Currently what is your strategy for promoting your business?
Currently, my goal for marketing is to increase awareness of the brand. The process for promoting my business is networking, collaborating with like-minded green life-style enthusiasts and pitching our story for publication features.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur and small business owner, it comes with a long list of challenges. Every step, from developing innovative products, launching the brand and all the way to marketing and branding are challenging to me. Unlike corporate brands that have access to all sorts of resources, startup entrepreneurs need to figure out most things on their own. However, it allows me to take full control of my business, and truly incorporate my vision without compromises. For example, I can choose to use ethically sourced organic ingredients in my products.
“Branding is the key to success. No matter what you sell, branding and marketing help you stand out from the crowd and make your customers know you are there.”
Have you had any challenges as a diverse woman while building your business, if so, how did you address it?
As a diverse woman while building my business, I face two main challenges including balancing responsibilities and decision making. I am not just an entrepreneur, but also a wife in my family. It is my responsibility to take care of the family and to show professional commitment to the business. To address this challenge, I communicate closely with my family to gain their support. Building a business is risky and it involves lots of decision making. My suggestion is not to fear failure…if you don’t try you will never find the right path.
What advice do you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?
As an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to develop a brand and business that you truly believe in. There are many challenges that come with that freedom, mainly taking a vision and conceptualizing it into something tangible. New entrepreneurs usually get excited about their products—rightfully so. But they do not put enough resources in developing the branding and marketing strategy. Branding is the key to success. No matter what you sell, branding and marketing help you stand out from the crowd and make your customers know you are there.
What is your favorite quote?
“Get closer than ever to your customers. So close that you tell them what they need well before they realize it themselves.” — Steve Jobs
What’s next for you and your brand, is there a new product on the horizon?
Yes, I am always looking out for new ingredients and working on new formulations. So far, we’ve launched moisturizers, serums, a toner, soap cleansers and natural perfumes. Some of the products we are currently working on include facial exfoliators and masks.
Learn more about Yin Yin and her natural skincare line at laloirelle.com.