Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vernon G. Yancy, founder of SOSS, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SOSS (/sôs/) is an impact-driven ecosystem of confidence-boosting, self-enhancing products that are uniquely designed to enhance the quality of life for Black men and the Black family. Our premier suite of nourishing personal care essentials elevates the self-care experience by emitting a vibe that empowers you to find and embrace your best. With complimentary fashion essentials and youth-focused educational initiatives, SOSS is representing self-love to the world.
Tell us about yourself
My own self-love journey birthed and still powers SOSS. I had to decide to no longer present as anyone other than my organic self – no matter how different that person was from the people beside me or the person that others expected me to be. So, after graduating as an engineer from Howard University while thriving in my career as a technology consultant, I decided to grow my beard to its deserved glory: thick, full, and powerful. And with quality grooming products for my skin type and hair texture missing from the market, I compounded raw ingredients to unlock the nourishing care that I needed. Now, I am motivated daily to help others experience personal freedom and optimal self-care.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Easily the different employment opportunities that I have been able to provide to others. Our products elevate our communities, so that’s already a great feeling, and then when I look at the backend systems and people that are implemented and employed to bring the experience to the customer, that has been amazing to witness. I get the opportunity to live in my passion and purpose every day, and for SOSS to be able to help others live in their passions and purposes that’s the grandest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When it comes to being a business owner, the hardest thing has been finding ways to applaud yourself. Daily motivation is very necessary, but I also need to applaud, comfort, console, and hold myself accountable on a daily basis. I love being everyone else’s cheerleader; however, as the leader of the business, you also have to be there to cheer on yourself. It can be hard at times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, I would recommend your business be something that seamlessly complements who you are. If you can run your business by being you, doing what you love, then I think your chances of success are even higher. Second, fail forward. It’s not going to be perfect or pretty out the gate, and there will be bumps in the road; however, learn from the bumps because you want to refrain from making the same mistake again. Lastly, establish a financial portfolio for your business early on. Simply put, open up a separate bank account for the business and obtain business credit immediately. You’ll have to be the guarantor on the business credit application, so you want to do that first to avoid killing your personal credit score. Unfortunate for me but helpful for you, I’m sharing this from my own experience.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you for this opportunity, and keep an eye on us! In the next 3-5 years, we will successfully maximize our engagement points via boutique partnerships, global distribution, a globally recognized digital presence, and a curated, never before seen brick-and-mortar experience. Our product suite will continue to lead the grooming industry for Black men, specifically in the realms of hair, body, and skin. We are also launching health and wellness, workforce development, and higher education initiatives to remain proactive in meeting Black men where they are and then helping them grow to their highest potential.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sossd.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sossd.co
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sossdco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sossd/
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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