brought me through it all so I could help others find the light, too.
There’s no better guide than someone who’s walked the path before you—and made it out on the other side. So here I
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a creative and a healer. I create experiences, products, and content that help women heal, feel seen, and step into their power. I wear a lot of hats—author, event planner, makeup artist, mental health advocate, and entrepreneur—but everything I do centers around self-love, elevation, and transformation.
I’m best known for my book, Love Yourself First, and the self-care kit that goes along with it. I also host self-love retreats, where women can come as they are and leave lighter, more empowered, and more connected to themselves. I specialize in turning pain into purpose and creating spaces where healing feels beautiful, not heavy.
What sets me apart is that I’ve lived what I teach. I’m not speaking from theory—I’ve walked through hell and made something beautiful out of the ashes. I’m proud that I never gave up on myself, even when life tried to convince me I should. And I’m most proud of the lives I’ve touched just by being real, raw, and willing to share my truth in a way that helps others rise
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Memphis is Memphis—it’s home. No matter where I go, I always miss it. When I lived in Texas, I craved our food spots like Dixie Queen and Piccadilly. There’s just something special about this city. The talent here is unmatched, and everybody’s a hustler. I always say, every artist who makes it out of Memphis never truly falls off—they might switch lanes into producing or business, but you’ll never see them holding a cup under a bridge.
Our sound, our fashion, our culture—it all gets borrowed, but Memphis is the source. We’re always trending, always influencing. And let’s not forget our humor—nobody’s funnier than folks from Memphis!
The only thing I don’t love is the crime. I hate that I have to constantly look over my shoulder or second guess my safety. It’s a tough reality, but it doesn’t take away from the love I have for this city. I’m grateful to be a Memphis native!
Pricing:
- Love Yourself First Book $20
- Love Yourself Self Care Kit $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.loveyourselffirstgirl.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AgTn7a9Va/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@love_yourself.firstgirl?si=aj5FDeQgQ-P6xHNt
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@love_yourself.firstgirl?_t=ZT-8wIwogXjo66&_r=1
