We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sterling Neilly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sterling, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Originally, I was utilizing my online store to sell self-care products such as sugar scrubs, diffuser oils etc. From my experience, people were always super skeptical about the effect of essential oil products. When you are creating a product, your customers must trust you! I always appreciate the honesty of the reviews. I sent out samples of my products. A LOT of my customers were originally friends because they just wanted to support. Once they realized the products were actually effective, they started to post reviews on my website or sent video testimonials. This provided me with the opportunity to share their experiences on my business’ social media platforms. TESTIMONIALS ARE KEY. For example, if something is damaged in the shipping process, share that ALONG with how the company remedied the issue and how effective the product is when it is resent to you. People want to know your real experience with the brand, the good and the bad. Sharing these testimonials gave the customers who did not know me personally a sneak peak of the person and brand they would be investing their funds in. Give them transparency.

About a year later, I received my esthetician license and added services to my site. I started to post consistently on instagram, which has always been the hardest part of running my business for me. I started using reels for clients to see the face behind the brand and posting more informational graphics. When it comes to skin, waxing, brows etc. your client NEEDS to know that you are knowledgable. I also posted a lot of before and after’s of waxing on myself! I wanted my clients to know that I know exactly what the process feels like, I know how much pressure I’m using, I know the effectiveness of my technique, etc. I shared a video where certain paste did not work for me and I searched for new pastes. Being consistent and transparent, drew my clients who were not friends to me.

When I received my first client who was not a friend for sugaring services, I was SUPER nervous. I had to make sure my work area was spotless, the smell was amazing, the view when they walk in was on point. Just tiny things making sure I created the correct spa environment. When she arrived, everything flowed so naturally. Throughout the service, I asked her level of comfort, asked if she needed any breaks, etc. making sure she was comfortable. At the end of the service, I was so proud of myself and relieved! Accepting your first client and providing a good service is a HUGE accolade. I felt a weight lift and knew that my business would continue to grow.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

To start I am a mother, an educator, a Licensed Esthetician, and a business owner. Over the years of going through the motions of life, I developed a love for meditation, aromatherapy and the use of essential oils. I began using them for my anxiety during my undergraduate years. I started by using oils before bed or any time, I felt overwhelmed and began to feel a tingling sensation in my lips. After realizing they worked for me, I increased my collection of aromatherapy candles and became more consistent with morning meditation. These practices were effective for me.

I decided to create this company because the practice of meditation and use of essential oils truly helped me through the obstacles I’ve faced, including grief, financial stress, pregnancy. This company will serve as my contribution to our daily or weekly self-care needs. Ultimately my goal is to be able to release products that will allow us to feel a peace of mind amidst all of the challenges we face in life. Sometimes you just need that one moment to relax and regroup.

In 2021, I was at home searching through YouTube and stumbled upon JadaKennedy’s page. I watched every single on of her extraction videos and she inspired me to get my esthetician license. Having this license allows me to provide clients with a confidence boost and takes them back to the level where they are most comfortable.

I am most proud when I am able to positively impact my clients life. I want them to know that I care about their wellbeing, physically, mentally and spiritually. I also want them to know I am grateful for every single repost, like, share, comment, and supporting my business via word of mouth. I thank you all for the support!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I gained the initial capital I needed to start my business by working in my full-time career as an educator and getting a part-time job. Originally, I thought start up costs wouldn’t be much; however, when I sat down and created the budget, I quickly realized all of the small things such as labels, bottles, a shipping label printer etc. adds up! I researched vendors for me to be able to buy the things I needed in a decent quantity. This was such a lengthy process because you truly have to find a vendor that you trust and you have make sure the product is a quality that you are comfortable with. After months of trying samples, I was finally able to correctly price the needed items. I then set aside a biweekly amount to add to my savings. When I reached my goal, I purchased everything I needed to start.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am currently trying to pivot in my business. As stated, I started this business by selling essential oil based products. After earning my license and started taking clients, I decided to focus more on products that are centered around hair removal, ingrown hairs, and exfoliation. Over the past few month I have been researching more vendors and trying to come up with a rebranding strategy. It is hard to dial back when you have consistent customers for a product; however, I am in the process of selling my last round of essential oil based products to make the transition. After this, my brand will focus solely on sugaring and products that help clients obtain the results that they want by following the correct aftercare regimen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.herlotus.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theesuga.mama
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HerLotus.Co/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUo7BN7QANdAj4PbFcImE0g