Meet Gloria Lewis

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gloria Lewis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gloria below.

Hi Gloria, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

First, let me start by saying that openly discussing this topic forces me to let people see my vulnerable side, which I don’t do too often, lol! It’s both frightening and healing for me at the same time. I often struggle with imposter syndrome, and I feel unworthy or that I don’t deserve the successes or achievements that I have received. Not sure why I feel this way because I do work hard to achieve the goals that I set for myself. But also feeling undeserving as well. This instinctively causes me to downplay or minimize the accomplishments that I have achieved. It also causes me to question whether or not I received the accomplishments strictly through merit, or if it was given to me for another reason, for instance, to meet some sort of quota.

Oddly enough, I force myself to obtain or accomplish something every year. Without this accomplishment, I feel unworthy or have self-doubt because I don’t have a new certification or degree or major achievement to validate my worth.
I first became aware of imposter syndrome when I started to realize that the feelings of self-doubt and fear of being “found out” that I was experiencing, were shared by many others. Discovering that imposter syndrome is a real phenomenon and that there is a community of people who experience it was both enlightening and reassuring. Knowing that other people felt the way that I did and imposter syndrome was real thing and there is actually a community for it, I began to ease up on beating myself up or having feelings of inadequacy because there are others out there just like me!

Imposter syndrome is prevalent among high achievers because they often set high standards for themselves and are more aware of their limitations and areas for improvement. The more someone achieves, the higher the expectations they place on themselves, leading to increased self-doubt. Additionally, societal and cultural factors, such as the pressure to succeed and the comparison with others, can exacerbate these feelings. High achievers may also feel a constant need to validate their worth through continuous accomplishments, which can contribute to imposter feelings. Hence, my need to accomplish something every year.

I first started the journey of healing or coming to terms with imposter syndrome by acknowledging my feelings and reassuring myself that I am worthy and deserving of all the things I accomplished. I began to keep a journal of my success and my failures to be able to reflect on what I have done and most importantly, the path it took to get there. People sometimes forget what it took to achieve something once they have received their reward, but reflecting back on the trials, tribulations, setbacks and sleepless nights that it took to get there, makes it all worth it.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I began creating skincare products for myself out of necessity for natural skin care products for sensitive skin. After researching the benefits of certain ingredients, I began formulating skincare products to soothe and heal all types of skin. It all began with a personal quest, a quest for the perfect skincare solution for sensitive skin that craved only the gentle touch of nature.

Armed with a curiosity for botanical wonders and armed with a commitment to cruelty-free practices, I delved into the world of natural skincare. Extensive research and countless experiments in my kitchen led to the birth of skincare formulations that didn’t just pamper the skin but celebrated its innate beauty.

The journey wasn’t just about creating products; it was a labor of love dedicated to everyone who craved skincare treats as delightful and pure as the candies in Kitt’s Kandy Shop™. As I carefully selected each ingredient, Kitt’s Kandy Shop formulations became a symphony of nature’s gifts, a melody that echoed healing and radiance.

The kitchen, once a hub for sweet creations, transformed into a skincare haven where lotions, serums, and balms became the new language of indulgence. As passionate as ever, I still drew inspiration from ingredients that could be found in any kitchen, infusing each product with a touch of familiarity and warmth.

At the core of Kitt’s Kandy Shops™ philosophy lay the belief that investing in your skin was an act of self-love, a ritual that deserved the purest of ingredients. My dedication to organic and all-natural elements became the soul of the Kandy Shop, a tribute to the delicate canvas that is our skin. Kitt’s Kandy Shop™ emerged as a haven of purity. Inspired by a desire to honor and nourish the body, the CEO, the visionary founder, embarked on a journey to create a line of skincare treats that cleanse, exfoliate, and heal—a collection that mirrored the essence of all-natural indulgence.

“I’m the biggest user of our products. Our skincare line began with my desire to only use natural and organic ingredients on my skin. I will not sell anything to our customers that I would not personally use on my own skin. Kitt’s Kandy Shop™ products contain natural ingredients that are cruelty free.”
Kitt’s Kandy Shop™ CEO and Founder

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?

Know your market

Often times, entrepreneurs start with an idea or a dream that they want to turn into a business. Research your target audience thoroughly. Understand their needs, preferences, and buying behaviors. Tailor your products or services to meet these needs effectively.

1. Conduct Market Research
Surveys and Questionnaires: Create and distribute surveys to your target audience to gather insights on their preferences, needs, and behaviors.

Focus Groups: Organize focus groups with potential customers to discuss their opinions and experiences with products or services similar to yours.

Interviews: Conduct one-on-one interviews with current or potential customers to gain deeper insights into their needs and preferences.

2. Analyze Competitors
Identify Competitors: List your main competitors in the market.
Competitor Analysis: Study their strengths and weaknesses, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, customer reviews, and product offerings. Tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can be useful.
Benchmarking: Compare your business performance with competitors to identify areas for improvement.

