We were lucky to catch up with Leslie Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie, appreciate you joining 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.

For me, the biggest risk I’ve taken is starting over. My first experience as an entrepreneur came with the fearlessness and tenacity of youth. Back then, I knew I was going to make it. I knew I had whatever it took to be successful. I dare admit that I was so confident in my abilities I took it -confidence- for granted. Years removed from that assured feeling, I dream of possessing an iota of what once was. It’s like looking into a snow globe of my former self and wanting to shake it up. Entrepreneurship this time around is a chosen weight. I believe in myself with caution. I overthink so much it puts a strain on my creativity. Someone calls me mommy now. That in itself threw a gorilla-sized monkey wrench in my risk taking.
Nevertheless, I persist. For me, it’s the greatest risk of all. Persistence. Every day I continue is a huge win for me. I am fulfilled when customers send me messages and pictures detailing their experiences using my products. Each messages pours into my confidence cup just enough for me to keep going.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Over the years, I have come to realize that I am in the business of what I like to call “feel good service”. How I serve has changed throughout the years, but the core purpose remains the same. With Art of Precision, I was mobile hair stylist. Profane Etiquette was my retail fashion website where I sold stock and custom original designs. I’ve even been an event planner, caterer, and consultant. The mind of a creative never rests.

My interpretation of feel good service has transitioned to a space I intentionally call The Grei’t Life. The Grei’t Life website is currently home to my product line, Kəmˈplēt Hair Fortifying System, and nonprofit organization, The Be Grei’t Foundation. Still in its infancy, TGL will house all of my creative endeavors as I meld them into a lifestyle brand.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Yes, I make every product by hand. Most of my clients wore extensions and wanted a product to keep their natural hair moisturized while wearing their hairstyle. My goal was to create a lightweight leave-in conditioner using natural ingredients. I thought of the benefits I wanted it to provide and began to research. To be honest, the research phase of development is ongoing. I am constantly looking for ways to improve my products. After making my first batch of what is now Kəmˈplēt Daily, I tested it by using it on my clients and giving it to people with varying textures of hair. Getting their feedback during and after use was crucial to my development process. When I felt I was getting close to bringing my product(s) to market, I knew I needed to streamline my leave-in formula and pick a preservative. Through social media, I found a cosmetic chemist. Kəmˈplēt products are made with 92- 100% naturally-derived and organic ingredients. I wanted a preservative that would maintain the integrity of my formulations. Rachel Johnson, The Charasmatic Chemist, is such an amazing talent. She knew exactly what tweaks my formulas needed for optimum performance. The three formulas I improved with Rachel ended up being my flagship line of products. To my fellow makers, invest in a cosmetic chemist. A knowledgeable scientist is the gift that keeps on giving.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Styling hair for over a decade provided a solid foundation for me to build my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thegreitlife.com
• Instagram: @greithair @begreit
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/leslie-wilson-25205350

Image Credits
Nicole Lynn Photography