Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lela White. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lela 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?
I get my work ethic from my mom. Any job she had she took pride in doing it well. Even to this day she works hard and takes ownership of her work. When I started working at a young age, it helped me to take pride in my work and want to be good at it, no matter what it was.
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 started my business on a fluke. A friend made candles and they were amazing, I wanted her to teach me how. She suggested that instead, I learn to make soap (which I did not know was a thing), and we could do craft shows together. I ordered a soap-making kit on eBay, yes eBay, that’s how long ago I started. I learned how to make melt and pour soap in my kitchen. At the time I was just selling to co-workers and family. I never did get to do a craft show with her because my husband got a work transfer to South Carolina.
I kept growing my business, learning to make new products. I made lotions and scrubs, but everything was from pre-made bases. I did well selling on eBay for a while and to a few friends. Then I took about a 4-year break, we got a new home that didn’t really have space for all of the ingredients and supplies. Then we moved to a new house again and I got back into full force. I now make everything from scratch. I love being able to control all of the ingredients. I have a lot of customers with different types of allergies, so being able to use different ingredients is amazing.
I finally got into doing markets. The Simpsonville Farmer’s Market has been my rock. It’s where I have met the best customers and friends. It has helped my business expand as well. I am now in multiple storefronts, spas, and boutiques in the Upstate. I pride myself on having quality products at an affordable price. I love that my customers who are on a budget can buy multiple items and get to experience affordable self-care.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Always know that you can never stop learning. Don’t be afraid of no’s, sometimes it is just not the right time or fit.
Don’t compare your growth to others in your field. It’s not a competition.
My advice is to be sure to research the business you want to go into. I never knew soap making was so expensive and required so much equipment. Then as your business grows from a hobby to a career it becomes stressful because you now have a lot more responsibilities. Especially if you are doing it on your own. I think not being well prepared it made a lot of people give up on their dreams.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking to expand my brand. I love to collaborate with store owners, spa owners, boutique owners, etc. I even have a men’s line, so barber shops too. You can contact me through my website www.soapsbylela.com or email [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soapsbylela.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/soapsbylela
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/soapsbylela
- Youtube: @soapsbylela
