We were lucky to catch up with Alexzandra Denis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexzandra, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The roots of my mission trace back to the invaluable teachings of my Vincentian mother, whose wisdom gave me a profound sense of self-acceptance and appreciation for my identity, appearance, and culture. Growing up in the Caribbean, she drew from a culture that is rich in tradition when it comes to herbal skincare and time-honored remedies, harnessing the power of herbs, botanicals, and oils. Crafting her own products for hair and skin, and growing herbs like mint and aloe, she instilled in us skills that transcended store-bought beauty. Even in a World full of commercial offerings, she showed us the art of crafting our own products and emphasizing the beauty of natural materials. For every skin or hair issue she always had an all natural solution.
When I was finally financial independent, I excitedly explored a renowned skincare brand, only to find my skin’s softness fading away within weeks. Swiftly returning to the homemade remedies my mother had so thoughtfully created, I realized the wisdom of her approach.
I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a beauty brand that harmonized natural ingredients, elegant fragrances, and captivating packaging, yet my search proved there were few and far between. Recognizing the void of affordable luxury within the realm of all-natural skincare, I birthed Avalah in 2018. Initially driven by a determination and vision, the brand aimed to immerse our customers in a world of spa-like opulence, all while meticulously sourcing raw materials from nature. Handcrafted in small batches, each product is tailored with the customer’s well-being in mind. Guided by my passion for community partnerships, beauty, self-care, and wellness, Avalah’s mission expanded with time. As we approach our sixth year, education and holistic wellness practices have seamlessly woven into the brand’s core, offering a comprehensive journey towards well-being.
Educating consumers about the contents in products on store shelves alongside their all-natural counterparts has become a pivotal pursuit for me. This journey also leads me to discover novel raw materials from diverse cultures, fostering products that transcend boundaries and celebrate shared humanity. In my quest to continually evolve, I remain committed to crafting a brand that represents the harmony of various communities and cultures, always with an eye toward the elevation of the consumers self care experience.
Alexzandra, 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 Alexzandra Denis, and I proudly serve as the CEO of Avalah All Natural. As we celebrate our remarkable fifth year in business, I am deeply humbled by the journey that has led us to this point. Based in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, New York, Avalah stands as an embodiment of my vision to bridge the gap between luxury and all-natural beauty and wellness. Our journey began from a genuine need—a void in the market yearning for authenticity and efficacy.
Avalah emerged from a desire to craft a brand that transcends gender norms, delivering products that not only perform but also give our customers a sense of delight. The essence of Avalah lies in creating moments of self-indulgence, where using our products is a cherished ritual, a means to feel truly special. Our carefully curated product line reflects this commitment, from our nourishing body butter tailored for eczema relief to our invigorating daily hair oil designed to amplify hair thickness. Our offerings, like the body oil that embraces dry moisturizing oils for non-greasy hydration or the ingenious sugar scrub that exfoliates while hydrating, exemplify our dedication to redefining personal care.
Avalah’s journey has led us to remarkable destinations. From the illustrious halls of Laguardia and JFK Airports to the elegant William Vale Hotel, and local Brooklyn boutiques, our products have found their place in diverse corners of the world. As the brand embraced its autonomy, unexpected opportunities arose—partnerships with TheraFlu and I am Caribbeing for subscription boxes, spa collaborations with the William Vale Hotel, and even appearances at celebrity events, book signings, Fashion Week, and corporate gifting.
What I am most profoundly proud of is how Avalah has organically become an integral part of our community’s fabric. We have seamlessly woven a commitment to social responsibility into our brand’s DNA. From supporting causes related to domestic violence, foster homes, homelessness, and cancer research, to nurturing the creative spirit through sugar scrub classes for young women—Avalah stands tall as a beacon of empowerment, creativity, and compassion.
Avalah’s growth has been guided by an authentic compass, uninhibited by the absence of a public relations team, a colossal factory, or extensive advertising resources. It’s a testament to the power of a vision fueled by passion, authenticity, and the unwavering belief in the transformative potential of all-natural beauty and wellness. As I reflect on this remarkable journey, I am both grateful and excited for the boundless horizons yet to be explored by Avalah and the community it continues to uplift.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The most transformative lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the pursuit of perfection. Growing up in a West Indian household, the notion of a flawless life path was deeply ingrained: attend college, secure a career, marry, raise a family, and eventually retire. However, life’s journey has shown me that a more authentic path unfolds when you dare to deviate. It’s not just about pursuing the conventional route; it’s about embracing the twists and turns, from leaving college, exploring diverse jobs, returning to education, venturing into unexpected careers, embarking on entrepreneurial pursuits, and inviting the unknown.
