Womeneur Spotlight

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NNENNE KALU MAKANJUOLA OF RADIANT HEALTH MAGAZINE

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

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Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola is the founder and editor-in-chief of  Nigerian-based Radiant Health Magazine. Nnenna began her health career as a pharmacist. Seeking to make a larger impact, she transitioned to the public health sector. Her public health career spans work at the World Health Organization (WHO) Geneva, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Tanzania and Atlanta, and consulting for the Washington D.C.-based Advocates for Youth. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Texas Tech University and Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University.

Radiant Health Magazine is the healthy living guide for today’s African woman. We began as Nigeria’s first women’s health magazine and have grown globally to reach African women on the continent and across the diaspora as Africa’s leading health magazine. Our mission is to produce high quality, credible and practical Africa-centric health content to guide, inspire and equip our readers to intentionally live healthy, fit and happy lives.

Nnenna has been featured in How We Made It in Africa, Voice of America, YNaija’s Leading Ladies Africa, She Leads Africa and was recently named one of 41 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Putting the Country on the Global Business Map by Lionesses of Africa

What inspired your journey into business?
My father’s battle with heart disease inspired my business journey. Not only did he have to travel to the U.S. for a life saving heart surgery but upon return we faced many post-care challenges. I especially remember the confusion of putting together a heart healthy Nigerian diet plan for him. We had no guiding resources to do so at the time and over 20 years later it seemed not much has changed. There was still no dedicated source of credible health information tailored for Africans. I had also grown increasingly weary of the ever so bleak African health stories that dominate the media and yearned for a platform where we could tell our own stories. So even though I was on what might appear to be an ideal career path I didn’t feel I was doing the work or making the kind of impact that I set out to do. As I pondered the best the way I could contribute to help improve the health of Nigerians, the idea for Radiant was born.

What steps did you take to start your business?
To say I was clueless about magazine publishing is an understatement. I knew zilch about that world so I started off by reading (listening, watching) everything I could about publishing a magazine, entrepreneurship and online business. I would read/learn and apply, test, retool, rinse and repeat. Along the way I met fellow entrepreneurs, coaches, mentors, who have been most invaluable.

What did you do before this and is this your first business?

Yes, Radiant Health is my first business. Prior to striking out on my own I worked as a consultant for the D.C-based Advocate for Youth.

What is one thing that really helped you with starting your business?

Plugging into a community of entrepreneurs who are going through the same journey. Everyone might not be at the same stage but we all understand each what this journey feels like in a way that the people closest to us may not.

What are your biggest business ownership fears?

I worry about not meeting my own expectations. I fear failure. But I also figured the only thing worse is the regret of not trying so I press on.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?

First of all, I’ve learned to let go and sink into the entreblues (as I call it) instead of putting up a fight. Many times, when the thrash of giving up rears its ugly head it’s just your body forcing you to slow down and regroup so you can think clearly about how to attack the obstacles in your way. During this “downtime,” I unplug; I seek out inspiration and motivation from podcasts, books and anything in between; I talk to fellow entrepreneurs and friends; and I rest.

What do you enjoy the most about business ownership (what’s most rewarding)?

The feeling that I’m doing exactly what I want to do at this stage of my life. And I’m doing it on my own terms.

What do you enjoy the least (what’s least rewarding) about business ownership?

I jeopardized my health to launch a health business. Ironic, isn’t it? If I have to do it again, I will, from the get go, prioritize self care and family time over business.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

I jeopardized my health to launch a health business. Ironic, isn’t it? If I have to do it again, I will, from the get go, prioritize self care and family time over business.

What’s one thing in business you cannot go one day without using?

Wifi. I can’t do without my high speed internet.

What’s your secret to cultivating a good relationship with your customers/clients?

Taking time to connect with our readers to understand their needs and also following up with action.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

In five years I see Radiant as a household name and the number one healthy living destination for every African.

What are 3 tips you can share with anyone wanting to be a business owner?