3. Use Online Tools and Analytics
Google Trends: Analyze search trends related to your industry to understand what topics are currently popular.
Social Media Analytics: Use analytics tools provided by social media platforms to understand what content resonates with your audience.
Website Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics can provide insights into how visitors interact with your website, including their demographics, behavior, and the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

4. Study Industry Reports
Market Reports: Obtain industry reports and market analysis from reputable sources such as Nielsen, Statista, or IBISWorld.
Trade Publications: Subscribe to trade publications and industry magazines to stay updated on the latest trends, news, and insights.
Government Data: Use data from government sources like the U.S. Census Bureau or Small Business Administration for demographic and economic information
.
Network and Build Relationships
Build a network of contacts in your industry. Attend industry events, join local business groups, and connect with other entrepreneurs. Networking can lead to valuable partnerships and new opportunities. Building strong relationships is essential for the growth and sustainability of a small business. Here are some strategies to help build and maintain these relationships:

1. Prioritize Customer Service
Exceed Expectations: Go above and beyond to meet customer needs. Provide personalized service and follow up to ensure satisfaction.
Listen Actively: Pay attention to customer feedback and act on it. Show that you value their opinions and are willing to make improvements based on their suggestions.

2. Engage with Your Community
Local Involvement: Participate in local events, sponsor community activities, and collaborate with other local businesses. This increases your visibility and builds goodwill.
Support Local Causes: Get involved in local charities or causes that resonate with your business values. This demonstrates your commitment to the community.

3. Utilize Social Media
Be Responsive: Engage with customers on social media platforms by responding to comments, messages, and reviews promptly.
Share Valuable Content: Post content that is interesting, informative, and relevant to your audience. This can include behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, and industry news.

4. Network Actively
Join Industry Groups: Participate in industry associations, chambers of commerce, and business networking groups. These organizations provide opportunities to meet potential partners and customers. Attend Events: Go to trade shows, conferences, and local business events. Networking in person can create stronger connections than online interactions alone.

5. Communicate Regularly
Email Newsletters: Send regular updates to your customers and partners through email newsletters. Keep them informed about new products, special offers, and company news. Personalized Messages: Send personalized messages on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Small gestures can make a big impact.

6. Show Appreciation
Thank You Notes: Send handwritten thank you notes to customers and partners to show your appreciation for their support. Special Events: Host appreciation events for your loyal customers and partners. This can strengthen relationships and create a sense of community. Exclusive Access: Give loyal customers early access to new products or special events. Make them feel valued and special. This can be as simple as offering a sale that is specifically for your loyal customers.

7. Be Authentic and Transparent
Honesty: Be honest and transparent in your communications. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and take steps to make it right. Authenticity: Be genuine in your interactions. People appreciate businesses that are authentic and trustworthy.
By implementing these strategies, a small business can build strong, lasting relationships with customers, partners, and the community, which are crucial for long-term success.

Never Give Up
Your business is yours and yours alone. Each business is unique and offers a particular product of service that another business may already offer. That does not mean that you will not find customers that want to shop from your business. Even when it seems as though the market is already saturated with products or services similar to yours, remember that you have that unique product or service that sets you apart from others. Don’t be intimated by bigger or more successful businesses to the point that it causes you to abandon your dream. Keep pushing forward and watch your business thrive and grow into what you imagined it could be.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

We are seeking to partner with businesses and individuals who share our passion for organic and all-natural skincare products. Our ideal collaborators include:

1. Small Boutiques and Local Stores
• Natural Beauty Boutiques: Shops that specialize in natural, organic, and eco-friendly beauty products.
• Local Artisan Stores: Boutiques that support local, handcrafted products.
• Health Food Stores: Stores that carry a range of natural and wellness products.

2. Spas and Wellness Centers
• High-End Spas: Establishments that offer premium skincare treatments and seek high-quality, organic products for their
clientele.
• Day Spas and Wellness Centers: Facilities that aim to provide holistic and natural treatments to their customers.
• Beauty and Aesthetic Clinics: Clinics looking to enhance their offerings with natural skincare solutions.

3. Large Chains and Online Retailers
• Department Stores: Retail chains with dedicated sections for natural and organic beauty products.
• Specialty Online Retailers: E-commerce platforms that focus on health, wellness, and beauty products.

Why Collaborate With Us?

Premium Quality Products: Our skincare line is crafted with the highest quality organic and all-natural ingredients.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices: We are committed to eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free testing, and sustainable sourcing.

Unique Selling Proposition: Our products are designed to offer exceptional benefits, making them a standout choice for discerning customers with a need for healthy skin.

How to Connect with Us

If you are interested in exploring a partnership with us, we would love to hear from you! Here’s how you can get in touch with Kitt’s Kandy Shop™:

Send us an email at admin@kittskandyshop.com with your details and a brief introduction of your business. We would love to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

Social Media: Connect with us on [Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest] by following @kittskandyshop and sending us a direct message.

Website Contact Form: Visit our website at https://www.kittskandyshop.com/pages/contact and fill out the contact form with your information and inquiry.

We look forward to the possibility of working together to bring the best in organic and all-natural skincare to more people. Let’s create something beautiful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kittskandyshop.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittskandyshop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kittskandyshop/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitt-s-kandy-shop/posts/?feedView=all
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kittskandyshop