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Name: Funlayo Alabi
Business: Shea Radiance
Industry: Consumer Goods
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Reason for starting: I founded this company to solve the problem of dry skin, something we have struggled with as a family for many years. We have two boys and both of them suffered from extremely dry and eczema prone skin when they were young. We needed a natural and effective solution, so we started making our own balms and creams.
Related: Read about another Health and Beauty entrepreneur here.
How do you define success? Success for me is to build a brand that connects with my core demographic (women) by providing value that goes beyond our amazing product and connects them with a desire to have a positive impact on the lives of other women. If I do this successfully, we will be profitable and will continue to work and invest in the women in our supply chain.
Biggest Success: I pulled my products out of Target and restarted my business. We also source our key ingredient, shea butter directly from women run cooperatives in Norther Ghana and Nigeria. We do business with women and the income they earn from producing shea butter is used to feed, clothe and educate their children. We love the close connection we have with our supply chain. As we grow and prosper, they grow and prosper
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Distribution – finding the right distribution channels for our products, I’m still interviewing and seeking.
Related: ‘Women Owned’ Logo Offers Marketing Edge
Who is your most important role model? I typically look to women who have been successful in business. Melanie Hobson is someone I admire greatly.
[box_light]Website www.shearadiance.com
Twitter @shearadiance
Facebook www.Facebook.com/shearadiance
Pinterest pinterest.com/shearadiance
Instagram shearadiance[/box_light]
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Edited by The Story Exchange