1. Learn. But don’t spend all your time learning.
2. Implement. However imperfectly. It is the only way to move your business forward.
3. Figure out what works for you. Don’t lose yourself in “how it should be done.” Entrepreneurial advice (including this one) is a dime a dozen. If something just isn’t your style, don’t do it. If you want to do things differently, go for it. Pave your own path. In truth, each business is an experiment on its own.

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TIEKO WILSON

FOUNDER & BRAND STRATEGIST[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website: www.tiekonejon.com

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/TiekoNejon” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/TiekoNejon” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/TiekoNejon” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5812″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

With a MA in Education and a BA is Sociology with a Minor in Small Business Entrepreneurship, Tieko Wilson, Founder and Brand Strategist of Tiko Nejon, LLC, left her teaching job to follow her passion and become a brand-builder for small business startups. She partners with them to define, design and deliver a brand that it REAL to the them by showcasing their specialty and meshing it with their personal style so that they may say YES only to their dream client. When not being a mother and wife, this lady boss offers Brand Strategy, Graphic Design, and Business Education services to her clients. We had the opportunity to interview this Womeneur and find out more about her business entering its 10th year of existence. 

What inspired your journey into business?

I believe I was born a entrepreneur but this particular venture began after I left my career of teaching in the classroom for ten years, my last assignment teaching Algebra. After conceiving my daughter, the idea of really doing what I love kicked in!

What steps did you take to start your business?

I studied, studied, studied. I performed by trial and error, sometimes way more error but I did not quit! I would seek and soak up all the information relevant to my industry and began to position my self as an expert worth of charging.

What did you do before this and is this your first business?

As mentioned, I was a school teacher prior to this, a total of 10 years. I last taught Algebra. I’m quite certain looking back on it, my years of braiding hair at the age of 12 for all kinds of folks qualifies as a business owner. I wold literally have clients booked for months out. This went on through college. My first government-aware business was when I was 22. Child Link, a tutorial company for children in group homes. Tieko Nejon was started in 10 years ago solely focused on Image Consulting before evolving into Image and Branding.

What is one thing that really helped you with starting your business?

Wow! If I had to narrow it down, I would have to say my love for learning. I think success is in always looking to learn something new. My husband’s belief that I could do anything and actually suggesting that I stay home from the traditional work and pursue my passion was the very best thing that could have happened.

What are your biggest business ownership fears?

I hate the word fear but I am apprehensive of other entrepreneurs that throw a title on a site and business card and call themselves a_____________. Fill in the blank. It seems like every industry is over saturated so I have to remind myself to not be distracted. As well as a consultant, we only eat if we stay booked. I have been fortunate thus far but I don’t take any of it for granted.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?

I first stay rooted in my belief in Christ who promised me that He had a plan for me and would be faithful to complete it. I then think about my two children. Nothing I do is for me now but it more about my children having a story to tell their children about me.

What do you enjoy the most about business ownership (what’s most rewarding)?

Most rewarding is being able to say yes and no when I feel like it, lol!!! I enjoy not having a “Monday”!!!!

What do you enjoy the least (what’s least rewarding) about business ownership?

I do not like the back end work; invoicing, banking, etc. I am working on delegating. I am horrible at that!!!!

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

I would have definitely built an administrative team sooner. I now am looking for an administrative/personal assistant and it feels like it is harder than it should be. I should have done this prior to now!

What’s one thing in business you cannot go one day without using?

MY MACBOOK!!!!!!!!

What’s your secret to cultivating a good relationship with your customers/clients?

I make sure to over-deliver; give past the expectations. I also honor their time and talent. I am here to serve.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I see my business as the go-to firm for building and educating on Branding. I look forward to quadrupling my team of designers, photographers and make-up artists. I look to author 2 books by then and increase my speaking [engagement] calendar. I also hope to be in a building that is a co-op working environment for creative brands.

What are 3 tips you can share with anyone wanting to be a business owner?

