We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ismaelite Laurore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ismaelite below.
Alright, Ismaelite thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
I grew up in a household where you play it safe and my siblings and I were sheltered by our parents. As children of Haitian immigrants, the only places we were allowed to be was church, school and home, not really taking risks and exploring what the world had to offer. I knew that I wanted change, I wanted to see what this beautiful world had to offer. After my high school graduation I took the first biggest risk of my life and joined the U.S Army at the age of 17. One year later I found myself deployed for 18 months in Iraq then again 6 months later for another year tour of duty.
I was glad that I took the risk of joining the Army, I learned valuable life lessons and experiences which help shaped who I want to be as an adult. I traveled the world, and met very good friends along the way. Ten years later as Staff Sergeant in the U.S Army, I wanted to take another big risk..leaving the U.S Army. The Army was all I knew and it was how I provided for my life. But I long for something different, new experiences, new skills. I struggled with the decision for almost 2 years! Finally, I took the leap of faith and enrolled into Pharmacy Technician school in hope of transitioning into a more calm civilian lifestyle and continuing my dreams of being a Pharmacist. I was glad I took that risk, the life skills that the Army taught me proved to be a very valuable asset as I entered the civilian workforce. I worked as a pharmacy technician for 3 years, until I got that feeling again. My gut and intuition telling me, it’s time for another leap of faith. Quitting my job and starting my own business. During this time a health pandemic ensued throughout the entire world and people were losing their means of employment, businesses shutting down and many people in financial distress.
By this time I started to realize, maybe taking risks is my thing; jump and the universe shall catch me. I took the leap, quit my job and focused on my handmade soap business full time. It was scary because at that point I can only rely on what I have saved and how successful my business will be.
It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Although business has been like a roller coaster, I am grateful to do what I love and am still in business 3 years and running.
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
I am the eldest of two Haitian immigrant parents. I have always had a love for chemistry and science, so I joined the Army as a Chemical Specialist. I enjoy creating products, and working with different compounds. I got into my industry by means of the Pharmaceutical industry, but I wanted something more natural, so I started my journey to learn about natural and herbal medicine. I knew the science and chemistry of soap making, now I wanted to create products without the need of harsh chemicals and provide access to other alternative ways of caring for their skin. Products I provide help to support healthy skin and hair and natural ways of personal care. What sets me apart from others is that I carefully think about the ingredients that I use in my formulas. From allergies, to therapeutic needs. I am most proud of my skin care products, because I work on the formula until they are just right and get results, and I believe anyone will enjoy it. I also use my products on myself. I want my customers to know that when they purchase or use my products that a lot of love and intention and thought was put into each item. Everything that I make cokes from my soul, hence the name Sunflower Soul.
We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.
In the beginning stages of my business, I did have a partner. We met at a local market event where we both were vendors. We became friends and helped each other with information on other market opportunities. We were both asked to be permanent vendors at a local public marketplace. Instead of us competing with each other, because we had similar items, we decided to incorporate both of our business as one.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Most of my business funding can from my own savings, and reinvestment of funds through sales.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunflowersoulapothecary.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowersoulapothecary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunflowersoulapothecary
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismaelite-laurore-421210b2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunflowersoulapothecary1404
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/3UI3mmOkUwb
- Other: Linktree https://linktr.ee/ismaelite?fbclid=PAAaZnB_-oz7tjWOkys29eCgEEuooIyyv1KjJR18E053mM2mhZN420YDlipCs