Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sheila Lemon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sheila, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

After months of trial and error, I thought to myself, “I finally did it!” My sister told me to ask Mrs. Aldrich. Mrs. Doris Aldrich, President and Founder of Women to the World, is a life long entrepreneur. She tried my first complete product. Mrs. Aldrich provided much needed marketing and networking advice. Women to the World, Inc. maintains its mission to support women and children around the world. Mrs. Aldrich continues to purchase lip gloss and lip oil.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and reared in Louisiana, times became tough after Hurricane Ida. My older sister offered to help me get back on my feet in Georgia. After many dead-end jobs, I was watching my sister typing on her computer, she and her husband have their own business. I decided I wanted to control my own paycheck. My sister said it is difficult, but worth it. Thus, Kiss & Sparkle was born.

Clients are challenging with so many colors and flavors. I decided to find a specific set of colors and flavors. These became the baseline for all the products.

The names and designs were a family affair. My niece wants to become an artist. So, she supplied the art. The names of flavors are all based on family members or Louisiana traditions. With family working together, we all succeed.

I do not see problems. I see chances to improve or changes to be made. The funniest improvement was how to fill the bottle. I went through about six different items before I was able to fill the bottles properly.

My most proud moment was when I received my first repeat customer. I was so happy! “She really liked it!” I screamed in my head. But, not only did she like it. She purchased several others for family members.

The main thing I want potential clients to know: It does not hurt to try. Visit kissandsparkle.com and give it a go.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

As i said before, with family, everyone succeeded. I was working two jobs at the time I began Kiss & Sparkle. It was tough. I was tired. But, I didn’t give up.

$100 from every check went to supplies or needed documents. When i was short, my sister or fiancée would step in to provide support. Always telling me not to quit and keep moving forward.

After about three months, I was up and running! The road was bumpy. But, I grew up in the country. Bumpy roads are nothing in the face of determination.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

One piece of advice I received was to go to places you know. Modern Nails is located in Bethlehem, Georgia. It is my go-to nail salon. But, how to walk in and say, “Hey! Can you sell my products?”

After the nervous gitters went away, I walked in the building. Ms. Kim is always so nice and professional. I took a deep breath. Told her about my new business. She listened.

After my two minute pitch, Ms. Kim smiled. She told me to leave a stack of business cards……

One week later, I received an email saying, “Hello. I received your card at the nail salon. Can you customize?” Reading that was such a rush. No more fear! I started asking businesses around town and no one said no.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kissandsparkle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissndsparkle?igsh=MWptaHJwYW8xcWhkOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kissandsparkle?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Robert Moore Jr