Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mo Clark. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I’ve had a lipstick line since 2016. I started with 50 tubes of lipstick in a plastic bag. I literally recruited some of my friends and contacted my friend; celebrity photographer Fabian Butts, and booked a PhotoShoot.
From there I decided to just post like crazy on social media. I connected with a young man in Alabama and he had some models who wanted to use the lipsticks in a PhotoShoot, so that was a great start. From there I expanded to eyelashes and eyeshadow palettes.
In September of 2018 it was suggested that I start offering clothing as well because everyone always liked how I put my outfits together. At that point I started offering a few pieces here and there. At the height of it all, Covid-19 occurred. Sales slowed down because people weren’t going out, or going in to work. I needed a new game plan.
Mo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Mo Clark, born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. I relocated to Atlanta 20 plus years ago. Because of my social media posting frequency, several media outlets took an interest in me. I’ve been in the media industry for years. Writing for magazines like “Kontrol” and other publications. I had the opportunity to cohost an internet based radio show which lead me in to acting.
All of the these things played a part in me expanding my brand. When I would act on set; I would wear my own makeup products or pieces from my boutique.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When Covid-19 hit, sales declined. Instead of giving up, I expanded the brand. I added charm bracelets, fur slides, and onesies. People weren’t leaving their homes, but they were taking to TikToks and wanted to look cute, so why not get them some things to look cute.
That was a way to start sales back up. Also people were having zoom meetings and still doing their makeup so I added some new colorful palettes. It’s called “Candy Bling” and it’s literally a rainbow of colors. It was my best seller and still is.
Most recently I opened a business office that houses a mini selfie suite in the back. The selfie suites can be booked and rented for personal photo shoots, birthday parties , and more.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I didn’t know a lot about business loans, so I didn’t start that way. I just tested out vendors and stayed with the ones who provided me with quality products. Done vendors offer drop shipping and that’s a semi great option if you don’t want to invest a ton of money and have merchandise on hand. I opted against that particular option because I like to send free gifts and establish a report with my customers.
I honestly just bought piece by piece. Shipping costs went up because if covid19, do I had to move different and do additional research. I still do my research because I want to offer affordable products and of course still make a profit.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luxemyraj.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.
com/luxemyraj?igshid= YmMyMTA2M2Y= - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/shopluxemyraj/