Young and Successful

I managed to score some major girl talk with Lenora, founder of Naked Lady Cosmetics. We discussed the start up of her new business venture and her daily aspirations. Lenora a native of D.C., grew up with a hustler’s mentality. She's collected profit from just about everything including fashion apparel, to selling luxury alcoholic beverages, and now owning her own cosmetic line, all by the tender age of 23.

Check out the highlights below:

(Girl Ryann) What is Naked Lady Cosmetics?

(Lenora) It is a brand made up of sexy all natural hand made lipsticks. 

(Girl Ryann) When did you realize that you wanted to start your own business?

(Lenora) I’ve always wanted to become an entrepreneur but Malacka Reed inspired me to create my own make-up line.

(Girl Ryann) What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?

(Lenora) I enjoy making the lipstick, pleasing the customers. I like talking to women and getting their opinion on things. I like being able to do stuff on my own, being my own boss, and not having anyone to report to.

(Girl Ryann) How would you describe the Naked Lady customer?

(Lenora)  She is bold, sexy, and she’s just a boss!

(Girl Ryan) What are some of the downfalls to owning your own business?

(Lenora) To be honest I’m making everything myself. I’m only one person, I don’t have any help and its a lot of pressure to get the product out to the customer. But I’m actually communicating with someone now for a future business partnership in New York City.

(Girl Ryann) Do you believe that relationships are important in establishing your own business?

(Lenora) Definitely yes, if you don’t network you will never get any where in life. You have to be open to mingling and meeting new people and that’s with life period. 

(Girl Ryann) What is the best advice you've been given so far?

(Lenora) My mother has been influential in giving me great advice. She told me not to fear anything, to believe in the most high and to let the most high guide me, to let go of all my fears and go after what I really want. I’m young, so if I mess up I can move on to something else. I've learned just to keep trying even if I fail.

(Girl Ryan) What are some methods or strategies you use to continue to stay focus?

(Lenora) Working out, swimming, and walking all help give me a peace of mind. Talking to the most high helps clear my head. I also enjoy spending time with my family, we have family dinners every other Sunday too.

 

Up and Coming Events! ! 

• Lenora now has partnership with Union Town Bar and Grill in Washington, DC. She will be vending there every Friday from 5-6pm.

• Lenora has also been added to this list of vendors for "I Pledge to Hustle” fashion event on May 15, 2014 in Atlanta Georgia. 

For more information regarding Naked Lady Cosmetics visit:

Website: nakedladycosmetics.bigcartel.com

Email: nakedladycosmetic@gmail.com

Instagram: nakedladycosmetics 

Money is the Anthem of Success

But Patience is the Key to Success. . .

I'm at a really happy place in my life! I'm now working for a temp agency as a substitute teacher. I prefer this temporary role over a full time position because of the flexibility I have over my work schedule and my ability to work with children again. 

Yes, of course, I'm still involved in fashion! I'm currently juggling between the two careers. When I'm not subbing with the temp agency, I'm out at the office working with 4 Seasons Style Management. I like to keep busy, I feel as though I accomplish a lot when I am active. 

In order to get the proper experience needed to prosper in my career I have to work for others. While doing this, I must also keep in mind that my first priority is me! I am my number one client, if I don't take care of myself, who will? 

It's is so easy to get caught up in the fast life and expecting everything to come quick. I've realized that in this business patience is truly a virtue and your reputation is everything! No, really your reputation is all you have. Everything travels by word of mouth in this industry so I maintain my professionalism at all times. 

So, if it's what you want and things just aren't working out how you expected, continue to hold on. It will get better, remember patience and faith will bring you much success. Stay focus and grind like it's no tomorrow! 

If I Was Your Best Friend

I've never had the type of personality to use others. I never thought it was necessary to use someone to get something that I wanted. I've always had a stickler, go getter personality. Even as a child, I remember knowing what I wanted and going after it, but it was always genuine and kindhearted. I could never understand how people would use each other by pretending to care. If I dislike someone, it's probably because I dislike their ways. I have the ability to read personalities and once I see someone's true colors my mind is then set. 

I simply love working as a team in any form of group setting. I can appreciate the connections, the team effort, and the ability to share ideas. But, I am not capable of stealing someone else's idea and running with it as if it was my own. I do believe ideas are created from other ideas, that is why I enjoy working in group settings. When working in these specific settings the relationships should be built of trust. All relationships should be built of trust, not just personal relationship but, friendships and "business-ships" as well. 

Do you think it's possible to make it in this "dog eat dog world" without using others for your personal success? How do you continue to build your net worth without loosing your integrity?