We recently connected with Sara Stone and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Everything in life happens for a reason. In 2019, I started looking at how I spent my time in a new way. At the time, I was working as an executive for a corporate cosmetic company. I spent many years working hard to grow in the company. I am very grateful for my time with this company, however something was missing. I was reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and found myself reflecting on my life. It was time to take a risk and start my own business. In 2021, Activate Your Impact was launched. I left my steady corporate job to invest in myself and start my own company. There is never a good time to take a risk like this, you just have to do it. It is easy to find reasons to delay or push back on a dream. We all have those moments of over thinking things. I truly feel the timing was just right for me, I got started and that was the first step. In addition, I had a friend take a chance on me. Marisol owner of La Bonita Beauty Shop was where Activate Your Impact products had its first start. Without this start the brand would not be here today. Timing is everything.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sara Stone and I am the founder/owner of Activate Your Impact, LLC. I have a well rounded history in the cosmetic and retail industry with over 18 years experience. I always wanted to be one of the makeup consultants behind the beauty counter. I will never forget the day I got enough courage to apply for a position. After many interviews, I got the job and my passion for beauty began. I truly loved everyday I went into work and was so proud of what I was doing. I found myself growing in the company. After graduating with a teaching degree and BS in History from the UW Oshkosh and Concordia University for Teaching, I followed my passion in the beauty industry and soon became a Field Executive and Trainer for a fortune 500 brand. This was my dream job however, I knew in my heart I knew I wanted more. I found myself planning the creation of my boutique and dreaming of how to make it happen. My mindset was changing and it was time to take a bet on myself. I created my own path by starting a clinical skincare brand in 2021 made by a board certified dermatologist that allow clean, cruelty free, and clinical skincare to be accessible to all. Activate Your Impact’s purpose is to provide safe beauty products in skincare, makeup, and fragrance customized to you based on your goals and lifestyle. It is my passion to raise awareness and help others find effective products that are safe and trusted. AYI Beauty refuses to compromise health for profit, and integrity guides the path. Our skincare products uses the highest quality of ingredients and the latest in advanced technologies. Performance meets clean beauty and our clients love their results. A beauty boutique focused on beauty that makes an impact. As a small business, we know the importance of supporting local business owners. In the boutique we partner with other clean beauty brands that align with our core values. I feel it is important to help their brands grow creating community over competition. Everything in the boutique I have personally tried and love. Our products are sold online and in other small business shops giving us the opportunity to share our passion with others.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Authenticity has been my most effective strategy for growing my client base. It is important to be yourself. I see how easy it is to compare yourself to others, especially with all the content on social media. I always go back to why I started my business. Networking is a great way to create brand awareness and attract new clients. I love meeting new people and supporting other small businesses. When you are yourself the rest will follow.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I believe it is important to always follow up with your clients. I have found it most successful to customize follow up based on each person’s preferences. Also, I make authentic recommendations to my clients. I take the time to listen to make the right recommendations and give them a beauty routine they will actually use and get results from. I feel the key to brand loyalty is trust and doing what is best for the client. The brands core values are at the heart of what I do which are purpose, transparency, empowerment, integrity, inclusivity, and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://activateyourimpact.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateyourimpact/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateyourimpact/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/activate-your-impact-llc