We were lucky to catch up with Lateka Starnes-Council recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lateka, thanks for 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.

As a licensed esthetician in a small city, I had to think of a way to stand out and offer something no one else around me was doing. I sat and thought of a way to infuse my hemp business and passion into my passion for skincare. Boom! I came up with The Hempsthetician and made my spa hemp-based, meaning every product I sell or use has hemp seed oil inside. Then I thought of a way to stand out and be more visible, everyone offered Vsteams, waxing, and facials, so I based my spa around body sculpting. Within that time frame, I became a certified phlebotomy tech and can now offer lab work, DNA and drug testing, and moving toward offering IV hydration. That’s how I came up with the idea for Herbal Euphoria Skyn & Body and InvostiX, allowing my passions ti infuse into one.

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 Lateka Starnes-Council, a woman of many talents. I started in the cosmetology world in high school, but doing hair wasn’t my thing skincare has always been for me. I joined the Navy and was on active duty for eight years. Since getting out, I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Marris College, BA in Sociology, with a minor in psychology. I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC, Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Order of The Eastern Star, and Kappa Epsilon Psi Military sorority.

After the Navy and college, I would do various jobs in education to realize educating was something I was good at; life happened, and I found myself wanting more, and I began my journey of becoming a licensed esthetician. That was the best six months and a very trying time as well. Once I passed the state board exams, I became licensed in 3 states (SC, NC & GA). I took training to become a body contouring/sculpting specialist and permanent makeup artist. My goal is to corner the market in the spa world; not only do I want to be able to perform and provide the service, but I will also teach those services.

Herbal Euphoria Skyn & Body offers facials, waxing, wood therapy, body contouring and sculpting, foot detox, teeth whitening, and business structuring. I pride myself on ensuring that I provide quality service. InvostiX will provide lab work, DNA, and drug testing, and we will soon be adding IV hydration and DOT testing.

Since getting serious about my brands, I don’t see myself returning to a 9-5, I see myself traveling and speaking more. The road to being a business owner isn’t an easy or quick journey, but it is a rewarding one.

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

Baby!! Funding a business isn’t easy or cheap. I funded my business from the funding capital I had from my other business. Many people don’t know or understand how to properly structure a business. That is a course I teach and how to get business credit. I rode the back of my oldest company for six months while I established the other business, and once Herbal Euphoria Skyn & Body had enough trades, I began applying for and getting business funding.

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

I would have to say being myself. I will always be authentically me, people need to no you are human, and we all go through things. I’ve found that the more I use myself as a model or share storms from my past, people tune in. I’m not saying you have to give the world all of you, I’m saying just be YOU.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.herbaleuphoriaskyn.net
• Instagram: herbaleuphoriaskynbody
• Facebook: herbaleuphoriaskynbody
• Linkedin: latekastarnes-council
• Twitter: herbalskyn
• Youtube: lateka starnes-council

Image Credits
Jamie Sanders of Superior Images Joshua Gholson of Xclusive Studios