We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mirlina Jean Mary a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mirlina, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Being a business owner is definitely a rollercoaster, and there have been times when I’ve asked myself what it would be like to have a regular job. It’s in those moments when things are tough—maybe when cash flow is tight, or I’ve made yet another mistake that set me back—that the thought of just having a steady paycheck feels like a relief. You know, waking up, doing your job, and going home without worrying about the countless hats I have to wear as an entrepreneur.

The year 2024 taught me a lot of lessons, both in business and from the people around me. To me, it was the hardest year I’ve had to face so far. I did a lot of self-examination, and it took every ounce of strength not to quit. But through it all, God blessed me with a wonderful family and prayer warrior friends who have fought with me and for me. Their support, love, and prayers have been my anchors, reminding me that I’m not alone in this journey. It’s those moments of faith and community that push me to keep going, no matter how tough things get.

But then, I would take a step back and remind myself why I started this journey in the first place. I’m not just building a business; I’m building a future—for my family, for the dream I want to create, and for the freedom that only entrepreneurship can give me in the long run. The financial and emotional drain of it all? Yeah, it’s real. But knowing I’m investing in something bigger than just today keeps me going. The tough days are part of the process. I’m learning, adapting, and slowly but surely, things will come together. It’s the vision of a better future that makes every sacrifice worth it.

So, while the thought of a regular job crosses my mind occasionally, I quickly realize that what I’m doing now is much more than just making money. It’s about creating a legacy. The journey may be hard, but it’s a journey I’ve chosen, and that’s what fuels me to keep pushing through.

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.

I’m Mirlina Jean Mary, the co-owner of La Lune Beauty Supply, a Black-owned beauty supply store in Deltona, Florida. I’ve always had a passion for beauty, but my journey to opening my own business was anything but traditional. I didn’t have a background in business or a mentor to guide me, but I knew I was tired of just being an employee. I wanted more—more control over my future, more freedom, and the opportunity to make a difference in my community.

La Lune Beauty Supply was born out of a desire to create a space where people, particularly those in underserved communities, could find products that cater to their unique beauty needs. We started this business with the mission of providing high-quality, inclusive beauty products that represent the diverse range of hair types, skin tones, and beauty preferences. We offer a variety of products, from haircare and skincare to beauty tools and accessories. I believe that beauty is for everyone and that everyone deserves access to the best products that help them feel confident in their own skin.

What makes La Lune Beauty Supply stand out is its commitment to inclusivity and community. We don’t just sell products; we create a space where people feel heard and valued. We also offer education on beauty, skin, and hair care to empower our customers with the knowledge they need to make the best choices for their individual needs. This is especially important in an industry that’s often not representative of all people. Being the only Black-owned beauty supply store in Deltona, we strive to be a resource for those who are looking for beauty products that cater to their specific needs.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the strong bond we have built with our community. Opening La Lune Beauty Suppoly wasn’t easy—it took a lot of hard work, perseverance, and learning from our mistakes. But what’s been incredibly rewarding is seeing how the store has become a trusted place for people to find the beauty products that work for them. Knowing that we have created something that makes a real difference in people’s lives is what drives us every day.

For me, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about creating a legacy. We want our customers to know that La Lune is more than just a beauty supply store; it’s a place where they can feel confident, educated, and supported. We are passionate about building a brand that not only offers great products but also uplifts and empowers those who choose to shop with us.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Yes, I have bought a business. About four years ago, my family and I became the proud owners of Wing Shack, a restaurant that has been a staple in the Conway community of Orlando for over 30 years. Wing Shack is known for its delicious wings and loyal customer base, making it an iconic spot for locals.

The decision to buy Wing Shack was driven by several factors. First, we saw the potential to breathe new life into a beloved local institution. I’ve always been passionate about community, and this restaurant had deep roots in the area. We felt that with the right vision and some updates, we could take Wing Shack to new heights while still honoring its history.

The acquisition process was a learning experience. We had to navigate the complexities of buying a business, which included everything from evaluating the financials to handling the legal aspects of the transaction. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that we could maintain the essence of what made Wing Shack special, while also introducing some fresh ideas that would attract new customers and keep the business thriving.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Owning a business like Wing Shack has taught me a lot about perseverance, community engagement, and the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation. What I’m most proud of is seeing how we’ve been able to continue the legacy of Wing Shack, keep the loyal customer base happy, and also introduce new aspects that appeal to a younger crowd. It’s been a testament to the power of staying true to your roots while evolving to meet the needs of the future.

For anyone considering buying a business, I would say it’s an incredible opportunity, but also one that requires a lot of hard work, learning, and dedication. It’s about keeping the heart of what made the business successful while finding ways to innovate and grow. Whether it’s a restaurant or any other business, the key is understanding the value of both the past and the future, and finding a way to bring them together.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building a social media presence from scratch has been an exciting journey for us at La Lune Beauty Supply. In less than a year, we’ve managed to grow our audience from zero to over 27K IG followers and 76K FB Followers, and I’m incredibly proud of that progress. Our strategy has primarily focused on creating value through educational content, which we source through a network of influencers and creators that many people might not have access to or come across. These influencers provide unique beauty insights, tips, and tutorials that are hard to find elsewhere, making our content truly special. This approach has not only attracted people interested in beauty, but it’s also built a strong sense of trust and authority within our community.

In addition to the educational content, we’ve shared a lot of store videos, showing the variety of products we offer and giving followers an inside look at the atmosphere of La Lune Beauty Supply. These videos have sparked a lot of engagement, with customers DMing us to ask about products or even place orders directly through social media. It’s been a great way to connect personally with our audience, and we’ve been able to convert those conversations into sales.

One thing we’ve realized is the power of consistency and engagement. Posting regularly, responding to comments and messages, and staying active on our social media channels have all contributed to building trust and fostering a loyal community. We’re now focusing on getting our website up and running to drive even more sales and expand our reach beyond social media.

For those just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is simple: start by offering value. Whether it’s through education, entertainment, or inspiration, always think about what your audience needs or wants to learn. Engage with them regularly, respond to their comments, and make sure they feel seen and heard. Don’t be discouraged by slow growth at the beginning—consistency is key, and results will come as you build relationships with your followers. Also, always look for ways to make your content authentic and true to your brand. People connect with stories and real experiences, so show up as yourself and let your passion shine through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamlalune.com
• Instagram: lalunebeautysupply
• Facebook: lalunebeautysupply
• Other: www.wingshack.com
  https://lalunebeautysupply.com/

Image Credits

n/a