Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lena Campbell, Owner of Innovative Beauty Products, located in Arlington, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Innovative Beauty Products main brand, Godefroy, is recognized worldwide, specializing in eyelash and eyebrow tinting products consisting of 75+ SKUs that mainly cater to the women’s multicultural and men’s grooming market segments. The company’s best sellers include 28 Day Mascara, Instant eyebrow tint, Tint Kit, and Double Lash & Brow.
Godefroy is the go-to mega brand for its capsule tint technology. We take great pride in manufacturing our products in the USA and also in excellent “old fashion” customer service. We started out in the professional beauty industry selling our products as a service in salons/spas, and we have since branched out so that the at-home consumer can experience the same results without the salon/spa price tag.
Tell us about yourself
My husband Clay and I started Innovative Beauty Products in 2004. We are a majority-owned and employ mostly women, and have been in business for 18 years. After working for one of the biggest beauty conglomerates in the world, we joined forces and found success by starting our own company. We were tired of the corporate lifestyle, long hours, and politics. We wanted to be in control of our own destinies, both professionally and financially. We love what we do. We love hearing from our customers that we solved a problem for them that they did not even know they had. We love our employees and treat them like family. It is a blend of all of the above that keeps us going every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There are many facets to accomplishments. Our biggest financial facet is recently moving into the 30,000-square-foot warehouse that we built! Our biggest employee facet is paying all our workers a fair living wage regardless of their skill set. We also offer our employees profit sharing, 401k, and yearly bonuses. It makes us very happy to know they will have a nice retirement fund. Another facet is giving back to the community. We are able to support our local police and firemen when asked. The last facet is from a personal level; we know our family is financially sound.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Knowing every corporate decision you make, large or small, affects everyone around you. It makes each decision very important.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure everyone close to you is on board with what you are doing. You will need their support.
- Utilize all your business contacts.
- When looking for a loan, ask for more than you think you need because you will need more money.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://godefroybeauty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godefroybeauty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godefroybeauty/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/godefroy_beauty/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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