1) Become soooo good at what you do that you could do it in your sleep

2) Never stop learning and every opportunity is a chance to do so

3) Don’t work by mood but by schedule

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MALENE BARNETT

Design Director[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

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Malene Barnett is the founder and design director of , a company specializing in handcrafted custom carpets, inspired wall coverings and artisan tiles. Her luxe creations have enlivened premier hotels, iconic office buildings, and sophisticated private spaces. A cultural enthusiast and passionate entrepreneur, Malene collaborates with international artisans. She also avidly shares her business sense with creative entrepreneurs via her e-guide series, public speaking engagements, her Huffington Post and Design Sponge columns, and her interview spotlights in both national and international press, including print, web, TV and radio. Experience her celebrated collection at .

We had a chance to find out more about this innovative entrepreneur and her inspiring journey.

What steps did you take to start your business?

I’m really big on doing research, especially on the Internet. Before Google was popular, I researched the industry 10 years prior to launching my brand, which I highly recommend to everyone who wants to start a business. In addition, I worked as a contract designer for large manufacturers for more than 10 years, which is how I learned about the rug industry. During my years as a contract designer, I absorbed industry knowledge and developed relationships with industry professionals. In addition to overseeing the logistics of registering my business, I also invested in a branding consultant to help clarify my brand mission. Then, I developed a collection of designs, sourced manufacturers, identified my target market and signed up for my first trade show to launch my collection.

What did you do before this and is this your first business?

Before starting Malene B, I was the lead designer and marketing manager for a textile manufacturer. Then I was hired as a carpet designer for a rug manufacturer. I learned early on that the idea of working full-time for a company didn’t fit with the flexible lifestyle that I wanted. So I quit my full-time job, traveled to Southeast Asia for three months and returned as a contract designer for home textile manufacturers. I designed textiles and rugs for many companies and designer brands, including: Nicole Miller, Martha Stewart, Karastan, Marcus Fabric and Liz Claiborne. The collections I designed were distributed in major retail stores such as Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and JC Penney. This experience was my first entry into entrepreneurship because I had to manage my own schedule and constantly juggle multiple projects to keep my income flowing.

I’ve had many businesses that involved selling my art, but I consider Malene B my first formal business.

What is one thing that really helped you with starting your business?

A few years before I launched Malene B, [bctt tweet=”I invested in a branding consultant to help identify my brand mission via @malenebcarpets” username=”womeneur”]. Once the mission was clear, it helped me to make informed decisions on how I wanted to grow the business. I have a brand blueprint that I still refer to 10 years later.

What are your biggest business ownership fears?

My biggest business ownership fears are not being able to take care of myself financially. Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs and so does cash flow. However, I understand that this is part of the journey, and I don’t allow it to dictate my well-being. I face the fear head-on, and accept that it’s normal and simply a part of the entrepreneurial process.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?

I think about the bigger picture of what I really want to accomplish. Having a social media following is also helpful because on the days when I feel like giving up, a comment from a social media fan helps me to refocus and reminds me of the purpose of my business. I know that my business is about the people I serve, and with this understanding, I do my best to fulfill those needs.

What do you enjoy the most about business ownership (what’s most rewarding)?

The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur is being able to provide people with products that make their lives and homes meaningful.

What do you enjoy the least (what’s least rewarding) about business ownership?

I wish I didn’t have to juggle so many roles. But I believe that if I weren’t able to handle everything, then the opportunities wouldn’t be coming my way.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

I would hire a full-time assistant to help manage the business. In the beginning, it’s hard to hire people when finances are tight, but I do see the value in having someone to assist you with the day-to-day operations. But I also believe that every business decision I’ve made has and continues to shape my business, and I needed to experience everything I’ve gone through in order to determine my next move.

What’s one thing in business you cannot go one day without using?

Instagram — I’m addicted! I also use Google Drive to access my files every day. (I know, that’s two things.)

