We were lucky to catch up with La Taunya Starr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have La Taunya with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My strong work ethic, rooted in the belief that hard work is essential to personal growth, is a reflection of several key influences and experiences in my life:
1. Family Values: From a young age, I was instilled with the importance of hard work and perseverance by my family. I observed my parents working tirelessly to provide for my brothers and myself and to pursue their dreams. Their examples proved that I would reap the rewards that come from hard work and commitment.
2. Personal Experiences: Through my own experiences, I came to understand the correlation between hard work and personal growth. Such as achieving success in academics, extracurricular activities and starting a business. Through dedicated effort and perseverance, I witnessed firsthand how hard work can lead to tangible results and personal development.
3. Life Lessons: Over time, I learned valuable life lessons that reinforced the importance of a strong work ethic. Overcoming obstacles, facing setbacks and navigating challenges in my personal and professional life, I discovered that resilience and perseverance are essential qualities that enabled me to overcome adversity and achieve my goals.
4. Intrinsic Motivation: Beyond external influences, possessing an intrinsic motivation to work hard and strive for excellence has benefited me. I understand that personal growth and fulfillment come from pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, setting ambitious goals and consistently putting in the effort to achieve them.
Overall, my strong work ethic is a product of a combination of factors, including familial values, personal experiences and intrinsic motivation. By recognizing the importance of hard work and dedicating myself to continuous improvement, I have embraced a mindset that fosters personal growth and success in all aspects of life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As an Ayurvedic bath and body product creator, crafting exquisite bath and body products involves a meticulous process that blends science, artistry and a deep understanding of natural ingredients. Here’s what’s entailed in creating my products –
The journey begins with extensive research into botanical ingredients, their properties and their traditional uses in Ayurvedic medicine. This includes sourcing high-quality herbs, botanical extracts, essential oils and other natural ingredients known for their nourishing and therapeutic benefits.
Using the knowledge gleaned from research, formulations are carefully crafted to achieve the desired results. This involves experimenting with different combinations of ingredients to create products that are effective, safe and indulgent for the skin and senses.
Extensive testing is conducted to ensure product safety, stability, and efficacy. This may include sensory testing to assess texture, fragrance and skin feel, as well as microbiological testing to confirm product integrity.
Attention is given to packaging design and presentation to reflect the brand’s aesthetic and values. Sustainable packaging options are often preferred to minimize environmental impact and align with the ethos of natural wellness.
Bath and body products are marketed through various channels, including online platforms, social media, and retail partnerships. Branding efforts emphasize the unique selling points of my products, such as their natural ingredients, luxurious textures and therapeutic benefits.
Creating bath and body products is special to me as a business owner because it allows for my creative expression and artistic vision and gives me the opportunity to infuse my personal style and creativity into every aspect of product development. Knowing that my creations contribute to the self-care routines and overall wellness of individuals can instill a sense of purpose and fulfillment for business owners.
Bath and body products have the power to cultivate community and foster connections among customers who share a passion for natural skincare and wellness. Through shared experiences and testimonials, entrepreneurs can build a loyal customer base and create a supportive community around their brand.
April + November LLC is excited to be releasing new products over the course of the next year. Our newest product launch introduces a lineup of freshly formulated shampoo bars, hair conditioning bars, shower steamers and lip balms, each thoughtfully crafted with natural ingredients to cleanse, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin and hair. These innovative bars are not only eco-friendly and travel-friendly but also deliver exceptional results, leaving your hair and scalp soft, healthy and beautifully scented.
For our discerning male customers, we will be introducing our exclusive men’s line, featuring more masculine scented soaps for the body, as well as shaving essentials such as shaving soap, beard oils, and balms. Infused with invigorating scents and nourishing botanicals, these products are designed to cater to the unique grooming needs of the modern man, providing a luxurious and indulgent experience with every use.
In addition to our new product offerings, we are excited to announce upcoming pop-up stores in our local Denver area, just in time for the back-to-school season. These pop-up stores will showcase our full range of Ayurvedic bath and body products, allowing customers to experience the sensory delights of our autumn/winter scented collections firsthand. From warm and spicy cinnamon to soothing lavender and earthy patchouli, our autumn/winter scented products capture the essence of the season, enveloping you in a cocoon of comfort and tranquility.
Whether you’re looking to nourish your hair, pamper your skin, or indulge in a moment of self-care, our Ayurvedic infused bath and body products offers something for everyone. Come experience the transformative power of nature’s finest ingredients with April + November LLC Ayurvedic-inspired creations and elevate your self-care routine to new heights of luxury and indulgence.
*All announcements will be made on all of our social media pages.
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?
Three impactful qualities, skills or areas of knowledge for my journey are:
1. Resilience: I like to refer to it as The Bounce Back Ability from setbacks and perseverance in the face of challenges was crucial for my entrepreneurial success. Resilience enabled me as a business owner to navigate obstacles, adapt to changing circumstances and stay focused on my long-term goals.
Advice for early-stage entrepreneurs: Cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as learning opportunities and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Practice self-care to maintain mental and emotional well-being during challenging times
2. Adaptability: In a fast-paced and dynamic business environment, adaptability was key to staying relevant and competitive. As a business owner I had to be willing to embrace change, pivot when necessary and continuously innovate to meet evolving customer needs and market trends.
Advice for early-stage entrepreneurs: Foster adaptability by staying informed about industry trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. Remain open-minded and flexible in your approach to business, willing to experiment and iterate as needed.
3. Effective Communication: Having strong communication skills is essential for building relationships with customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. Business owners must be able to articulate their vision, convey information clearly and listen actively to feedback and concerns.
Advice for early-stage entrepreneurs: Hone your communication skills by practicing active listening, clarity in expression, and empathy in interactions with others. Seek feedback from mentors, peers, and customers to identify areas for improvement and refine your communication style.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Advertising and marketing are currently my biggest challenges as they are essential for increasing revenue and expanding my business. To address this obstacle, I am implementing a multi-faceted approach aimed at maximizing exposure and generating interest in my products and brand.
Being featured in Bold Journey Magazine provides a valuable opportunity to showcase my products to a broader audience. I am leveraging this exposure by ensuring that the content highlights the unique qualities and benefits of my offerings, enticing readers to learn more and make a purchase.
Utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn allows me to connect with potential customers and engage with existing ones. I am actively uploading videos showcasing product demonstrations, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my business operations to create compelling content that resonates with my target audience.
Enlisting the support of my family members to serve as brand ambassadors and advocates is a cost-effective way to leverage word-of-mouth marketing. By encouraging them to share their positive experiences with my products and promote them within their social circles, I am able to tap into existing networks and generate organic buzz around my brand.
Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful forms of advertising, as recommendations from satisfied customers carry significant weight. I am prioritizing customer satisfaction and actively seeking feedback to ensure that every interaction with my brand leaves a positive impression, thereby encouraging customers to spread the word to their friends and family.
In addition to grassroots marketing efforts, I am reaching out to celebrities and influencers who align with my brand values and target demographic. By forging partnerships with well-known personalities who can endorse my products to their large followings, I aim to gain credibility, exposure, and ultimately, increased sales.
By pursuing these diverse advertising and marketing strategies, I am casting a wide net and maximizing my chances of success. While each approach carries its own set of challenges and uncertainties, I am committed to staying proactive, persistent and adaptable in my efforts to overcome obstacles and achieve my business goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aprilnovember.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprlnvmbrllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprlnvmbrllc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aprlnvmbrllc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprlnvmbrllc
https://www.tumblr.com/aprlnvmbrllc
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