We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monique Turner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Monique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
This famous quote truly encouraged the execution of my business venture:
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney, founder Disney
While doing make-up, clients would repeatedly ask to keep the lipstick or lipgloss to touch up later. Instead of buying retail products, I was inspired to start my own cosmetic line. Therefore, I immediately researched different vendors to get quotes and MOQ (minimum of quantity) information.
Summer 2019, I finally negotiated my desired budget and sealed the deal. Thus, I wanted to ensure my beauty products provided positive attributes before I ordered in bulk.
After researching the benefits of vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics, I knew this was my niche. I requested catalogs to review all products to decide on cost-effective start-up.
Surprisingly, creating my business name was the hardest part of the process. After a year of brainstorming, a lightbulb finally went off in my head. I immediately contacted my graphic designer who created my logo within 24hrs.
January 22, 2020, Pink Wave Collection LLC became official and website launched on February 16, 2020.
Monique, 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 am Monique Turner, Atlanta native and proud founder of Pink Wave Collection LLC. A vegan, cruelty-free cosmetic brand that offers healthy lipsticks and lipgloss with more featured products to come. I began my career in make-up in 2013 by working on set for networks such as VH1 to start. My clientele ranged from celebrities to ordinary women and men that desired make-up or grooming services.
In 2015, I began working semi-annually backstage during NYFW for a few years. Working on set for major networks and seizing the opportunity to join Fashion Week became my proudest moments. Until I launched my own cosmetic line and realized that being my own boss superseded all prior accomplishments.
I am beyond proud of the support my family, friends and customers continuously exhibit for Pink Wave Collection.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
One effective strategy used to grow my clientele would be social media. To engage with my followers, I ask their input on product colors, product names and new packaging styles. Those daily interactions with my audience via Instagram voting polls allowed me to naturally gain new customers and clients. Our Google presence frequently brings new clientele as we are now a verified store.
This strategy helped spread my brand to states other than Georgia such as TX, NY, OH, FL, SC and AL as we continuously sold out online.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Our company has implemented a “Loyalty Rewards” program for all customers. The stipulation must include a minimum purchase of (five) lipgloss or lipsticks to receive 50% off your next order. To keep in touch with clients I offer give-a-ways each month by random selection to stay engaged. This has fostered a great rapport with our new and repeat customers as it provides customer appreciation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinkwavecollection.com/
- Instagram: @moniquetvchannel & @pinkwavecollection.co
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCtchl4zgI5u3sbrtXjMhBxQ/videos
- Other: http://voyageatl.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-monique-turner-of-pink-wave-collection-llc/
Image Credits
Group Photos by Lesia Miller ~Founder of NINA LEI Images, LLC. ~