Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Miriam Okot . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Miriam , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
In the bustling world of culinary arts, where flavors dance and creativity is a daily necessity, I, Miriam Okot, spent 15 years perfecting my craft as a chef in various kitchens. The thrill of the fast-paced environment, the pressure to perform, and the intricate skills required fueled my passion. However, as time passed, administrative tasks overshadowed the joy of cooking, leaving me yearning for a creative outlet.
In pursuit of reigniting my creative flame, I made the unconventional decision to return to college for a second time, opting for Business Administration. The transition proved challenging, and despite graduating with honors in 2019, securing a job became an unexpected hurdle. The tables had turned, and I found myself grappling with self-doubt, both professionally and personally.
Amidst these challenges, the idea of Rich Flower Lashes began to bloom. Faced with stress and a touch of depression, I sought to build a business that resonated with my love for beauty and creativity. Recognizing a gap in the beauty market, especially in customizable lash options, I envisioned a brand that celebrated individuality and offered lashes for every personality and vibe.
The name “RICH FLOWER LASHES” embodies the essence of the brand. “RICH” symbolizes the refinement process, drawing parallels to precious stones that undergo trials before shining brightly. The name “FLOWER” signifies uniqueness and diversity, mirroring the individuality and strength found in every person. Just as flowers come in various shapes, colors, and origins, so do we.
My sister, Rachel, a talented photographer, understood my vision and joined as a partner. Together, we embarked on a journey to create a lash brand that not only enhanced beauty but celebrated uniqueness. Flowers, with their majestic beauty and grace, became the muse for our hand-crafted mink lashes.
Rich Flower offers a collection of 25 styles, each named after exclusive types of flowers. These lightweight, high-quality lashes are designed to make the wearer feel empowered and confident. From natural to dramatic, our range caters to diverse preferences, ensuring every customer finds a lash that resonates with their personality.
Our mission at Rich Flower is to lead the mink lash market, providing affordable, top-quality lashes to everyone. We believe in the transformative power of lashes, instilling confidence to conquer new challenges. Join the “Rich Flower” family today, discover your perfect lash, and let your beauty blossom.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, I’m Miriam Okot, one of the founders of Rich Flower Lashes, a lash brand rooted in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Beyond being a chef, I am a creator, a visionary, and a survivor of life’s challenges. Rich Flower Lashes isn’t just about beauty; it’s about empowerment, resilience, and celebrating individuality.
Our journey begins in Sudan, Africa, where my sister, Rachel, and I experienced a childhood filled with love and joy. However, life took an unexpected turn when our father, a well-known pastor, faced danger during his missions. The uncertainty of his whereabouts and the challenges that followed shaped our resilience. Our mother, a fashion designer turned school teacher, took the courageous step of migrating to Canada in pursuit of a better life for her children.
The migration process was arduous, and we witnessed unimaginable hardships, eventually finding ourselves in a refugee camp. Fortunately, we were sponsored to come to Canada in 1993. The initial years in our new home presented challenges, but we persevered. Two years later, we received the incredible news that our father, thought to be lost, was alive and would be reunited with us.
This journey instilled in us a powerful lesson – never give up. We learned to weather storms and emerge stronger on the other side. The fusion of our African roots with Canadian resilience forged the foundation for Rich Flower Lashes.
The transition into the beauty industry was a natural evolution. Seeking something new and merging business with beauty, I collaborated with my sister, Rachel, a makeup artist and photographer with over 10 years of experience. I handled the business aspects, while Rachel contributed her creative brilliance. Together, we embarked on a mission to fill a void we noticed in the beauty market.
Most beauty brands lacked customizable lash options and didn’t cater to diverse styles and personalities. We envisioned a brand where everyone, regardless of their natural style, could find a lash that resonated with them. Thus, Rich Flower Lashes was born.
The name “RICH FLOWER LASHES” captures the essence of our brand philosophy. “RICH” symbolizes refinement through trials, recognizing that there’s no testimony without the test. “FLOWER” represents uniqueness, drawing parallels between the diversity of flowers and the uniqueness of individuals. We want people to find a lash that not only complements their appearance but also celebrates their personality and vibe.
Having Rachel as the lead photographer was crucial. With her expertise, we understood how to capture the essence of women in the right light and provide lashes that suit their unique features, eye shape, maturity, and mood. Customization became our forte, allowing clients to truly get what they desire.
Our proudest achievement is elevating our brand to have our lashes featured in a beauty store in Winnipeg. Surviving the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened our bonds with clients and fellow entrepreneurs. We are proud to have created a brand that resonates with people, offering them a chance to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their differences.
