We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angie Ravenel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angie below.
Alright, Angie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Quality control is a challenge almost every entrepreneur has had to focus on when growing – any advice, stories or insight around how to best ensure quality is maintained as your business scales?
I continuously strive towards quality. I believe quality is the heart of any business or venture. When you are aware of the quality you are giving or striving for it will undoubtedly show. Nowadays, consumers are looking for quality products and services.
Angie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Angie Ravenel. I am a Charleston, SC native, wife, and mother of two. I have been in the beauty industry for over thirty years. I was a salon owner for 25 years. While being a makeup artist, photographer, and instructor I have learned from the masses. What I have learned has helped me with my hair products business. I’m the owner of ARAVENEL PRODUCTS. We manufacture a luxurious line of hair care products. Once again, these products are driven by integrity and quality. Also, I stand apart from others (competitors) because of my professional years of experience in the ever-changing beauty industry. I am considered a veteran at this point in my life. I really try to take full advantage of my years of experience.
Standing behind the salon chairs for so many years really gave me an insight into the consumers. By listening and working with consumers, I was able to deliver what they really needed and wanted. For instance, my first product, Quick Clean Hair Mist was created because I constantly heard my clients complaining about how they wanted a product that would quickly freshen their hair when they couldn’t shampoo and condition it fully.
That product not only reached the hands of my clients, but it also reached the hands of the masses. Quick Clean Hair Mist made it on the shelves of the largest retailer in the world, Walmart. That was definitely a proud moment amongst many.
Since then, I have added a luxurious hemp oil-infused shampoo, conditioner, and hair growth oil.
I have since moved my products to Amazon. Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world. So needless to say, I am very proud of that accomplishment. Not only are my products with Amazon Prime I also became Amazon’s choice and Amazon’s Best Seller with my first product, Quick Clean Hair Mist.
I am looking forward to growing the ARAVENEL PRODUCTS Line. I desire to add lifestyle products to the line as well. Continuing to solve the problems of the consumers is a constant goal of mine. Those problems will be solved with needed, innovative solutions that will be built on quality and great integrity.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I’m not saying hearing the word no was easy for me. I have heard that too many times in my professional career. It actually hurts and can sometimes make you feel unworthy and ignored. What has really helped me with no’s is a great support system. My husband and children are always there to cheer me on, pick up the pieces, wipe the tears and convince me to try again. I believe hearing no was always hard for me because when working on any project or endeavor I would give it my all and I truly cared about it.
I am still work in progress.
If you are struggling with No’s, try sharing it with someone who knows your work ethic and really wants you to win. More than likely they will help you along the way. As they say, you will hear a lot of no’s before you hear one yes. You must keep going.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Being a salon owner for so many years was my foundation. I got extremely ill and was hospitalized for three weeks. Everything changed for me. I wasn’t able to stand behind the salon chairs for long periods of time. Soon after, the pandemic was upon us all. I had to close my salon for a period of time and when we could reopen, I wasn’t able to wear a mask and work, due to my previous ailments. After 25 years, I decided to close my salon and work on my products and my school, Excel Continuing Education. I really thought I was going to have many more years in the salon. Little did I know another plan awaited me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aravenel.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angiesregularpage
- Linkedin: Angie Ravenel
- Other: Amazon Store https://www.amazon.com/stores/ARAVENELProducts/page/F89A0398-6668-4866-92E2-EB55DAA48F61?ref_=ast_bln My School: https://www.excelcontinuingeducation.com