We recently connected with Jessica Pope Brittany Banks and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica Pope, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Our resilience comes from the life we believe our family, friends, and community members deserve. The idea for our company stems from the idea of legacy. We believe strongly that what you leave behind for the next generation is important and the work we do today is a direct investment into tomorrow. In understanding that, you have to have grace and the flexibility to adapt. It’s easy to fall back into complacency when life becomes tumultuous, especially in entrepreneurship, but it is imperative to remember your why. Our why is bigger than us, the individual, and if we give up on ourselves, then we give up on them. That is unacceptable.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
We are a local black owned and female empowered cosmetics company. We sell water resistant matte lipstick, pearl infused lip gloss, perfumed oils for men and women, and eye accentuating lashes. What makes LLOL so special is our overarching mission to make change in the world around us. Community activism is built into our business design and it’s very important to us that we give back. Being a business owner is difficult, in fact following any dream will have its up and downs. It is our goal to empower others to not give up or give in. Your unique gifts and talents are needed, and we will help guide you along your journey. As a result of this belief, we often partner with other local businesses and nonprofit organizations to mentor our youth and provide resources to the community. In an effort to expand our network, we are in collaboration with Kenzie’s Shades for the production of the one of the biggest fashion shows in the DFW area, August 26th with The Urban Experience Fashion Show. Jessica Pope, our company CEO, will be hosting this event. We also have a podcast that will be debuting along with our new products and services in October. We are excited about the new connections and impact we will make as the year closes and moving forward!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One important skill that was impactful on our journey was taking the initiative to impact, influence, and connect. Building relationships strengthens your brand and provides opportunities that can be nearly impossible to get on your own. We aren’t “self-made”. It is with the help of others that you, your business, and ideas grow exponentially.
Qualities that are needed in growing yourself and your company is flexibility, patience, consistency, and discipline. You have to work the plan, but in the event the plan is not working you must be flexible and adapt quickly. Having the discipline to be consistent is the backbone to your goals. In most cases, things will not happen overnight. You don’t automatically sell out every time, or get the call backs that you would like, but if you keep pushing, keep growing, keep developing, the work will speak for itself, and the investment will pay off.
Lastly, you must work to be one of the experts in your field. Never stop learning, innovating, creating. Being knowledgeable will make you confident in your ideas and presents well to your clients. You are the boss. People will look to you for leadership. This doesn’t mean you will always know everything or that you should be arrogant while look down on the ideas of others. Everything works better as a collaboration of efforts. You must be one of the strong links.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are always looking to expand our network and offer support to other entrepreneurs! We are looking to collaborate with makeup artists, photographers, videographers, skin care professionals, non-profit organizations, and overall creatives for events and product drops. Please connect with us through our social media @Luxury Lips Oil and Lash or email us at womenlovellol@gmail.com. We look forward to working with you and being a part of your journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luxurylipsoilandlash.com
- Instagram: luxurylipsoilandlash
- Facebook: luxurylipsoilandlash page and profile
- Other: Tik Tok @luxurylipsoilandlash
Image Credits
Akila Anderson Photography
