We recently connected with Bridget Francis and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I came up with the idea of building a company that focuses on getting down to the basics. Since the pandemic forever changed our world and shifted our perception of being “healthy”, what are some essentials that we should not live without?

My first step was taking the time to brainstorm and work through all the product ideas. I spent the next month thoroughly vetting product ideas, asking three main questions:
• Does it promote the importance of self-care?
• Will it help others in their pursuit to prioritize the health of their families?
• Does it solve a problem?

Once I narrowed down which products I wanted to feature in my company, I had to decide on which products to launch first. I then spent the next few months collaborating with manufacturers to ensure that my product was high quality.
Because it was in the middle of the pandemic, I had to figure out how I was going to navigate the shipping challenges. Was I going to receive my product(s) consistently; how I would get my product(s) to my customers; and all while providing exceptional customer service?

Once I had a solid plan in place, I spent the next few weeks organizing and structuring my business. From legally forming a business, website design, marketing plan, packaging, and staffing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a serial entrepreneur, mother, widow, and the first African American woman to start a travel sanitary solutions company, I’ve always found myself diving into my passions and sharing them with the world. I am a New Orleans native, and first began my entrepreneurial journey by opening a daycare. As a mom and self-proclaimed “germaphobe,” when I travelled I always brought my own sheets and towels when staying away from home. With not having convenient and compact options such as disposable towels, bedding, and more, I knew it was time to do what I do best…share my passions with the world.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The story of my pivot during the pandemic is a testament to my resilience and adaptability. When my daycare, which had been my main source of income, had to shut down due to the global crisis, I faced a daunting challenge: finding a way to support my family and meet my financial obligations.

In the face of adversity, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection. I took the time to identify the major challenges I had encountered as a daycare owner and considered how I could address those challenges in the context of today’s world. This process led me to the realization that I could create a business that not only solved a problem but also reflected who I am as a person.

With this newfound clarity, B Luxury Essentials emerged as my venture. It became a means for me to provide for my family, keep a roof over our heads, and take care of our bills. By recognizing that there was a market for my products, I saw an opportunity to pivot in both my business and my career.

This experience taught me the importance of embracing change and seizing opportunities, even in the face of unexpected obstacles. It reinforced the value of self-reflection, adaptability, and understanding the needs of the market. Through this pivot, I not only found a way to navigate a challenging situation, but I also discovered a new path that aligned with my passions and strengths.

Ultimately, my story exemplifies how the willingness to evolve and the ability to identify opportunities can lead to transformative changes in business, career, and life.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele revolves around consistency and a deep understanding of my customers. In my experience, I have found that leveraging social media has been instrumental in achieving this goal.

Recognizing the impact of social media early on, I have capitalized on various platforms to reach and engage with potential customers. Running ads on social media platforms has allowed me to reach specific demographics and increase brand visibility by tailoring the ad content to resonate with my target audience.

Consistent content creation has been essential in building trust and loyalty among customers. This keeps my brand at the forefront of customers’ minds and encouraged ongoing engagement.

Collaborating with influencers who align with my brand’s values and have a genuine interest in my company has proven to be an effective marketing strategy. Their endorsement and promotion of my products/services have helped expand my clientele and increase brand credibility.

Exploring marketing opportunities with major market entities that have the potential to expose my brand to millions of people has been another impactful approach. This strategic collaboration has opened doors to new customer segments and accelerated business growth.

By employing these strategies consistently and keeping a deep understanding of my customers’ needs and preferences, I have been able to grow my clientele and presence in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluxuryessentials.com
• Instagram: @b_luxury_essentials
• Facebook: B Luxury Essentials
• Linkedin: Bridget Francis
• Other: You can also find our products on The Shade Room Shop, https://shop.theshaderoom.com, and Flourysh, https://flourysh.com.

Image Credits
Josh Bostick