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

Hi Asia , thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

When I was just 11 years old, I noticed my little sister struggling with chapped lips. Despite trying various lip balms, she wasn’t finding relief. Witnessing her discomfort, I was determined to find a solution. Drawing inspiration from my mother’s attempts, I began experimenting with different natural ingredients, concocting my own formula for a lip gloss that would soothe and heal cracked lips.

As I mixed ingredients and tested formulations, I felt a sense of purpose and determination driving me forward. Seeing the positive effects on my sister’s lips fueled my excitement and conviction that I was onto something special. I realized that I wasn’t just creating a product; I was addressing a common problem faced by many people, including those with eczema around their lips.

What truly motivated me was the idea of providing a solution that was both effective and natural. I wanted to offer something different from the mass-produced lip balms available on the market. My handmade lip gloss, crafted with care and attention to detail, stood out for its unique blend of ingredients and its ability to address multiple concerns, from dryness to eczema.

Through my determination and passion, I saw the potential to turn this idea into a business that could not only provide a valuable product but also make a difference in people’s lives. I knew I was onto something worthwhile when I saw the positive feedback from customers who experienced the benefits of my lip gloss firsthand. This journey taught me the power of innovation, resilience, and the importance of listening to the needs of others.

Asia , 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 Asia Dillon, and I am the founder of SassyA, a cosmetics brand specializing in handmade, all-natural lip care products. My journey into the beauty industry began at the tender age of 11 when I noticed a need for effective lip care solutions, particularly for individuals struggling with dry, cracked lips and eczema around the mouth.

What sets SassyA apart is our commitment to using only the highest quality natural ingredients in our products. From lip glosses to lipsticks, lip creams, and lip balms, each item is carefully crafted to provide not only cosmetic enhancement but also therapeutic benefits for the lips. We pride ourselves on offering a range of products that not only make your lips look fabulous but also keep them healthy and nourished.

At SassyA, we’re not just selling lip care products; we’re providing solutions to common lip concerns. Our formulations are designed to moisturize, soothe, and heal, addressing issues like dryness, peeling, and eczema. By focusing on natural ingredients and effective formulas, we aim to empower our customers to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

What I’m most proud of is not just the growth of my business but the impact it has had on people’s lives. Hearing from customers who have found relief and confidence through our products is incredibly rewarding. I want potential clients and followers to know that SassyA is more than just a cosmetics brand; it’s a symbol of empowerment and resilience. As a young black female entrepreneur, I am dedicated to breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, no matter the circumstances. With Sassy A Cosmetics , I hope to continue making a positive difference in the beauty industry and beyond.

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

Dive into the emotions you experienced when encountering this skepticism and how you used it as motivation to prove yourself. Walk us through the steps you took to overcome these challenges, defy expectations, and ultimately achieve success despite being underestimated. By sharing this story, highlight the strength and determination you possess as a young entrepreneur and how it has shaped your journey.

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

Initially, I began by hand-making my products, including lip gloss, lipsticks, and lip balms. As demand for my products grew, I realized the need to scale up production to meet the increasing orders and expand into retail stores such as Walmart, Target, and QVC. This led me to seek out a manufacturing partner who could help streamline production and maintain the quality standards my customers have come to expect.

Finding the right manufacturing partner was a journey in itself. I conducted extensive research, reaching out to various vendors and evaluating their capabilities, quality standards, and pricing. After thorough vetting, I finally found a manufacturing company that aligned with my vision and could deliver the volume and quality required to take my business to the next level.

Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons about manufacturing a product. One of the most important lessons has been the importance of communication and collaboration with the manufacturing partner. Clear communication ensures that product specifications are met, quality standards are maintained, and deadlines are adhered to. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the manufacturing process, especially when unexpected challenges arise.

Overall, transitioning from hand-making products to partnering with a manufacturing company has been a pivotal step in the growth of my business. It has allowed me to focus more on scaling and expanding my brand while ensuring that my products continue to meet the highest standards of quality and consistency.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sassyacosmetics.com
• Instagram: @sassyacosmetics
• Facebook: Sassya11
• Linkedin: Sassyacosmetics

Image Credits

The pictures that I sent are from customers who purchased products from my marketplace, representing a diverse range of ages.