We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Robinson; MBA, MMS, RMA. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
My nail polish brand started as a desire to help my mom find nail polish she could enjoy, yet turned into our legacy brand, Inspired by my mom but named with intention and purpose!
SO HOW DID WE GET THE NAME DEMIblue?
“DEMI” is my granddaughter’s name and she loves nail polish AND well, “Blue” is my favorite color-which represents the meaning of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith, and intelligence.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Michelle Robinson; Founder & CEO of MBiz Consulting, DEMIblue Natural Nails DEMIblue Natural Nails, LLC, DEMIblue For Girls, and the Creator of the FB Group, St. Louis Business Besties STL Business Besties Michelle Robinson is a visionary entrepreneur with a driving force dedicated to her community. From empowering and guiding entrepreneurs on their transformative journeys, to educating women about toxic nail polish and providing healthier options, through her personal brand -DEMIblue, to hosting training and workshops to help entrepreneurs scale in business, Michelle has carved out a distinguished reputation as a mentor, strategist, and catalyst for success in the entrepreneurial landscape. Guided by her innate commitment to innovation and empowerment, Michelle established various businesses as a platform to bridge the gap between aspirations and achievements. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her a place as a trailblazer in business consultancy.
Michelle has serviced the St. Louis Healthcare and Education industries for over 18 years and has earned a dual masters degree in Business Administration and Managerial Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development, is a Licensed Manicurist and a Registered Medical.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Over the past five years, I’ve meticulously crafted a journey of entrepreneurship driven by a combination of strategic financial decisions and unwavering dedication. At the core of my business’s financial foundation lies a multifaceted approach that has enabled me to not only sustain but also grow my venture to its current standing.
First and foremost, I initiated my entrepreneurial endeavor by leveraging my personal savings. These funds served as the initial capital injection, allowing me to kickstart operations and navigate the crucial early stages of business development. This initial investment laid the groundwork for what was to come, providing the necessary resources to establish a solid foothold in the market.
As my business began to gain traction, I recognized the importance of diversifying my financial sources to fuel further expansion. This led me to explore opportunities for investments, strategically allocating funds into areas of potential growth and innovation. By judiciously selecting investment avenues aligned with my business goals, I was able to amplify the impact of my personal savings and accelerate the pace of development.
A significant milestone in my journey came in the form of winning multiple pitch competitions and securing over a half-million dollars in business grant money over a five year timeframe. These achievements not only validated the viability and potential of my venture but also provided a substantial injection of capital without the burden of repayment. The grant funds were instrumental in catalyzing various strategic initiatives, from product development to market expansion, driving sustained momentum and reinforcing the foundation for long-term success.
Additionally, I recognized the importance of establishing a robust credit profile for my business. Leveraging business credit enabled me to access additional funding avenues, providing the flexibility to pursue opportunities and navigate unforeseen challenges effectively. By responsibly managing and leveraging business credit, I was able to optimize my financial resources and position my venture for continued growth and resilience.
Crucially, I adopted a philosophy of reinvesting profits back into the business, further fueling its growth trajectory. Rather than solely focusing on short-term gains, I prioritized long-term sustainability and scalability, channeling profits into strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and fostering innovation.
As a result of these concerted efforts, my self-funded business has flourished over the past five years, achieving significant milestones and garnering industry recognition. Now, as I embark on the next phase of growth and expansion, I recognize the need to augment my financial resources through external fundraising efforts. Armed with a proven track record of financial prudence and strategic foresight, I am confident in my ability to secure the necessary capital to propel my business to new heights.
In essence, my journey epitomizes the power of strategic financial management, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination in driving entrepreneurial success. Through a blend of personal savings, investments, grant funding, business credit, and reinvested profits, I have laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and positioned my business for continued prosperity in the years to come.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Navigating through corporate restructuring not once, but twice within a span of six years was undoubtedly a pivotal juncture in my career journey. Each instance left me grappling with a sense of instability, prompting deep reflection on the importance of establishing a solid financial foundation and charting a path towards greater stability and autonomy.
It was during these challenging times that the seeds of entrepreneurship began to take root within me. Recognizing the inherent volatility of the corporate landscape, I was driven to pursue avenues that offered greater control over my destiny and the opportunity to create lasting impact. The notion of building my own business emerged as a beacon of stability amidst the turbulence, offering the promise of financial security and the freedom to chart my own course.
Moreover, the personal journey of witnessing my mother’s battle with breast cancer served as a profound catalyst for introspection and action. Her resilience and courage in the face of adversity inspired me to channel my energies towards creating meaningful solutions that could positively impact the lives of others. It was from this deeply personal experience that the idea for a community-driven business took shape—a venture aimed not only at generating financial stability for myself and my family but also at making a tangible difference in the world.
By leveraging the foundation laid by my mother’s journey, I embarked on a mission to build a business that transcended mere profit-seeking, prioritizing social impact and community empowerment. This journey of entrepreneurship has been guided by a steadfast commitment to creating value, both for my family and for the broader community we serve.
In hindsight, the challenges of corporate restructuring served as catalysts for personal and professional growth, instilling in me the resilience and determination necessary to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Through the ups and downs of building my own business, I have come to appreciate the profound significance of financial stability as a cornerstone of success—a lesson learned through firsthand experience and reinforced by the enduring legacy of my mother’s journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demibluenaturalnails.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demibluenn
- Facebook: DEMIblue Natural Nails
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michelle-robinson40
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/demibluenn
Image Credits
Headshot Credits: Church Productions Product Photography: Clear Ambitions Media