We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alagae Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alagae below.

Alagae , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Alagae Smith, I am currently 22 years old. I was born march 7, 2000 to an amazing mother by the name of Valerie Farquharson. I’m from Kingston, Jamaica. But migrated to the US and was raised in New York. I’m currently a freshman in college. and I am the proud owner of a small affordable skincare brand by the name of Poppy Manafe. I started poppy Manafe this year May 8, 2022. with the idea of changing how people love themselves. I wanted to get more people involved in self-care. while treating people with different minor skin conditions such as dry skin, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, etc. so I started with these people close to me asking them what issues they have with their skin and what they would love to see differently. many had dry scaly skin so I made some neem-infused body butter and I gave it to them all . . I told them to return to me in a week with an update whether it is positive or negative. I got all positive feedback at that point I knew I had a product that could sell because I already had the name that could sell. when I started Poppy Manafe it was very slow in the beginning but I kept on being consistent with posting and making products. at the end of August, I got my very first order of 4 items . that customer reached out to me 1 month later to tell me how pleased she was with the products. she loved the scents of each item and how rich the body butter were. she ordered 4 times after that. with her motivation as well as larger brands that have kept reaching out to me to show support for my business and to tell me they love my products and that I should keep being consistent. which means so much to me because I’m so happy I’m being recognized for something darest to me. I’m most proud of myself and what I’ve accomplished and I want people to know if you have a dream even when others don’t see it happening for you believe in yourself because nothing can come between what god has willed for you. And to people who are having uncomfortable days, that are depressing because you worry about your body and skin I created Poppy Manafe for you I want to teach you how to adore yourself.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Before starting my small business I watched so many youtube videos on how to start a business some helpful and some not. I came to a realization that nobody has the blueprint some have knowledge they aren’t willing to share. but always remember cats and dogs don’t have the same luck. so what works for others might not work for you. you can turn a skill into a dream and a dream into a business. you can also turn hobby into a business because a business doesn’t always mean starting with cash. create an Instagram or Facebook or even a tik tok account there will be people out there that want to buy a product or view your craft. there is no such thing as media presence we all have different things we like an dislike. what we choose to engage in or follow .

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me is Instagram and Facebook I promote my business on those two platforms. support doesn’t always mean spending money I like social engagement.

Contact Info:

• Website: poppymanafe.myshopify.com
• Instagram: @ poppy_manafe
• Facebook: @ Poppy Manafe
• Other: email : [email protected]