We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Felicia Stokes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Felicia below.
Felicia, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic has been deeply influenced by the resilience and industriousness of immigrants, despite being a native-born citizen of the United States. Growing up with a passion for athletics, I consistently found myself in need of specialized training equipment. At the age of 15, fueled by determination and guided by my high school counselor, I obtained a work permit, enabling me to secure employment at Foot Locker.
Given my proficiency in Spanish, I was placed in a store situated within a vibrant Hispanic community. During my tenure, I had the privilege of serving numerous entrepreneurs and their families. It was during this transformative period that a profound realization dawned upon me. Witnessing the tenacity and resourcefulness of these individuals who, despite facing language barriers and cultural adjustments, successfully established themselves in business, ignited a fervent determination within me.
I recognized the inherent advantages afforded to me as a native English speaker and citizen of the United States. This realization served as a catalyst for my aspirations towards entrepreneurship. From that moment onward, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of my dreams, driven by the example set forth by those I encountered in the Hispanic community. Their resilience and unwavering spirit serve as constant reminders of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to chase their ambitions.
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?
Imagine launching a business in January 2020, brimming with excitement and anticipation, only to be met with the unexpected arrival of a global pandemic just two months later. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, to say the least. My best friend and business partner, Ilene, and I were left scratching our heads, wondering, “What now?”
But you know, in those moments of uncertainty, you find out what you’re made of. Drawing from my background in sales, I quickly realized the potential of social media and virtual platforms. So, armed with determination and a Zoom account, I began reaching out to people online, offering skincare consultations and wellness checks.
It was during these virtual sessions that something clicked. People were craving connection and self-care more than ever before. As we chatted about skincare routines and ingredients, I realized how much self-care had taken a backseat in everyone’s lives, mine included. That’s when the mission of Luxurious Wellniss started to crystallize for me.
See, I’ve always been passionate about wellness, especially for people of color like myself. Growing up, I saw firsthand the lack of representation and tailored solutions in the skincare industry. So, with Luxurious Wellniss, I wanted to change that narrative. I wanted to create a space where everyone felt seen and catered to, regardless of their skin tone or background.
And you know what’s amazing? Despite the challenges we faced, the community rallied behind us. Word spread, and before we knew it, we were expanding our services to include massages, Reiki, and vibrational sound therapy. It’s been an incredible journey of growth and learning, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.
At Luxurious Wellniss, it’s not just about skincare or wellness; it’s about empowering people to embrace their natural beauty and prioritize self-care. Because when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to take on whatever life throws our way. And that’s the heart and soul of what we do – helping people feel good inside and out, one nourishing experience at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as an entrepreneur, there are three invaluable lessons that have stayed with me through thick and thin:
Support is not guaranteed, but it’s out there: It’s natural to expect unwavering support from friends and family when starting a business. However, reality often paints a different picture. While some may cheer you on, others may not share the same enthusiasm. But here’s the thing – there’s a whole community out there waiting to discover what you have to offer. Keep pushing forward, even when the closest circles may not fully understand or support your vision. Your tribe is out there; you just haven’t met them yet. So, don’t let naysayers dampen your spirit. Keep marching forward, because you didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Patience is key: Building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to understand your audience, their needs, and to establish the framework for your venture. It’s easy to feel frustrated or disheartened when progress seems slow, but remember – every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Stay focused, stay patient, and trust that your efforts will pay off in due time.
Financial foresight is essential: Knowing your numbers is non-negotiable in the world of entrepreneurship. Maintaining liquidity, planning for overhead costs, having legal support readily available, and ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage are all critical components of a sound financial strategy. This not only provides peace of mind but also allows for flexibility and the ability to seize opportunities as they arise. In a constantly evolving business landscape, being financially prepared gives you the freedom to pivot thoughtfully and navigate challenges with confidence.
In essence, entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. But armed with these lessons – the importance of resilience, patience, and financial foresight – you’ll be better equipped to navigate the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial path. Keep marching forward, because the destination is worth every step of the journey.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Running a business is more than just a full-time job; it’s a commitment that demands your attention around the clock. It’s a relentless cycle where plans are made, but rarely unfold as expected. The to-do list seems to grow endlessly, often becoming overwhelming.
In the midst of this chaos, I’ve found solace in a simple yet effective strategy: prioritization. When the weight of tasks becomes too heavy to bear, I take a step back and reassess. I identify the 3 to 5 major tasks that absolutely must be accomplished that day. These become my non-negotiable priorities, my North Star guiding me through the storm.
With a clear focus on these key objectives, I dive in, tackling each one methodically. As I begin to check them off one by one, a sense of calm washes over me. Suddenly, the overwhelming burden feels manageable again. It’s a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Interestingly, I’ve shared this approach with a few friends who also juggle the demands of entrepreneurship. To my delight, they’ve embraced it and found success in its simplicity. It’s a reminder that even in the whirlwind of business life, there are practical strategies to regain control and find balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luxuriouswellniss.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxuriouswellniss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxuriouswellniss
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/luxurious-wellniss-orange
Image Credits
photo credits @tutesnyc https://www.tutes.nyc/
