The web-based, organic skincare brand specifically tailored to Black men and women, started off as just a dream. As Owner Lynn Smith noted in our interview with her, that dream has become reality with hard work and adaptability.
“When business owners first start out, all we have is a vision and a dream,” Smith said. “As we work, the vision begins to take shape and our vision becomes more tangible with each action.”
Read on for our full interview with Che’ Beautiful Owner Lynn Smith…
Tell us a little of the history of the company.
First, let me say how honored I am to be a part of the Chamber and how over the moon I am for my business to be chosen as February’s small business of the month!
Che’ Beautiful officially launched in 2015. We are a web-based business, offering organic solutions, treating skincare issues that are typically found within African American Men and Women. We additionally have our own line of filtered face masks, handmade beaded jewelry and lashes.
I wanted to create an organic skincare line that used organic ingredients that aren’t harmful. I believe organic, and all natural ingredients are the best for the skin’s healing and appearance.
What are you most proud of about the company?
I’m most proud that we’re still in business, almost six years after launching. When business owners first start out, all we have is a vision and a dream. As we work, the vision begins to take shape and our vision becomes more tangible with each action. When I launched my business, I was in graduate school at Montreat College and working full time. I was proud of what I was creating, and it still amazes me at times, that I’m building a vision that I’ve held my heart and mind.
Best advice you’ve gotten for operating a small business?
The best advice I got was: “Be able to look at your business from a constructive point of view. Paying attention, will allow you to see when trends, and demand change”.
Being able to pivot quickly saved my business, when COVID-19 hit our country, my customers were worrying about staying safe, finding reliable face masks when they were not easily accessible. This was a divine, God-given idea that really kept my business afloat during one of the most uncertain times.
Tips for other small businesses?
A: Be consistent in your connection to your customers, and with the products and services you provide. Show up each day, with a fresh approach. Clarify your “why” and always be motivated by excellence. Be open and able to pivot quickly.
Little known fact or trivia about your company.
One little known fact; we’ve designed quite a few custom beaded bracelets for a few celebrities.
We also donated about 150 facemasks to individuals and families.
What’s next on the horizon?
We’re looking to expand our hair care line and we’re hoping to create some new natural products for the home.
Our tagline is “Together, We are More”. How does that apply to your business or what does it mean to you?
Wow, that’s such a great tagline. “Together, We are More” speaks to all of the people who were able to meet the demands that COVID-19 placed on our community and our nation. The small business owners, community members, healthcare workers, all essential workers who still showed up each day despite the dangers they faced. The entrepreneurs and people who started sewing to make facemasks and hand sanitizer to keep our community safe. The people who prayed, fought for equality, those who really believe in liberty and justice for all. It took so many people, doing extraordinary things to get us through some tough times. We’re still fighting this pandemic, but we’ve really shown our ability to rise and unite.
I, like a lot of us, initially wanted to find ways to help. I wanted to do my part to try and minimize suffering in this pandemic. Creating filtered face masks and donating almost a quarter of them, as well as donating a portion of the proceeds to people who’d lost their income, was how I chose to help. These small things had a huge impact on me and the people in my community.