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

Alright, Lari 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.

Risk taking was never a thing of mine unless it was small and calculated. I’ve always had big dreams and ideas but never executed any that required to take on big risks.
Stability and predictability as a homeschooling mom seemed safer to me, for us.

My biggest Risk so far has been closing my micro-school and becoming a full time doula and holistic product creator.
Entrepreneurial life was nothing new to me but not having full knowledge of the stability and income it would actually bring was, well…. Scary!
Having owned and operated for 5+ years my micro-school was a predictable safe place. Even through dry seasons, it was still safe.
I loved having a micro-school above all. The kids I had the privilege of teaching and caring for actually helped me grow in so many areas that has know been a stepping stone for me now in my career.
Early 2023 I felt a shift within myself that change is needed to be made. Never did I expect this type of shift or change.
God was closing the doors of my microschool to fully pursue my doula career to help moms and dads navigate through parenthood.
I was certified but never indulged into it fully and would help parents here and there.
Once I realized that God was calling to go into this thing fully trusting him, it honestly scared me and I battled with accepting this new journey.
Simply fearing the unknown.
Not soon after I surrendered to Gods will and started Doula work full time and also created a holistic health and beauty line.
Since stepping into this new journey, business has been successful and very fulfilling.

Lari, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a doula, lactation counselor, and business owner of a natural and holistic health and beauty care line. I’ve always had a passion for children, holistic health, and healing. This was amplified after starting a new lifestyle and predominantly eating plant-based whole foods. At my optimal health, I realized it’s just as important to know what’s going on your body as well as what goes inside of your body. So, I chose to create my own product line “You natural and pure”. I wanted products that were created around honesty and were pure and natural. I also wanted a product line that understands that one size doesn’t fit all in health and wellness.

I soon combined my product line with my doula and birth work. As a doula, I educate and support both moms and dads physically, informationally, and physically before, during, and after birth.
Using holistic health, and knowledge, I am able to help people moms combat infertility, birth concerns, and postpartum depression.

No matter where you are in life, I believe the pathway to achieving optimal health and family dynamics can be less complex and more enjoyable.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I first thought to create and launch my holistic health and beauty care line, it was a breeze. At least I imagined it.
Formulating the products weren’t the problem getting the lump some of money to purchase products, build websites and packaging was more costly than I imagined.
I originally had over 50 products lined up to launch. That number soon dropped as cost started adding up. I eventually surrender to the idea of slowly launching products until I was were I wanted to be. I saved and funded my businesses completely myself from top to bottom.
It was a journey and a lot of “going back to drawing boards” and “is this worth it” moments, but I finally was able to get started.
I don’t believe I would have been able to learn as much as I have or sustain this business if I never funded and created this business in side and out myself.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My first thought was through word of mouth but getting to the core of it, has been through knowledge but most importantly authenticity and reliability. Rather it’s for my product line or doula career I sell my knowledge and authenticity.
I show up and sell me and where I am in life. People want to feel connected and heard, and that’s what they get. When I works with clients I become a part of their village, their family. I become their listening ear and space holder. They share laughs, hugs, tears, and stories. Connections are linked and bonds are built rather for a short time or life time.
I share my passion with each and every last one of my clients and that has encouraged a lot of referrals through word of mouth, which in turned has built my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: Younaturalandpure.com & Sistermothersdoulaservices.com
• Instagram: LariShantrice & You_Naturalpure
• Youtube: @LariShantrice