Inspiring Lives with "A Natural Girl " CEO For Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written By: Samantha CEE
This issue at Fashion Gxd Magazine we sat down with the amazing brand, A Natural Girl LLC. A rising mompreneur on the move the brand is taking over the internet on their rise to the top. Take a look at our exclusive Q & A . Print issue available April 25th
Question 1: How did the idea for your business come about?
Answer: I always knew that I wanted to be a business owner, but never knew what that business would look like. One day my youngest son broke out in a rash on multiple parts of his body. When I finally saw the dermatologist he gave me lotions and shower gels to help with his skin issue. Something told me to look at the ingredients. When I read the back of the bottle I couldn’t pronounce one thing on that list except for water. I knew I wasn’t going to put that on my child’s skin. I relied on what my mother taught me as a child; which was the benefits of natural remedies. After researching multiple ingredients I created a product that moisturized, soothed and healed my son’s skin. It sparked a fire in me and I then realized that this new passion would be the business that I always envisioned. From that moment A Natural Girl was born.
Question 2: How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
Answer: Currently, it is a one woman show at A Natural Girl. However, I have had the opportunity to partner with other business owners that have been helpful to me in my entrepreneurial journey. We share the same passion for our businesses. The most amazing part is that each of them have encouraged, inspired, supported, and believed in my vision. They have given me the extra push when I needed it the most. I am so grateful for that support.
Question 3: What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?
Answer: About a year ago I had the pleasure of volunteering at my children’s school for career day. It was one of the most rewarding experiences looking into their bright young faces while explaining what A Natural Girl was all about. The best part of that experience was being able to encourage them to believe in themselves. To never give up no matter how hard circumstances may be. To always work hard because it pays off in the end.
Question 4: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Answer: If I could do it over again I would be fearless! I would not let fear stop me from betting on myself sooner. I would push through my fear of the unknown and failure to accomplish my goals my way on my terms.
Question 5: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: The top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur would be:
Determination- no matter your fears, or the opinions of others. You know that you will make it and nothing or no one will get in the way of you succeeding in your dream/goals that you have created for yourself.
Passion- you have to love what you do. If you don’t have the passion you won’t be willing to put in the work necessary to make your dream a reality.
Faith- you have to believe in yourself. Believe that God or your higher power has blessed you with this opportunity to invest in yourself. That you have been provided with all of the tools necessary to succeed.
Question 6: What are some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Answer: I have found that multitasking is not the way to go. I found myself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. I was trying to be everything for everyone, and nothing ever got accomplished. I found that I was actually doing more harm than good. It was time for me to take off the cape, fold it up, and put it in a drawer. I had to admit to my family that I needed their help. By doing this I was able to plan my day better and take my time to complete tasks timely, and efficiently.
Question 7: How many hours do you work a day on average?
Answer: Being an entrepreneur is definitely not a 9-5 job. I find myself working multiple hours during the day until my goals that I set for the day are complete. There are times when I have to work multiple hours at night based on the tasks that need to be completed. My mind is always going a mile a minute thinking about what’s next. Or I am researching ingredients, creating recipes, checking inventory, brainstorming marketing and branding strategies. The list is endless and constant, but I love what I do.
Question 8: Describe/Outline your typical day?
Answer: I wake up at 6 am to meditate, pray, and set my intentions for the day. I then follow up with any product requests or questions. Check incoming orders and inventory. I prepare for any upcoming vendor events. Research new product ideas and marketing campaigns.
Question 9: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Answer: One of the best parts of being an entrepreneur is that I have the flexibility to be more present in my family life. I am involved in as much as I can be and will not miss one thing if I can help it. However, there have been times when I’ve missed important events because of prior engagements that I had to attend. Though it’s disappointing, I have learned to accept that missing important events may happen as A Natural Girl grows. I am blessed with a very supportive family that understands that.
Question 10: What motivates you?
Answer: My motivation comes from myself and my family. Having my family’s support means everything to me. They are my biggest cheerleaders! However, no matter how much my loved ones cheer for me, I have to cheer for myself also. If I don’t motivate myself and believe that I can accomplish anything. All of the goals I have set for myself past, present, and future would not exist. It is up to me to push myself each day even when I don’t feel like it in order for my dreams and visions to manifest into something great.
Question 11: How do you generate ideas?
Answer: The best way that I generate ideas is by listening to old school R&B music, or in complete silence.
Question 12: What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: To be successful I sacrificed my corporate career. I knew by working a full time job my dream of being an entrepreneur would suffer. I was put in a position where I had to choose. With a lot of fear in my heart I chose my dream. That was a scary decision to make, because the sacrifice was life changing. So much was at stake. All I had was a goal, and an idea nothing else. Despite all of the ups and downs this sacrifice brought me; I am so thankful that I took the chance to bet on myself.
Question 13: Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years, 20 years?
Answer: In 10-20 years I see A Natural Girl being well known for our top notch products and brand message of the importance of self love. I see A Natural Girl constantly reinventing itself by offering a variety of different product options that keep up with beauty trends. While maintaining our uniqueness to our product line. I see A Natural Girl having a strong presence within the community. In 10-20 years I see myself continuing to inspire others. I would like to be a motivational speaker. To write a few books, and to continue developing my blog A Natural Girl’s Diary. I love teaching so I would design training courses to help new entrepreneurs get started on their dream of owning a business.
