We were lucky to catch up with ASHEQUKA LACEY recently and have shared our conversation below.

ASHEQUKA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I came up with the name Baby Bays Natural’s because it’s my sons last name and the brand was created because of him

ASHEQUKA, 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 Ashequka Lacey and I am from Ohio. I have a publishing company called Inspiring Jreams where I offer book coaching and and author services.I am also an author of two children’s books Jakobi and Me and The Little Girl with The BIG Name. I also have an all-natural skincare line Baby Bays Natural’s that helps babies that suffer with eczema, dry skin and sensitive skin. I love each of my companies because they solve different problems. With publishing I’m helping someone write a book and helping their vision come to life. With my skincare line I’m helping parents make their babies comfortable by helping to heal their children’s skin. I rote my first book based on my sons. My youngest son Jakobi was born with a rare form of dwarfism and I wanted to bring awareness to his condition. The beat way to that to me was to write a children’s book. My second book is based on me because I was once a little who had a big name. I wanted to write a book affirming other little girls and letting them know how special they are. I’m passionate about my businesses and I’m walking in my purpose.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I remember when I first started my publishing company I hosted a virtual open house for authors, illustrators, and editors. No one shows up. I sat on zoom for 45 minutes. I was disappointed but more importantly I showed up for myself when no one else did. Fast forward I have people reaching out to me. I don’t have to have open houses anymore. I never gave up.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

When I decided to start a skincare line I honestly didn’t know where to start. I did a bunch of research trying to figure it out. When I recieved my stimulus check I hired a chemist to help me formulate a formula based off of what type of skincare I wanted to provide to my customers. Once I had the formula it was time for me to make the products on my own in my kitchen. I did it!! It worked! I pack, label, and ship everything myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: Inspiringjreams.com
• Instagram: @babybaysnaturals @inspiringjreams
• Facebook: Baby Bays Natural’s/ inspiring Jreams