We recently connected with Alana Parker and have shared our conversation below.
Alana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Patience. Determination. Prayer. We all may have times where we feel like we aren’t doing enough, I take that as a way to work even harder.
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 am 27 years old, originally born in Portsmouth Virginia and currently live in Florence South Carolina. In addition to my business, I am a Doctoral Student at Walden University to obtain my PhD in Forensic Psychology. I am also a Notary Public for the state of South Carolina. Cooking and making treats that make people happy has always been a “safe place” for me; but after being let go from my place of employment in 2021, I decided to completely invest in my craft and get my LLC for my business, LiftedWithLana. I make an assortment of treats such as candied fruit, cupcakes, cookies and chocolate covered strawberries; I also make soul food dishes & cater events.
What sets me apart from others is my determination. I am a daily survivor of Lupus, diagnosed in 2017. Everyday is a struggle but I keep pushing, I have a daughter that is watching every move I make, and I want to be someone she is proud of. Also, seeing the happiness on my customers’ faces when they get their food lets me know I’m doing what makes me happy.
I am most proud of how far I’ve come. In the three, almost four years I’ve been in business I have met and spoken with thousands of people. Owning a business has definitely pulled me out of my shell.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Word of mouth. I would not be where I am today with the reviews of my customers and friends. When I first opened my business I started with my friends and they would always post reviews and get other people to shop with me. Even now, on social media if someone is looking for something that I make my friends will tag my business page
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Posting on Social media. LiftedWithLana is on every social media: Facebook, Instagram. Tiktok, Twitter, Snapchat. Anytime I make a new item, I make sure I post it on each platform. One of my posts just hit 280,000 likes on Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/liftedwithlana.com/liftedwithlana-com/home
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/liftedwithlana
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liftedwithlana?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AsToldByAlana
- Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeRV28cT/