What’s your secret to cultivating a good relationship with your customers/clients?

There’s no secret to it! Just be transparent and real with your customers. That is how I live my life, so I don’t do anything differently with my clients. Remember that you can choose the people you want to work with, and that not everybody is (or has to be) your customer.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I see my business based somewhere in the Caribbean. I also see multiple product categories that will expand my brand into a lifestyle company with a global reach. In addition to products, I also foresee spaces that embody the Malene B lifestyle.

What are 3 tips you can share with anyone wanting to be a business owner?

1. Buy property before you start your business.
2. Invest in an accounting software to track your sales.
3. Be true to yourself, know your purpose and don’t be easily swayed.
   

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STACEY FLOWERS

CEO & SPEAKER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

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has been named a global leader for the next generation. She’s an international speaker, author and creator of The Happy Conference. She earned her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from College of Saint Mary and her master’s degree in human resources from Loyola University Chicago. Stacey is a partner at Ambassadors Worship Center in Omaha, Nebraska and happy mother to her son Rakim. We had a chance to catch up with this Womeneur to learn about her entrepreneur journey.

What inspired your journey into business?

My mom inspired me, she was always an entrepreneur. Growing up, I was able to observe wealth flowing into our house whenever my mom had her own company. I wanted to figure out how to do that for my son and I; I always wanted to be wealthy so I saw that as the best way to go about it. I was always creating businesses when I was young. For my first company, Styles by Stacey, I would do hair for prom, homecoming and school dances. My first high profile client was my pastor’s wife; I would do her hair for church on Sundays.

What steps did you take to start your business?
When I started my speaking business, I first had to close down my HR consulting firm. I was good at consulting but not gifted to do it. Then, I started speaking and asking people to pay me to speak. Finally, I hired a speaking coach to help hone my speaking skills. I did everything he told to do in regards to creating a strong speaking company.

What did you do before this and is this your first business?
Before speaking I had an HR consulting firm, we designed and delivered leadership training programs to fortune 500 companies.

What is one thing that really helped you with starting your business?
Hiring a speaking coach really helped me to transition into speaking.

What are your biggest business ownership fears?
Entrepreneurship is audacious in itself. So once I stepped into it I had to come to peace with that, so I can’t say I really have business fears.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I listen to Beyonce. Beyonce is a big motivator for me because I believe she balances her purpose and her life really well and this is what I strive to attain. I’ll also go over my vision boards or journals when I have time. Tracking my progress, going back to where I was and look at what I’ve grown into now; looking at what I’ve come from and where I want to be motivates me to keep doing the work.

What do you enjoy the most about business ownership (what’s most rewarding)?
Being able to involve my family in my business. Business ownership gives me the flexibility to incorporate my family’s input, gifts, thoughts and views. My son used to say, “Mom you’re the happiness queen” and that evolved into me being the Ambassador of Happiness. He also gives me input on my social media platforms, my mom styles me and my niece can take my social media pictures!

What do you enjoy the least (what’s least rewarding) about business ownership?
Financial overhead. Managing the financial overhead is the least enjoyable part. I wish I could just do the creative side, but managing the financial side is a must and is really taxing.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I would have hired an assistant sooner!

What’s one thing in business you cannot go one day without using?
My laptop!

What’s your secret to cultivating a good relationship with your customers/clients?
I always try to deliver a wow factor. And now that I have an assistant I really try to make sure my clients are touched and responded to more quickly. They receive immediate response and follow up so they know I value their requests and reach them sooner with my assistant.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see my business as an international full service speaking, coaching and consulting firm. I will also continue to inspire people globally from the stage at The Happy Conference. I will train people to life coach based on my signature coaching program and consult worldwide to make happier workplaces all over the globe.

What are 3 tips you can share with anyone wanting to be a business owner?

1. Having one talent doesn’t mean that you have a business; doing hair and owning a salon are 2 different things.
2. Where you don’t have money you need relationships.
3. Happiness comes before success; until you’re happy with your company/work you won’t find success.