For those considering their entrepreneurial journey, I want you to know that you can always start something new. Pursue your passion, surround yourself with like-minded individuals, and celebrate what makes you unique. Rich Flower Lashes is more than just lashes; it’s a finishing touch that empowers you to express your individuality and celebrate your beauty.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Our entrepreneurial journey with Rich Flower Lashes began with excitement and anticipation. Months were spent meticulously planning, securing vendors, and organizing a grand launch party to introduce the world to our lash brand. Little did we know that our resilience would soon be put to the test by an unforeseen adversary—COVID-19.
The world was on the cusp of uncertainty when we held our launch. Though whispers of the pandemic were circulating, most people were yet to grasp the gravity of the situation. The launch was a success, bringing together influencers, beauty enthusiasts, and potential customers. However, mere weeks after unveiling our labor of love to the world, the city and, indeed, the entire world shut down.
It was a disheartening blow. We had invested a year of hard work, finding the right vendor, developing our business, and finally launching. Now, at the peak of our excitement, we were faced with an unexpected crisis. Panic set in, and we grappled with the fear that our dream had taken a perilous turn.
Weeks of uncertainty passed, filled with sleepless nights and anxious moments. However, in the midst of the chaos, we decided to channel our fear into action. We regrouped, refocused, and sought a path forward. The silver lining was that our business was primarily e-commerce-based, allowing us to continue selling our products despite the challenges.
Adaptability became our key strength. Shifting our business approach, we leveraged social influencers and collaborations with other business owners to spread the word about Rich Flower Lashes. This not only kept our brand afloat but also opened up new opportunities.
A turning point came when a guest from our launch, enamored by our products, offered us a space in her physical store located inside a mall. It was an unexpected boon during a time when many businesses were closing their doors. This opportunity gave us a physical presence at a time when online interactions were restricted, expanding our reach and customer base.
In addition to this stroke of luck, we were fortunate to access grants designed to support entrepreneurs during challenging times. These grants provided a much-needed financial boost, enabling us to invest in social media marketing and elevate our brand. The funds also facilitated collaborations with influencers, further increasing our visibility.
Our story is one of resilience and adaptation. The challenges of the pandemic tested our mettle, but they also forced us to evolve and innovate. Rich Flower Lashes not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, armed with a newfound understanding of the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s a testament to the fact that, even in the darkest times, the seeds of resilience can blossom into unexpected opportunities.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is often driven by the allure of ultimate freedom—the freedom to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and design your work environment. However, the lesson that I had to unlearn was that this unfettered freedom, while initially enticing, could become a double-edged sword.
The backstory to this realization is a common narrative among entrepreneurs. The dream of working from anywhere, anytime, without constraints seemed like the ultimate success. The prospect of no one dictating your actions was liberating, and I, like many others, eagerly pursued this vision.
However, the romanticized notion of boundless freedom soon collided with the practical realities of productivity. What I wanted to do each day and what I needed to accomplish for true productivity were often misaligned. The idyllic scenario of working with my laptop on the sofa, surrounded by the ambient noise of the TV, quickly proved to be a recipe for distraction and inefficiency.
The shift from freedom to lack of structure became apparent. The absence of a disciplined routine led to poor time management and diminishing standards. It became clear that what seemed like freedom was, in reality, a potential trap hindering progress and success.
Recognizing this, I had to reintroduce structure into my routine. The notion that structure restricts freedom had to be unlearned. In truth, it is the scaffolding that supports productivity and achievement. A structured routine doesn’t diminish freedom; rather, it provides a framework within which freedom can flourish more effectively.
To succeed and scale a business, discipline and structure are non-negotiable. The freedom to manage oneself and choose when and how to work is still present, but it requires a level of self-awareness and honesty. Understanding one’s peak energy times, identifying distractions, and acknowledging personal work preferences are essential steps in designing a routine that works in harmony with individual strengths.
Embracing structure doesn’t mean sacrificing freedom; instead, it is a strategy for optimizing it. By aligning the routine with personal work patterns and priorities, entrepreneurs can ensure they bring their best selves to their businesses. It’s about making every hour count and creating a balance that fosters both productivity and personal well-being.
In the journey of unlearning the misconception that unbridled freedom is the key to success, I discovered that true liberation comes from the intentional introduction of structure—a realization that has transformed the way I approach entrepreneurship, ensuring that each day contributes meaningfully to the growth and success of my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.richflowerlashes.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/richflowerlashes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichFlowerLashes
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichFlowerLash