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As a part of the Morning Lazziness sequence highlighting empowering girls who’re making a outstanding affect with their concepts, I had the pleasure of interviewing Grace Olayiwola.
Grace Olayiwola is the visionary founder behind Imperial Lola, a luxe, vintage-inspired hair accent and hat model, and ALGStudioStore, a customized self-care and wellness gifting firm. Mixing timeless magnificence with trendy empowerment, Grace creates considerate experiences that assist girls really feel seen, celebrated, and assured. Her entrepreneurial journey—constructed whereas navigating motherhood and a full-time profession in well being informatics—is a testomony to ardour, persistence, and goal. By means of each of her manufacturers, she champions individuality, wellness, and the facility of intentional dwelling.
On this interview, she dives into the challenges, wins, and knowledge she’s gained from over a decade of reworking on-line companies.
What impressed you to grow to be an entrepreneur within the magnificence trade, and what led to the creation of your model or product line?
My path to entrepreneurship was private and passion-driven. As a mom, I understood the calls for on our minds and our bodies and the necessity for self-care. I needed to create merchandise that actually nurture, so I based three manufacturers: ALGStudioStore, and Imperial Lola.
Every model affords greater than only a product; they supply a significant ritual. From a soothing candle to a vintage-inspired hair accent, every merchandise displays a unique a part of me: a wellness advocate, a inventive, and a lover of basic magnificence.
In the end, I imagine magnificence and wellness are necessities, not luxuries. My aim is to assist others prioritize their well-being, specific their private type, and really feel empowered each day.
As a lady navigating the sweetness enterprise world, what distinctive challenges have you ever confronted, and the way did you overcome them?
I’ve confronted vital challenges as a lady within the magnificence trade, primarily being taken severely past the aesthetic points of my model. The sweetness world is usually underestimated, but it surely calls for strategic pondering, monetary literacy, and powerful operational abilities, particularly if you’re constructing a enterprise from the bottom up whereas additionally being a mom and a full-time skilled.
One other problem was the immense stress to “do all of it”—to seem flawless, develop the model quickly, keep inventive, and be current in each space of my life. This expectation for ladies to hold all the pieces with grace is each empowering and overwhelming.
To beat these obstacles, I constructed a robust assist system, trusted my imaginative and prescient, and gave myself permission to develop at my very own tempo. I invested time in studying the enterprise facet of entrepreneurship, related with different girls founders for mentorship, and stayed grounded in my “why”: creating merchandise that commemorate self-care, magnificence, and resilience.
These experiences have made me a stronger, extra considerate founder. They’ve taught me that true energy lies in exhibiting up authentically and that magnificence is finally about confidence and care, not perfection.
The sweetness trade may be each aggressive and demanding—how do you keep private well-being whereas rising your model?
For entrepreneurs, mothers, and professionals, sustaining well-being is important however difficult. Setting clear boundaries between work and private life is essential. I prioritize every day self-care, like journaling or respiratory workouts, to remain grounded. I additionally delegate duties and search assist from a neighborhood of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors. By investing in my very own wellness, I discover that creativity and resilience naturally observe. Sustainable progress requires nurturing each your self and your model.
Which networking methods, communities, or collaborations have helped you construct significant connections within the magnificence house?
I’ve constructed significant connections within the magnificence trade by way of intentional networking, neighborhood engagement, and strategic collaborations. A key a part of this has been becoming a member of Entreprenista, a neighborhood of ladies entrepreneurs the place I’ve discovered assist, mentorship, and alternatives for collaboration.
I additionally keep energetic on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn and attend trade occasions to attach with professionals and keep on high of tendencies. Collaborating with manufacturers and creators who share my values of self-care and luxurious has been rewarding, serving to us develop our audiences and supply elevated experiences.
In the end, these connections are constructed on authenticity, generosity, and shared goal.
How do you method mentorship—each as a mentee and mentor—and the way has it influenced your progress as a magnificence entrepreneur?
Mentorship has performed a robust function in my journey as a magnificence entrepreneur, each within the steering I’ve obtained and the assist I’ve been capable of give in return.
I worth mentorship from either side. As a mentee, I’m humbled and curious, actively in search of out girls who’ve constructed profitable manufacturers, significantly those that have balanced creativity with enterprise. I ask considerate questions, am open to suggestions, and apply their recommendation deliberately. This has helped me keep away from errors, keep grounded, and acquire confidence in my model.
As a mentor, I’m keen about sharing my experiences with girls who’re simply beginning out or balancing entrepreneurship with different roles. I supply not simply tactical recommendation but additionally emotional assist, realizing how lonely the journey may be.
Communities like Entreprenista have been essential in serving to me construct these relationships. They’ve taught me that success within the magnificence trade isn’t nearly competitors, however about empowering different girls to succeed.
What methods have labored finest for gaining loyal prospects and constructing belief in your magnificence model?
My model technique is centered on constructing loyalty and belief by way of authenticity and consistency. I concentrate on creating purposeful merchandise and letting that mission information each facet of the model, from social media to product packaging.
A key a part of my method is offering customized customer support, like sending considerate thank-you notes and creating customized packaging. This private contact helps flip new prospects into repeat patrons. I additionally use content material advertising and social proof, reminiscent of testimonials and behind-the-scenes content material, to strengthen transparency and credibility.
To additional elevate my technique, I’ve employed a enterprise advisor by way of the Entreprenista neighborhood. I’m assured this partnership will assist refine my method to buyer retention and model positioning. In the end, I imagine that constructing belief is a long-term course of that requires a constant dedication to creating merchandise that resonate with my prospects’ wants and values.
Which advertising strategies (reminiscent of social media, influencer partnerships, content material advertising, or occasions) have been simplest for your corporation, and the way do you measure their success?
For my manufacturers, the simplest advertising strategies have been a mixture of social media advertising, influencer collaborations, and content-driven storytelling. Every technique performs a singular function in constructing visibility, connection, and long-term buyer loyalty.
My enterprise thrives on authenticity, storytelling, and constructing real relationships. I’ve discovered success by:
Showcasing my merchandise on Instagram by way of a mixture of reels, carousel posts, and behind-the-scenes content material that spotlight the visible magnificence and intention behind my self-care reward bins and vintage-inspired hair equipment.
Partnering with influencers who share my values round self-care, magnificence, and femininity. I prioritize genuine connections over follower depend to construct actual belief.
Utilizing content material advertising by way of blogs, emails, and Pinterest to coach and encourage my neighborhood. This “serve first, promote second” method attracts values-driven prospects.
Measuring success with each quantitative metrics (engagement, conversions) and qualitative suggestions (buyer messages, critiques) to make sure I’m creating an actual connection, not only a sale.
Are you able to share a serious setback or turning level in your magnificence entrepreneurship journey, and the way you navigated by way of it?
Navigating my entrepreneurial journey whereas recovering from postpartum and dealing full-time was a real take a look at of my limits. The expertise, which initially felt like a setback, grew to become the defining turning level for my enterprise. It gave me a renewed sense of goal and jogged my memory why I began: to create merchandise that prioritize wellness and self-care for ladies. This private journey finally gave my model extra soul and impressed new product concepts rooted in real-life therapeutic.
To push by way of, I simplified processes, requested for assist, and leaned on supportive communities. I discovered that resilience isn’t about being good; it’s about transferring ahead with goal, even when issues are unsure. This chapter taught me that it’s okay to rejoice small wins and be intentional about connecting with my prospects by sharing the real-life fact of constructing a enterprise with coronary heart and hustle
What’s one piece of recommendation you’d supply to girls who’re simply beginning their entrepreneurial journey within the magnificence trade?
Begin earlier than you are feeling prepared—and construct with intention, not perfection.
The sweetness trade is fast-paced, however don’t let comparability cease you from launching. Begin with a transparent “why” and imagine in what you’re creating. You don’t want an ideal model or product to start—readability comes from taking motion.
Develop sustainably by specializing in constructing a model with which means. Join together with your viewers, share your story, and create merchandise that resolve issues or deliver pleasure. Your authenticity will set you aside.
Lastly, discover a neighborhood. Entrepreneurship may be isolating, however with the assist of like-minded girls, you don’t need to do it alone.
Is there a quote, mantra, or philosophy that guides your decision-making and management as a magnificence entrepreneur?
My philosophy is “Construct with goal, lead with grace.” This jogs my memory to create significant merchandise whereas staying aligned with my values and neighborhood.
Main with grace means I present up with empathy and authenticity, permitting room for progress and errors for myself and my group.
A quote I usually revisit is, “Success is just not about being one of the best; it’s about being actual, being constant, and being of service.” This helps me concentrate on long-term affect over short-term wins.
What Are The 5 Issues You Want To Overcome Self-Doubt and Construct Confidence?
To rebuild your confidence, keep in mind your “why.” Your goal is your anchor when self-doubt begins to creep in.
Subsequent, concentrate on taking imperfect motion. Don’t watch for all the pieces to be good; as a substitute, take steps ahead, and do not forget that “carried out with coronary heart is healthier than good however caught in your head.”
Encompass your self with supportive voices and communities that may cheer you on and supply actual recommendation.
Bear in mind to rejoice small wins. Each constructive overview, sale, or sort message from a buyer builds momentum and self-trust.
Lastly, apply every day affirmations and self-care to remind your self of your price. Confidence is a muscle, and self-kindness is the load you elevate.
Okay, we’re practically carried out. You’re a particular person of nice affect. Should you might encourage a motion that might deliver essentially the most quantity of fine for the best variety of individuals, what would that be? You by no means know what your concept can set off.
My motion, “Intentional Wellness for All,” is a world name to motion, particularly for ladies, to redefine relaxation and self-care as important, not non-obligatory. We reside in a tradition that values fixed productiveness over private well-being, and I need to change that narrative.
This motion would encourage every day rituals of care and advocate for equal entry to wellness schooling and instruments in underserved communities. It will concentrate on the distinctive wants of moms, caregivers, and younger girls navigating life’s main transitions.
The core perception is easy: When persons are effectively, communities thrive. Wellness is private and deeply therapeutic, and typically, essentially the most profound change begins with the smallest act of kindness to oneself.
How can our readers additional observe your work on-line?
I’d love on your readers to attach with me and discover my manufacturers on-line! You could find me on Instagram for customized self-care reward concepts and wellness inspiration, and for vintage-inspired embellished hair equipment and hats.
You can too go to my website to buy our collections and study extra about our mission. For deeper insights into wellness, type, and life-style, I share often on my weblog, BitsStyleJourney.com.
Be at liberty to observe, message, or subscribe—I like partaking with my neighborhood!
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