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Lucinda Cross-Otiti

President[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

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Lucinda Cross is the President of Activate World Wide, best-selling author, internationally known speaker, spokesperson and energetic teacher of personal and professional development. Known as the Go to Girl for Taking Massive Action and America’s Favorite Vision Board Queen. Ultimately, her life is about helping women live a life of fire, fun and freedom.

We had a chance to speak with this Womeneur and learn all about her entrepreneurial journey.

What inspired your journey into business?
Working on a job that had no growth for my children’s future. I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I sought out to find and connect with a mentor who was doing what I desired to do and was doing it well.

What did you do before this and is this your first business?
This is my first business. I started it 10 years ago and it has evolved every 3 years. I added more value and removed some deliverables that no longer served my niche. Before this I was a side hustler writing business plans and proposals as well as working as the head of Performance Improvement and Risk Management for a private hospital.

What is one thing that really helped you with starting your business?
Having a mentor and eventually hiring a coach. They helped me to know about the storms and up hill battles and how to prepare from them when they come.

What are your biggest business ownership fears?
Not knowing if I have the right accountants in place to keep me in the clear with IRS.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
Besides prayer, I like to go have fun with my kids, they are so free and they give me so much energy. They give me no choice but to continue when I think about continuing that freedom that they have.

What do you enjoy the most about business ownership (what’s most rewarding)?
Being able to say YES. Yes to what I want, when I want.

What do you enjoy the least (what’s least rewarding) about business ownership?
Being tested faith-wise. I have big dreams and goals and it requires big faith and I know that big faith comes with test and those tests will make or break you. I love to dream big but I know that there will be some challenges I must prepare for. I have to be honest, sometimes I want it to come a little easier than it has in the past. But God has a way of making me spiritually strong.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
Stay focused on one niche from the start.

What’s one thing in business you cannot go one day without using?
My gmail account

What’s your secret to cultivating a good relationship with your customers/clients?
Being open and vulnerable about your journey and also listening to them is key. Listen to the things they are not saying and the things they are saying.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Owning a few Half way houses and my products in Walmart stores across the country

What are 3 tips you can share with anyone wanting to be a business owner?

1. Find a niche and rock out
2. Find a problem and solve it and call it your secret formula
3. Show up and network with those who do what you do

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^2728|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/kae-whitaker_650_650_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.png|caption^null|alt^null|title^kae-whitaker_650_650_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461291553153{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1477281250508{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Essilfua Bartels

Owner & Spice Mixologist[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/essiespice” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/essiespicer” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/essiespice” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5565″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

We had a chance to interview Essilfua Bartels, founder and Spice Mixologist of , offering gourmet, handcrafted Spices and Sauces made with West-African cooking Techniques and spices and other flavors from around the world. This year Essie’s products landed on the shelves of both Brooklyn Whole Foods locations where you can shop exoitc flavors like Mango Chili Medley, CoCo for Garlic and Tamarind Oh!

What inspired your journey into business?
Curiosity and my love for food and travel

What steps did you take to start your business?
Started small, lots of research, experiments and just giving it my everything

What did you do before this and is this your first business?
Worked in Global procurement in International companies

What is one thing that really helped you with starting your business?
Passion. You cannot do without that.

What are your biggest business ownership fears?
Not delivering my best work or being a failure. Also giving away too much of my company for equity or to the banks.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
Call my mother. She is my rock. Alternatively, I just take time out to travel and pray or just make sure I immerse myself in nature; I always find zen in nature.

What do you enjoy the most about business ownership (what’s most rewarding)?
The fact that I’m impacting people’s lives each day with my sauces because I’m literally feeding them. Also because my work directly impacts my supplier of spices and artisans who create the products for me.

