Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tamika Jones, Founder of Lady T Essentials LLC., located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

The name of my business is Lady T Essentials. I take different oils and use my 27 years of nursing experience to create the perfect combination of blends to help heal and alleviate different health conditions. My oils are for both men and women: and great for all ages. I use them on all my grandchildren, and the youngest is 1yrs. I am not only the owner but a customer as well. My business is different by I do a consultation with you and help pick the best blend for you, and if I don't have one, then I will make you a custom blend.

Tell us about yourself

I am a wife, mother of 3, nana of 4, and a registered nurse. I started my business three years ago after being diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome 2 years prior. Sjogren's is an auto-immune disorder that acts on your body. Some of the side effects are dry eyes, chronic pain, and fatigue. Soon after, I developed Rheumatoid Arthritis, and my pain became depilating. Needless to say, I already had a bad back from lifting a patient, which left me having two back surgeries and hardware in my back. So by now, I was always in pain, and the doctors wanted to give me pain meds. I did not want to take pain meds due to the side effects, so I did not know what to do. My friends asked if I had looked into alternative therapy? I started doing research on essential oils and taking classes. Now I honestly did not believe the oils would work, but I made my first blend, Inflammation. I saw how it relieved the pain and swelling in my joints and was amazed. I started making other blends for my family and saw how they worked. Then one day, I was having a bad day at work and posted on Facebook that I wanted to be my own boss. I was amazed at all the positive feedback I received. One young lady said are you serious? I said yes, and Erica V Walton mentored me, and Lady T Essentials was born. I love to help people, and I truly believe that was what I was called to do. My goal is to heal as many people with my oils as possible when customers tell me how my oils helped them, which motivates me to keep pushing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is surviving the pandemic. So many businesses did not make it through. It was hard, and I barely made sales for some months, but I continued to push through. I was not giving up on myself or my business.

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

The hardest thing for me as a business owner is being consistent. I still work full-time as a registered nurse and run my business. So, being consistent is key for me, such as posting on all my social media daily, constantly looking for ways to network with other small businesses, and following up with my customers.

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

  1. Do your research and start a plan? Look at other competitors and see how much they charge, for example, for the same product.
  2. Figure out who your target audience is going to be.
  3. Never give up. There are going to be days when you want to throw in the towel but remember why you wanted to start your business. Your passion. Mines was to heal people naturally, and that's what keeps Lady T Essentials relevant.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

All my oils are 100 % pure, and blends are handmade by myself. You don't have to worry about failing any drug test because my oils do not contain the chemical that companies look for. My oils do not contain any chemicals. My company is different because of my medical experience. I am not trying to just sell you oil. I care and want to help you pick the best one for you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/Ladytessentials1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladytessentials/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladytessentials1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LadyTessentials/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamika-jones-a60998232/

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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