Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bennisha Lucas, Owner of Lords of LuLu, located in Washington, DC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Our products are made in small batches, which ensures that each product is made with love and fidelity. Our products are made with natural ingredients to promote overall health. We have culture-conscious labels, which help consumers connect with our products and further connect with her/his personal experiences. Our product names help us create unique and special moments for and with our consumers. Our products are free of toxins, carcinogens, pollutants, sulfates, and other harmful materials, which ensures that our consumers receive a strong sense of tranquility and well-being without the fear of harmful exposures.

Soy Candles: Our candles are made with 100% soy wax that is produced by American farmers. We use the highest quality of natural soy, which holds the best fragrance, allows a longer + cleaner burn, and displays a smooth, creamy appearance.

Shea Sugar Scrubs: Our organic shea butter sugar scrubs promote circulation and exfoliate dry skin to gently remove dead skin
revealing healthy, smooth, and visibly hydrated skin.

Whipped Shea Body Butters: Our hand-whipped shea butter creams are jars of goodness that boost skin moisture, soothes and nourish upset skin, soften scar tissue, and leave skin lovingly hydrated.

Goat Milk Soaps: Our goat milk soaps are naturally high in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that provide impeccable moisturizing and smooth exfoliating.

Hair + Body/Beard Oils: Our natural oils are made with oils that penetrate skin layers to help moisturize skin deeply, reduce aging, and help burns, scars, and wrinkles.

Shea Beard Washes: Our shea and hemp oil washes are rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9, are sulfate-free, and work harmoniously to cleanse and moisturize simultaneously.

Shea Beard Softeners: Our shea softeners are a culmination of shea, aloe vera, avocado oil, and sunflower oil, which leaves hairs soft and tangle-free.

Our customers are everyday people who enjoy self-care.

Tell us about yourself

I started making products with my children as an at-home activity and self-care remedy. I soon learned that making my own products is therapeutic, and it helped me solve problems that I know other everyday people experience. I began making products that address issues we had at home EX: making oatmeal, milk, and honey goat milk soap to treat my daughter's eczema and shea beard products to support the nourishment of my partner's beard. After a while, people on my social media became interested in my products and the progress of my family and wanted to purchase my products to support their well-being and health.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Remained in business since 2019, despite a downward economic spiral due to the COVID-19 pandemic. May 2022, I received the 'Power of She' award via Parks and Recreation for my entrepreneurship, leadership, and servitude in the community. February 2022 began monthly info sessions + pop-up shops at Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, DC. In 2020 we were featured in The Vibe Room (local magazine) 5th Issue and additionally collaborated with a magazine on a candle that was released at The Vibe Room's magazine release party.

Achieved wholesaling in 4 small business stores. We are in 1 of the four stores now due to the COVID-19 impact. In 2019 we were the first candle company to sell candles in a beauty supply store in the DMV area (Beauty 4 U). Supported high school student business owners at Coolidge High School in 2022. Supported the development of middle school business owners at Eliot Hine Middle School in 2020 and 2021.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the most challenging things about being a business owner is you're the boss! Of course, that's a great thing too, and it also means you're in charge of making sure all aspects of the business run smoothly. Such things as marketing, content making, publicizing, book-keeping, etc., are all a component of your work. You essentially become a jack of all trades, and you don't have the luxury of just being creative.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. You don't need a lot of money to start a business. Don't let that stop you.
  2. Research the best type of business incorporation for your specific business type and incorporate.
  3. Attend trade shows for your business, know your competitors/target audience/and what separates you from other businesses similar to yours.
  4. Keep track of all business transactions (mileage, purchases, etc.)
  5. Keep your business expenses separate from your personal expenses (open a business account used solely for business).
  6. Identify a business mentor and get involved with your community.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Our mission is to create handmade self-care products that help everyday people reduce stress, relax, and ultimately feel + look good. Our vision is to accelerate the world's ideas on self-care.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lordsoflulu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LordsofLuLu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lordsoflulu/

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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