What do you enjoy the least (what’s least rewarding) about business ownership?
Having to juggle so much. Hoping I would be able to afford more hands so that I’m not doing a million things and dropping the ball sometimes.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
Nothing

What’s one thing in business you cannot go one day without using?
Prayer

What’s your secret to cultivating a good relationship with your customers/clients?
Make sure you’re accessible and listen to what they have to say.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Growth, expansion beyond the North East and new products and offerings

What are 3 tips you can share with anyone wanting to be a business owner?

1. Be extremely passionate
2. Harness your network
3. PRAY

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^4272|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/womeneur-spotlight-marianne-ladapo-of-lenox-cupcakes_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-marianne-ladapo-of-lenox-cupcakes_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1466634925721{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1466634973864{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

MARIANNE LADAPO OF LENOX CUPCAKES

FOUNDER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website: 

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/lenoxcupcakes” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/lenoxcupcakes” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/lenoxcupcakes” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4271″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Marianne Ladapo is the founder and head baker of Lenox Cupcakes, offering gourmet baked goods for corporate and private events in the metro Atlanta area. Lenox Cupcakes was founded out of a deep and abiding love for cupcakes. The company began its initial operations in 2008 from Ladapo’s home kitchen and shortly thereafter, a commercial kitchen. Since then, she’s settled into our licensed bakery in the Chamblee neighborhood. This Womeneur has proudly baked her deliciousness for  a loyal fan base of customers, including corporate clients such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, CNN, Google, Microsoft, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

What inspired your journey into business?
I owe this journey to a serious craving for cakes when I was expecting my son. I couldn’t eat a whole cake by myself so I started baking cupcakes. I went online looking for recipes and discovered blogs dedicated to nothing but cupcakes and I was hooked. Baking cupcakes became an activity that I found soothing, almost therapeutic. Whenever I had a stressful day at my full-time job, I would get in the kitchen and bake. One day, my sister suggested that I sell some to a friend of hers and the business grew from there.

What steps did you take to start your business?
The business started in my home kitchen with the eggs and butter in my fridge, using equipment I already owned, selling to people I knew. I tested my recipes extensively by doing taste tests with friends, family, and coworkers before offering them up to the public. I formed relationships online with other bakery owners to find out what it was like to run a bakery. After developing my products in my home kitchen, I met some amazing women who leased me space in their commercial kitchen. It wasn’t until after a couple of years that I felt ready to lease my own space.

What are your biggest fears?
My biggest fears are falling short of our customers’ expectations. We have customers that have been with us since the very beginning and we work hard to continue to earn their business. We invite all feedback, positive or negative as they help us grow. Negative feedback can be difficult to absorb but we learn from our mistakes and put in place measures to ensure that we don’t repeat them.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I have an amazing family and dedicated friends that won’t let me give up. They are always there to lend an ear and offer advice. More recently, I joined a network of female entrepreneurs who truly understand the ups and downs associated with running a business. They are a huge support system and are instrumental in providing the motivation I need to stay the course.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked past them? 
My biggest weakness is delegating and trusting that things would get done right if I’m not directly involved. Over time, I realized that in order to grow, I had to empower my team to act independently. My focus has been on simplifying processes and creating systems that are easy to implement.

What’s been most rewarding?
The most rewarding thing has been and still is hearing from people who enjoy our products. We exist to make our happy and knowing that we have met our goal is very rewarding.

Who were you before you started your business?
Prior to starting my business, I worked at a non-profit health organization and would have been happy to remain there until retirement. Life, however, had other plans for me when a layoff forced me into business full-time.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I would worry a lot less. There are ups and downs in business and over time you learn the cycles. Slower periods are for now planning and preparing for busier times.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
I can’t live without my Square Dashboard app with real-time sales data. This allows me to be anywhere in the world and yet maintain a handle on how things are going.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
Our secret is learning as much as possible about our customers. We use this information to create products and experiences that are of value to them.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In five years, I see us opening more retail outlets and expanding our product line.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?
1. Understand why you are in business in the first place. This helps you remain true to your brand and will motivate you during challenging times.
2. Learn as much as you can about your customers. Find out what their pain points are and create solutions to meet their needs.
3. Implement! Launch! Go ahead and do it. Don’t sit on your brilliant ideas forever or fail to launch because of over-analysis.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^4277|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/womeneur-spotlight-rita-owens-of-urban-beauty-network_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-rita-owens-of-urban-beauty-network_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1466635488577{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1466635346522{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

