We recently connected with Tiera Coleman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiera, thanks for joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
I found in my experience that unfortunately, sometimes the biggest supporters of your business happen to be those that are not a part of your family/friend group, and it is also been proven overtime that the work that you put in is appreciated more by those who are outside of your immediate family rather than those that you just me or build strong bonds with due to business. Overall, the silver lining to this can be that sometimes, those strangers then become chosen family/framily.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Tiera, the visionary behind LunaSol Beauty. My journey into this industry was ignited by a profound passion for aiding others and an unwavering desire to offer a distinctive, holistic approach to self-care. My early experiences unveiled a familiar dilemma – a scarcity of products and services that met my discerning standards. Holding service providers to the highest caliber, I realized that the most authentic way to meet these expectations was to step into this world myself.
This path led me to craft products I’d wholeheartedly entrust to my own family. Simultaneously, I introduced services I personally yearned for. But LunaSol Beauty is more than just a business; it’s a sanctuary. My inspiration was drawn from witnessing people constrained by societal norms, compelling me to create a space where individuality thrives and inner harmony blossoms.
Our mission at LunaSol Beauty is to empower our clients to achieve whole-person harmony through intentional self-care practices. We offer an array of services, from natural and enhanced nail care to makeup artistry, yoni steaming, mobile massage treatments, divination, Past Life Regression therapy, and spiritual mentoring. Yet, what truly distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to vegan-ish and sensitive skin-friendly products. We’ve thoughtfully curated a range, including deodorants, whipped body butters, scrubs, oils, and shimmer drops, all formulated with skin-friendly ingredients, ensuring no compromises are made between luxury and skin health.
But our identity extends beyond products and services; we’re a platform for diversity and inclusivity. Our team comprises remarkable women from black, Afro-Latina, and Latina backgrounds, with 60% identifying as LGBTQ. This diversity enriches our brand and allows us to connect with a broad spectrum of individuals seeking personalized self-care experiences.
LunaSol Beauty’s growth since its inception has been a source of immense pride. From my humble beginnings as an unlicensed high school nail technician to leading a thriving beauty and spa business, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our rapid expansion is one of our proudest achievements, fueled by an unwavering “No, Bigger!” attitude.
However, our true source of pride lies in the transformative impact we’re making in our community. Many of our team members actively engage in community services, including doula work and community herbalism. On a personal level, I provide birth and postpartum doula services on a sliding scale cost and pro-gratis basis. We’re also privileged to have certified Diaspora Death Doulas on our team, guiding individuals through the end-of-life process. Additionally, two of our team members are immersed in an herbalism apprenticeship as community herbalists. We aren’t merely a business; we’re a valuable community resource.
At its core, LunaSol Beauty epitomizes luxury, inclusivity, and genuine care for our clients. We’re here to provide tailor-made solutions for the challenges our clients may have encountered elsewhere. Our products and services are meticulously crafted to uplift spirits and nurture bodies, offering a unique self-care experience that transcends traditional norms.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
On April 1, 2017, a significant chapter in my journey unfolded. After enduring years within a toxic environment, guided by the wisdom of therapy and valuable feedback from my cherished clients, I embarked on a path of independence. This transformative period demanded months of meticulous preparation, laying the foundation for what was to come.
One of the pivotal steps in this process was sourcing salon equipment from overseas. However, unforeseen challenges arose, and this endeavor encountered unexpected delays. It was during these moments that I often found myself feeling overwhelmed, struggling to find my breath amidst the chaos of renovation. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons, ones that have since become integral to my business approach.
First and foremost, I gained a deep appreciation for the significance of meticulous contract management. I learned that the devil truly resides in the details, especially when it comes to ensuring that every facet of a project is comprehensively covered. This newfound expertise has proven to be a cornerstone of successful project execution.
Furthermore, my ventures into international procurement illuminated a crucial aspect of cost efficiency. While the allure of overseas resources is undeniable, the hidden costs, including time constraints, often challenge their practicality. I discovered that leveraging local resources can provide not only cost advantages but also the assurance of timely delivery.
Perhaps one of the most profound lessons has been the art of delegation and accountability. Trusting others to execute tasks as diligently as I would has been a personal evolution. Ensuring that those entrusted with responsibilities remain committed to the task has become a primary consideration in my business operations.
In essence, this journey of self-discovery has reshaped my business persona. It has underscored the importance of scrutinizing even the minutest of details, as they invariably contribute to the overall success of any endeavor. These experiences have not only shaped my approach to business but have also deepened my understanding of the intricate dance between diligence, delegation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
On December 15, 2021, I welcomed my youngest child into the world. Amidst the challenges of a pandemic and rising cases during the holiday season, I made the conscious decision to temporarily close my business a few weeks before Thanksgiving of that year. This choice was profoundly influenced by my previous experience of returning to work a mere five weeks after the birth of my first child. This time around, I was determined to prioritize my well-being and not rush back into the workforce. Consequently, I took an extended hiatus, refraining from active involvement for roughly half a year.
However, as with any decision, there were consequences to navigate. During this period, I regrettably saw a decline in my clientele base. This presented me with a significant challenge, one that required a strategic response.
Yet, amidst these challenges, there emerged a silver lining. This period of transition provided me with a unique opportunity to pivot and invest more energy into my body care line. I seized this chance by actively participating in pop-up events and establishing consignment agreements. This shift not only allowed me to sustain my business during a critical juncture but also opened up exciting new avenues for growth and engagement with my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lunasolbeauty.com
- Instagram: @lunasolbeauty
- Facebook: HTTPS://www.facebook.com/lunasolbeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiera-coleman-224640b5/