We recently connected with Marie Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marie, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Battling skin issues can be very depressing and stressful leading to self-esteem issues, lack of confidence, feeling unattractive, and relying on makeup for satisfaction.
I’ve always experienced skin problems, due to my sensitive skin. During my teenage years, I dealt with acne. Later in my adulthood, I started experiencing eczema during the winter months which caused my skin to look unsightly. When the eczema occurred and medications didn’t seem to work, I decided to go the natural route for healing. I began searching for products at various locations. After numerous unsuccessful attempts in locating products that benefited my skin, I decided to formulate my own products at the advice of my youngest daughter Naomi. This was the best advice ever. I knew that if I was having trouble in my search then others were going through the same thing also.
In 2013, I started creating my own products. Lots of learning, researching, and preparations were involved. I began developing handmade, natural, scented/unscented skincare and hair care products for myself. I started using my products daily and they worked. When I realized that the products actually improved my issues, eventually I decided to proceed with launching Ria’s Beauty Collection to assist others with their skin and hair problems. It’s great to be able to create a natural product that works without using chemicals.
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?
I’m Marie Davis, Founder/CEO of Ria’s Beauty Collection LLC, Founder of Ria’s Crafts and Things, Author, Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified in Chronic Pain Self-Management, Administrative Secretary, and more, residing in Salisbury, NC.
I finally gained the confidence to launch Ria’s Beauty Collection in 2015, because of my three daughters and others supporting and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. My middle daughter Arlene went shopping one day at a Natural Food Market in Atlanta, Georgia, and presented samples of Ria’s Beauty Collection products. While there, she approached the Wellness Manager with the samples, and she loved the products. We had only one week to prepare ourselves with the required information that the manager requested.
If the information was not completed within a week, our spot would be filled by another business. This was the only spot left which was the bottom shelf. The next week we provided the information to the Wellness Manager, and we were approved for partnership. This was such a wonderful feeling. Eventually the goal was to get Ria’s Beauty Collection products from the bottom shelf to the top shelf. Within a couple of years, the goal was accomplished, and a display sign for Ria’s Beauty Collection products was also included. Unbelievable!
Ria’s Beauty Collection specializes in skincare and hair care products (Shea butter, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, soap, etc.) for those that may be experiencing difficulties with skin and hair issues. Our specialty is Ria’s Whipped Shea Butter which is a scented and unscented dual moisturizer for the skin and hair. Our products are handmade, natural, unrefined, and made with the best quality ingredients for everyone of all skin types. Our goal is to get the customers from their current situation to their desired situation.
Our mission is to continue providing healthy and nontoxic skincare and haircare products that are beneficial in solving and improving skin and hair conditions for our customers and to make a positive impact on their lives.
Walmart is one of my biggest “wow” and success thus far. With the assistance of my oldest daughter Avnah, her referral and guidance made this possible. It has been a huge success for Ria’s Beauty Collection. We have received additional customers, sales, exposure, flexibility, and more. It has eliminated constant traveling, restocking, bulk orders, etc. Also, Woman’s World Magazine, nationwide, has been such a success for us too.
Ria’s Beauty Collection also believes in giving back by donating, sponsoring, collaborating, vending, volunteering, demos, and giveaways. Our products are also online at www.riasbeautycollection.com, www.walmart.com, www.amazon.com, and www.etsy.com.
Ria’s Beauty Collection products have been displayed and featured in Sevananda Natural Food Market, Atlanta, GA. Also featured in ShoutOut Atlanta Magazine, Voyage ATL Magazine, Queen City Magazine, Small Business Trends, The Story Exchange, Shondaland, Fox 4-WDAF-TV, Woman’s World Magazine, Authority Magazine, Medium, TIME, Entrepreneurs Handbook, Modern Retail, Centerpost Media/Biz TV, and much more.
(1.) It’s never too late to start a business. (2.) Believe in yourself. (3.) Make sure you have a plan. (4.) Be able to adapt. (5.) Have a strong work ethic. (6.) Don’t compare yourself to others. (7.) Be patient. (8.) Start small. (9.) There will always be constant changes in a business. (10.) It’s a learning process. (12.) It’s not easy. (13.) It is not perfect.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Ria’s Beauty Collection was in retail for 5 years until COVID. Transitioning from a retail store to online sales due to COVID-19, has been a huge challenge. It was a difficult decision to make, but it was the best decision. Due to the lack of customers, decreased hours and days, and bulk orders, there was no other way around the pandemic. Since the change, it has been a huge success for Ria’s Beauty Collection.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
It’s never too late to start a business regardless of your age,
When I first created the products, my intentions were not to sell the products. It was supposed to be for myself and my family. Soon I began selling a few products at work. Others stated that I should start my own business, but at the time I didn’t have the confidence. I would often compare myself to others, and age (55) also factored into my decision. I delayed the thought of starting a business for two years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.riasbeautycollection.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riasbeautycollection1
Image Credits
Avnah Long