Society presents us with a predefined roadmap, a set of rules and steps, promising the path to our aspirations. This roadmap doesn’t always align with reality. There is no blueprint for the “right” way to achieve our goals. There’s no ideal moment to launch a business—only the conviction to follow your passion and take that leap. You don’t have to have the perfect concept, flawless packaging, a foolproof marketing strategy, or a specific amount of capital. When I birthed Avalah, I pieced together fragments of my paychecks to purchase packaging and raw materials.
Looking back at my initial product labels, I recognize they weren’t an exact match to the brand I envisioned. But here’s the revelation: perfection isn’t the benchmark. Every step of my entrepreneurial journey reaffirms the power of authenticity, evolution, and the drive to innovate. It’s a journey that navigates both soaring highs and daunting lows. There are moments when I’m astounded by the incredible opportunities that come my way, and then there are days when I question why certain challenges still persist. This duality is the essence of growth—a testament to the fact that the path to success isn’t linear.
One pivotal instance is when Avalah was recognized as a Black Owned brand to support by Cosmopolitan magazine. The news hit me like a tidal wave. The brand I had poured my heart and soul into, tirelessly striving to craft, was now spotlighted by a revered beauty publication from my childhood. It was a moment that stirred deep emotions; I found myself crying tears of disbelief and joy while seated on the toilet, staring at a bank account with just $700 in it. In that moment I thought nope wrong brand but there was my instagram.
This experience crystallizes the essence of embracing imperfection and uncertainty. Success is not about being perfectly prepared or entirely without challenges. It’s about having the courage to seize opportunities when they arrive, even if they catch us off guard. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t hindered by financial limitations or feelings of inadequacy. Rather, it’s fueled by a fierce determination, a willingness to learn, and a refusal to be defined by our doubts.
In the grand tapestry of an entrepreneurial journey, it’s the moments of vulnerability and triumph that weave together to create a unique story. Each step, regardless of how uncertain or flawed it may feel, contributes to a canvas that is nothing short of remarkable and painted with the hues of authenticity, perseverance, and the audacity to believe in ourselves even when the odds seem against us.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Avalah has cultivated a diverse array of revenue streams, all intertwined within the realms of beauty and wellness, creating a complementary of offerings. At the heart of this is our exceptional product line, showcased prominently on our website and sold during pop-up events. However, our vision extends far beyond these traditional avenues.
The expansion into the wholesale market marked a significant stride, enabling us to share our meticulously crafted products with a wider audience through various stores and online platforms. The strategic pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with subscription box services, further amplified our reach. By assembling curated assortments of our products in convenient sample sizes, we transcended geographical barriers and introduced Avalah to eager customers across the nation, who might never have encountered our offerings at local pop-ups.
A particularly cherished avenue of revenue is rooted in celebrating life’s pivotal moments. Our participation in baby showers and weddings has transcended conventional commerce, as we infuse Avalah products with an extra layer of significance. Tailoring our packaging to harmonize with event decor and crafting personalized messages, we become an integral part of life’s milestones, forging connections that extend beyond the product itself.
Among our diverse portfolio, white labeling shines as an intricate yet rewarding endeavor. This avenue involves the labor of creating products for other brands, each labeled as their own. Though it demands considerable time and effort, the fruits of this labor are substantial. By extending our expertise to entrepreneurs who wish to offer complementary products under their brand’s umbrella, we enable them to focus on their core passions. Whether adding candles to a bookshop’s catalog or custom bath salts to a spa’s repertoire, white labeling empowers businesses to diversify without the need for extensive product development.
These diverse streams intertwine into a symphony of innovation and entrepreneurship. Each revenue avenue encapsulates the essence of Avalah—offering authenticity, well-being, and an array of possibilities that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of our customers and collaborators alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avalah.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalahbeauty/saved/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avalahbeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avalahbeauty/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/avalahbeauty?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqnv8cz7mJE_EZC7Wp5UiCg