WOMENEUR SPOTLIGHT: RITA OWENS OF URBAN BEAUTY NETWORK

CEO [/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website: 

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/UrbanBeautyINC” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/UrbanBeautyINC” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/UrbanBeautyINC” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4276″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Rita Owens, CEO of Urban Beauty INC, is both a trained beauty professional and advertising executive with more than 10 years of experience in software and digital technology. Owens holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Spanish from Saint Mary’s College of California. She has studied at the Instituto Universitario Internacional, S.C. in Cuernavaca, Mexico and received training in cosmetology at the Paul Mitchell Institute and Dermalogica Academy. This Womeneur shares her entrepreneurial journey with us.

What inspired your journey into business?
As a former corporate professional, my travels took me to destinations around the country where my favorite stylists, estheticians, makeup artists and nail techs were well out of reach. I found the process of searching for a beauty professional to cater to my unique needs, time-consuming, frustrating and expensive. Unfortunately, as a woman of color I cannot simply walk into any salon, or up to a makeup counter feeling confident that the professional will know how to work with my hair texture or skin tone.I have actually been told by several salons, “sorry we don’t do black hair.” Frustrated by the thought of blindly choosing another beauty professional, I decided to couple my two loves of technology and beauty to launch Urban Beauty Network- the ultimate beauty solution. I wanted to ensure that women of color were always connected to the quality they expect and deserve.

What steps did you take to start your business?
The first and most important step I took was to research my potential market. I surveyed over 250 women to understand what their needs and frustrations were before moving forward. I then came up with a name for the business, took care of my legal documents, developed the concept for the site, and sought continuous feedback.

What are your biggest fears?
I think that the biggest fear that all entrepreneurs face is the fear of failing. Being an entrepreneur is lonely. You put alot of yourself into a concept, investing time, money, and energy to create something awesome. The sacrifice is substantial, there are many sleepless nights.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I pray. I believe in the power of prayer and know that anything is possible if you just believe you can do it. I also try to focus on the reason I am doing what I am doing. I have an amazing circle of supporters and they also keep me motivated.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked past them? 
I am a perfectionist, and that can be a problem when you are bootstrapping a startup. I had to learn the hard way that sometimes its best to just put something out there instead of waiting for it to be perfect.

What’s been most rewarding?
The most rewarding experience for me has been meeting so many intelligent and savvy black business women within the beauty industry. I’m helping them to grow their businesses by connecting them with new clients, while also helping potential clients connect with quality professionals who are skilled, value their time and provide excellent customer service. When someone walks up to me and thanks me for creating this platform, it always makes everything worthwhile.

Who were you before you started your business?
I was a young woman with an entrepreneurial spirit, working to build someone else’s dream in corporate america.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I would have read Lean startup by Eric Ries prior to investing any money at the beginning.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
I love Hootsuite! It helps me to easily manage my social media calendar.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
I don’t really have a secret. I just find it important to listen to the needs of your customers and constantly ask for feedback. I welcome both positive and constructive feedback.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years I see Urban Beauty Network as the ultimate destination for women of color and the beauty professionals that provide services to them.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?
1) Research your market first! Just because you are crazy about an idea, doesn’t mean that there is a need for it in the market.
2) Just do it! Waiting for the right time to start your business is a waste of time, you’ll always find an excuse why you can’t do it.
3) Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Life as an entrepreneur can become lonely. Not everyone will be a supporter. It’s great to be around other like-minded individuals who can remind you that they are living a crazy life similar to yours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]