We recently connected with SweeTee Licious and have shared our conversation below.

SweeTee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

This idea of being an entrepreneur started when I was in high school. I learned I liked the idea of having a product that was in high demand for consumers, from selling snacks during my junior and senior years. I also would get a lot of good feedback on my appearance, hygiene, skin, fashion, and hairstyles all throughout my senior year. Once I graduated in May of 2018, I told my mom I want to start my own business. The response I received from her (Dr. Bibles) was don’t keep just talking about it, Just do it. I immediately started to do research on how to create my own products by hand for my cosmetics business. My mom then took me downtown to get my first business name DBA’d. I began to create recipes and hand-make my own products such as Lipgloss (flavored & scented), Whipped body scrub, Whipped body butter, sparkling body mist, beard shampoo & conditioner, Beard oil with so much more. I realized how much of an influence I had and support from the community I felt like I should add more to my brand to go with skincare cosmetics products. I started out as SweeTeeLips and turned into SweeTee Licious Cosmetics & More. I began to do some research on vendors to sell clothes, shoes, and all accessories. When you first start out most of the time you would ask for pointers and leads from people who are already at their peak of where you trying to be. No one I asked was helpful so I had to learn and do everything on my own. I created everything from my logo to my websites, thank you cards, custom shipping packages, item labels, etc. I had to just do it no matter if I had a hiccup just do it. For me by being obedient and actually being able to not just show my mom I was a hundred percent serious about starting my business and being a successful young black woman in entrepreneurship. I also prove to myself that when all odds are against you you can still prevail, and when it seems as if you do not have a seat at their table make your own table and change the narrative.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Tiaja better known as SweeTee I am 23yrs. old I’m the CEO and founder of SweeTee Licious Cosmetics &More and SweeTee MafiaMarketing & Branding. I am a Black young woman entrepreneur 23. I founded it in 2018 here in Dallas, Texas, and it is valued at $300,000. SweeTee Licious Cosmetics & More is an online Skincare and beauty-based brand. We sell products from lip glosses, and lip oils, Whipped body scrub & butter, Body Glaze (oil), Beard Shampoo & conditioner, beard oils, accessories, clothes, shoes, purses, etc ranging from $4 to $60+. We are what you would call a one-stop shop when it comes to the girly girl’s wants and needs of self-care, skincare, beauty, and confidence. When it comes to this business I’m most proud of the moments I have with my customers. Their feedback is very helpful and knowing that my products and my customer services leave such a positive impact on them makes doing what I love so much easier. The main thing I need potential clients/fans/followers to know about me is I’m human first before anything I’m not perfect but I try my best to be the best me I can be. What to know about my brand is we focus on the inner beauty just as much as the outer beauty, we have products for not just you but the whole family too.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The story of when I had to pivot in my business is one that I will never forget. It was a time when I thought all hope was lost, but ultimately it ended up being the best decision for my business. It all started when the pandemic hit and impacted every industry, including mine. All of a sudden there were no more opportunities for me to sell products in person at events, pop-up shops, or festivals like before. My sales dropped dramatically and so did my motivation; it seemed like there wasn’t anything else I could do to keep things going – until an idea popped into my mind; social media marketing. I quickly adapted by launching online promotions on social media as well as creating video tutorials showcasing how customers can use our products from home safely and effectively during this difficult period of time. This strategy paid off because within just two weeks we saw an increase in orders compared to what we had been experiencing previously! The moral of this story is that even though times may be tough, if you stay creative and think outside the box then you can still find success despite any obstacles thrown your way something which has become especially true during these unprecedented times.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I started my cosmetics business in 2018, and it has been a long and winding journey. One story that stands out to me is when I decided to expand my product line. It was a huge undertaking as I had to source new materials, find the right vendors, get better quality supplies, create my new packaging designs, and more. Despite all of these challenges, I stayed resilient throughout the process and eventually launched an entirely new range of products that were well-received by customers around the world. This experience taught me how important it is not only to have determination but also resilience in order for any business venture or project to be successful in today’s competitive marketplace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sweeteeliciouscosmeticsandmore.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/SWEETEELICIOUS
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweeTeeLiciousCosmetics
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChyvwhmdizQOxnIbti1oypg
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Sweeteelips