This story is part of our 1,000 stories campaign. What’s your story?
Name: Chaundra Smith
Business: Naturally Me, a natural body care company
Industry: Health & Beauty
Location: Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Reason for starting: The reason for starting was simple: I could not afford the expensive treatment options that two of my children needed for their skin conditions. I knew there had to be a lower cost alternative to the prescription and over the counter medications being suggested to treat them, so I set out to find one. Once I had successfully treated my children’s skin issues, I wanted to provide an affordable, natural alternative to the products that were currently on the market to help others in my financial situation. I want to grow my eczema line of products and become a household name for natural eczema treatment alternatives. I would also like to be known as an expert when it comes to eczema treatments.
Related: Read about another Health & Beauty entrepreneur here.
How do you define success? Success is when you are able to give back to those in need. A few years ago Naturally Me was able to give a scholarship to two deserving single parents to help them continue their education. At that moment, I knew I had a successful company.
Biggest Success: My biggest success to date was being named one of the five grand prize winners in the 2011 Microsoft Office 365 Ready for Work Contest, which included over $50,000 in cash and other prizes.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My biggest challenges at this point are expanding my reach to a broader demographic/target audience, as well as converting social media followers into customers. I am now blogging more and sponsoring more events.
Related: How to Market a Business on Facebook
Who is your most important role model? It’s hard to narrow it down to one person. My grandmother is my initial role model, she showed me that family comes first. One of my business role models is Dawn Finch of Pooka Pure and Simple. Her selflessness and willingness to help other business owners succeed makes me want to reach out and help another business owners too. My other business role model is Madam CJ Walker. She did not let her circumstances hold her back. She believed there is no secret formula to success. You get it by working hard.
[box_light]Website www.naturallyme.us
Twitter @naturallyme09
Facebook www.facebook.com/naturallymefans[/box_light]
Tell us your story!
Read about another health & beauty entrepreneur here.
Edited by The Story Exchange