We were lucky to catch up with Laurel Uko recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Laurel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

When I was 17, I was certain that I wanted to embark on a business in the beauty industry, hence how Afro Luxé was born. However, I did not have my first client until my 18th birthday, just a few months after coming up with my business name. Looking back, I do wish I had started my business a little later and the reason why is because I feel that I wasn’t in a place of maturity that I needed to be in order to successfully run a business. Now that I am 26 and I’ve gained so much knowledge when it comes to business and I’m at a place financially where I am able to fulfill any business needs at ease, I see the importance of not rushing to do anything without creating a plan first. I feel that if I had waited until I was about 22 to actually start my business, I would be a lot further than I am now but at the end or the day, everything happens for a reason, right?

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Laurel Uko, a first generation Nigerian American and the owner of Afro Luxé Co., formally known as Afro Luxé Hair & Beauty. Afro Luxé Co. Is your one stop beauty shop that not only offers vegan beauty products such as lashes, lip glosses, eyeshadow palettes, custom and pre-made wigs but we also offer makeup services to any and everyone. Over time, we plan on adding other products such as clothes and jewelry and also providing other services such as one-on-one makeup services and workshops on how to successfully start your own business.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing your clientele is by offering top notch customer service. I have learned over the years that when you’re not only good at what you do but you’re also intentional about giving your customers and clients amazing service, they will tell a friend that will tell a friend about your business.

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

It would have to be consistency. As of now, I am in the process of re-launching and for the last 4-5 months, I have been promoting my products, which has built up some anticipation from my target market. Aside from consistency, the way I have built my reputation is my having products that is not only needed but loved by my target market. For the last two years, my reputation has been built due to my lip glosses even though I sell other products but the lip gloss is what my customers always look forward to and because of this, they have told their friends and family members about my lip glosses.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Afroluxe.co
• Instagram: afroluxeco
• Twitter: @AfroLuxeCo

Image Credits
Romeo Myles