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

LaDonna, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I have sensitive skin and have faced challenges finding products that work effectively for me. Living in a rural community, I noticed that the big box stores do not carry the products I need to care for my skin. I would often drive forty miles one way to purchase items, only to return home and discover they did not work and sometimes exacerbate my eczema. I also tried ordering products online, but many of them were ineffective as well. Understanding that I was not alone in this struggle, the idea of Soulful Skin and Hair emerged.

My husband has been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to pursue my dream. As our store took shape, I became increasingly aware of the many low-income families in our community facing similar skin care issues, especially families with children. My hope is to provide these essential products to low-income families, ensuring that children can enjoy a better quality of life and feel comfortable in their own skin.

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.

My team consists of myself and my family, each bringing unique experiences and skills to Soulful Skin and Hair. I have lived with eczema my entire life, and I vividly remember the dread that accompanied swimming classes as a child. As a Black person, I faced two realities: the water would irritate my skin, and once I got out, I would be left with dry, ashy skin. These experiences fueled my passion to ensure that all children, regardless of their ethnicity, have access to quality products that cater to their specific skin types.

My husband is my greatest supporter and has been part of this community for 26 years. As a general contractor, he frequently takes on projects for our local church at no charge and is the go-to person for the local courthouse for reconstruction needs. He personally constructed my sales counter and built the baskets displayed in the store, contributing his skills to enhance our business.

What problems are you solving? How do you help customers with your product or service?
I am addressing the lack of access to natural skin and hair care products in my local community. Many residents currently must travel over forty miles to purchase these types of products. By offering locally sourced, natural options, I am not only making it more convenient for them but also educating customers about the benefits of these products. For instance, many individuals are unaware of the advantages of using goat milk, either as a lotion or soap. Additionally, my business raises awareness about the harsh chemicals found in many commercial products, helping customers make informed choices for their skin and hair care needs.

Our company is well positioned to solve the unique skincare needs of diverse individuals. As a Black owner, I bring a personal understanding of the skincare challenges faced by different ethnicities. My family also reflects a range of backgrounds, including my husband and bonus daughter, who are white, as well as my bi-racial children. This diversity informs our approach to offer tailored solutions for every skin type and real concerns.

We prioritize affordability without compromising on quality, ensuring that our products are accessible to everyone. As a faith-based and community-rooted brand, we build trust through honest and transparent ingredient sourcing. Additionally, we offer personalized customer care, actively listening to our customers’ needs and adapting our offers accordingly. This commitment allows us to effectively address the skincare challenges faced by our varied clientele.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Near death experiences. Honestly, my business is near death every day. This start-up has been a roller coaster ride, and every pay day is an almost miss. I get by through prayer and reliance on God. I am currently attending vendor fairs (the ones that cost an arm and leg to attend) and participating in community events to try and get the word out there that my store front is here. I am also working on creating online content for Facebook that educates the community on the benefits of all natural products on our skin and hair. I am in the research phase of this now. I want to be educated about the damage that harsh chemicals are causing to our skin.
My business is a work in progress. Its growth is still coming. In addition to the education piece, we are also constructing an online shopping platform so that we can expand our audience.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

I have never bought a business or started a business before. The process has had its difficulties. I started by reaching out the Small Business Development Center. I collaborated with an AMAZING Advisor. She was absolutely incredible and vital in helping me put together all the things needed. She assisted me from step one, putting together a business plan and summary to walking me through how to get the proper licenses needed as well as how to go about getting initial funding.
My initial funding was not what I needed. I did not get as much as I knew I needed to get this business going but I took a leap of faith and started anyway. I am now working on getting additional funding by applying for grants and smaller loans. I have faith that the store will endure because everyone that has been in my store is surprised at the naturalness of it. I have had nothing but compliments and appreciation in doing this for our community. Word of mouth is so key.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soulful-skin-and-hair-okmulgee.cloveronline.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576734600403