Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skin care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura Leclair, Owner of LifeWorks Skin Essentials, LLC., located in Springfield, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My online business sells natural skin care products that were created specifically for hard-to-treat skin conditions such as the autoimmune condition, lichen sclerosus, and other similar conditions that cause severe changes to the skin.
Tell us about yourself
Over 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with a dreadful condition, lichen sclerosus. It has no known causes, thought to be irreversible, and there are no good medical or prescription treatments that really work, provide relief from the symptoms, let alone reverse or heal the condition. It is a dreadful condition that causes not only major irreversible changes to the skin but pain as well as emotional issues. When I was first diagnosed with this disease that I was told I would have for the rest of my life, I was overwhelmed, depressed, and frustrated that there were no real treatments that my doctor could offer. But I refused to accept that and set out to research the symptoms, triggers, and thoughts behind what might cause the condition and determine some natural ingredients that might be helpful.
After in-depth research and a lot of trial and error, I created a natural oil blend that contained several essential oils and tried it for one month before my next doctor appointment. At my appointment, my doctor was amazed at the results and commented that she had never seen anything begin to reverse this condition, and this was! So not only did the symptoms feel better, she confirmed that it was actually reversing an irreversible condition. After that, I set out to share my recipe on my blog and had a great response to the post. An entrepreneur friend told me, "Laura, you have a solution to a problem. Something that people need. That is what entrepreneurship is all about. Why are you giving this away?!" That was the lightbulb moment in which I decided to give it a go and actually manufacture the product for sale.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment in owning this business is the countless customers that email me thanking me for providing them with something that has changed their life. Begging me never to stop selling the product because it is the only thing in all of the years they have had the condition that has truly helped and provided relief without lots of side effects or costly treatments. Every email that I receive or positive customer review pushes me to want to continue being able to help people with a solution to a problem that there are not a lot of solutions for. To provide women with a more pain-free way of living and reduce the emotional side of a horrible disease. To provide hope for those who have lost it at the depths of this disease. Those happy customers are what keep me going every single day.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, there will always be criticisms. One of the toughest things I faced initially was people wanting me to give my recipe away for free. A recipe that I had worked hard to research and develop and put lots of time and money into. But with success, you have to take the good with the bad and move forward, knowing that you are providing so many with the solution that they need.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Let go of your fear. Fear is what holds us back from success. If we lived in fear, we would never try new things or take chances. Let go of the fear and try. If you don't try, you will never know what could have been!
- Find mentors. Have conversations with and learn from others who have already paved the path to success. Absorb little nuggets from them that will help provide success. Learn from their mistakes. Gain knowledge from their successes. You don't have to do it alone. There are plenty of successful people out there who are willing to help, but you have to put in the work yourself too.
- Start small. Take little steps towards your goal and dream. Create a plan to follow, or you will get weighed down by the details and hung up on things that won't help you reach your goals. Thriving businesses all start with a plan. Create a business plan, a strategy, and a marketing plan as you get into things. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was not having a plan, and it inhibited my growth as I became caught up in the little details that, at the end of the day, didn't matter. And treat your business like a business, not a hobby.
At the end of the day, you are the predictor of your success. The actions YOU take, and the goals YOU set, will all determine the outcomes. Nothing will come without a little hard work and drive.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lifeworksskinessentials.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeworksskinessentials/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeworksskinessentials/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurableclair/
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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