Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daphne Caldwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Daphne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The only thing I’ve ever known is to work for what you get. I’ve always assumed that translated into going to college, go to lots of interviews, and find the best paying corporate job. It worked for awhile—that is until the year prior to the pandemic arrived. That year I had purchased a makeup kit from a friend to support her small business. I wasn’t really invested, I just wanted a good discount that came with the wholesale account to treat myself while on vacation. I needed it as I always put myself last and I found myself at the age of 34 with three kids, overworking myself, and deeply embroiled in a workplace conflict where a unsatisfied coworker wanted my position.

My reputation was at stake due to false allegations and despite all of the coaching I was willing to take to try and work out this conflict, I was eventually let go when a new CEO came in to clean up the organization.

I was devastated. Everything I had invested in and built up in my workplace was gone in an instant and I battled with my identity for awhile because I had unknowingly placed my value in my pride of working hard at what I did.

A few months later, COVID hit the world. Schools closed down, and I was working from home remotely as a ESL teacher for Chinese students. Now that the schools closed, I needed to be there for my kids for virtual learning. There was no way I could function off of zero sleep working in the evenings as a teacher for others and daytime for my own children.

I remembered the opportunity that came with the kit of makeup I purchased and figured I would give it a try. At first, it was more for fun and exploring, as I had zero experience with makeup or cosmetics.

I eventually grew pretty skilled at it, since I had more free time with my children and family. As support came in from family and friends, I realized this actually was a viable way of business.

I spent a few years learning the ways of how to become a social network business owner and was making income, but something still felt off.

I started for a discount and to make money, but was quickly realizing that my purpose was evolving into something deeper and more meaningful.

I wanted to share the confidence and training I was learning to become an independent business owner to other women. They needed to be able to afford the things they loved to share, to make money in a simple way, and get the help and support they needed to believe they could make it.

So, I prayed about it and made a vision board. Two months later, the company I work for now, came into play and it just clicked. The products were quality, the cost affordable, the mission had integrity and the community was amazing. I found home.

Daphne, 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?

Me having a past with very little experience in business, cosmetics or sales meant that for me to be in such an environment, the systems needed to be simple.

I initially started with another company that was similar, but found myself parting ways because their vision and business model was changing into something that I couldn’t translate into my own life.

Farmasi reflected all of those things I needed: simple systems, easy and affordable access to join, very little risk, a large range of products that I already used in my lifestyle as a mom, and the flexibility to manage around my own life—not the other way around.

I honed my craft by doing daily research on the products, what the ingredients did, why that was important for myself and women like me.

I studied the application how other leaders in the industry were modeling and studied trends. I found that I loved to share the science of what ingredients did in your skincare, how to apply, when as well as create fun makeup looks. I have ADHD, so I love to explore and show new things. I realized my audience loved it too when I did Halloween looks.

Why I think this stands apart from similar competitors in the industry is the personalization. I’m not gonna try to sell you something just because. This journey didn’t start as solely looking for an income for me, so that’s not my only focus.

This all started as a hobby, because I became passionate about the expression and what it could do for others. I’m gonna ask you what type of issues you have so I can identify what it is you need. I also love community, I have worked hard over the last few years trying to cultivate a community that is built on faith, empowerment and confidence. You aren’t going to get that same community and personal relationship with a big name brand.

My clients and audience know I put 110% into my work, because I do feel strongly about the mission and ethics of it. They know I’m transparent about things and do it for that reason.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I had to start from scratch when building my audience on social media. I’m not what I would consider a large influencer, but I think I have done moderately well for the time I have started. I began with 140 something “friends”. Out of those friends I maybe had 3-5 that actually bought from me. Every one else had to come from expanding my network. I have done this through meeting new friends both in the real world—whether a person I met at the daycare I dropped my kids off to, or a book club member, or online that I became new friends with in a Facebook group. The key is to be consistent in showing up like you say you will and always expand your network daily. Talk to people, be friendly, offer value. Utilize the tools that social media offers you—reels, stories, all of those things— and use them. It will get your reach further to more eyes. Start conversations. Answer questions, be the person that when they see you do something, you are the expert. Don’t worry about how many friends you start off with- Just always make new ones.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Honestly, it varies. Sometimes it is just talking about what I do in casual conversation. Other times, it’s putting myself out there by doing live videos or creative looks that catch the eye of someone who loves that stuff. I have found that no matter what- make sure you offer some kind of helpful value to others, whether it’s by form of entertainment, education or encouragement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Thespeckledcactus.Com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/speckledcactuslife
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speckledcactus?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@SpeckledCactus
• Other: TikTok:
  https://www.tiktok.com/@thespeckledcactus?_t=8r5MX5otcEd&_r=1

Image Credits

Myself and
Ashley Kicklighter photography