Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Phillips.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My business journey began with a deeply personal and transformative experience. Growing up, I always had an interest in natural remedies and holistic health. However, it wasn’t until my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that my passion turned into a mission. Watching her struggle and eventually lose her battle with this devastating disease made me acutely aware of the importance of health and wellness. I felt a profound need to educate others on living healthier lives to potentially prevent such tragedies.
This drive led me to become a certified herbalist and nutrition consultant. Over the years, I experimented with various dietary lifestyles, moving from pescatarian to vegetarian, and finally adopting a plant-based diet in 2016. This journey not only improved my own health but also deepened my understanding of how food and natural products can impact overall well-being.
In 2020, I founded Laguna Lily under SNP Naturals, with a commitment to creating high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products. My goal was to develop a line that used only the finest plant-based ingredients, free from toxins and preservatives, and packaged in environmentally friendly materials. I wanted to offer products that were not only good for the skin but also aligned with a holistic approach to beauty and health.
Throughout my life, I faced personal challenges, including acne, depression, and binge eating. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul. I learned that true beauty and health come from a balanced and holistic lifestyle. This philosophy became the foundation of Laguna Lily, where we promote the idea that flourishing the way nature intended is the path to true well-being.
In addition to creating skincare products, I started offering nutrition and skincare workshops. These workshops are designed to educate and empower individuals to take control of their health through informed choices about what they put in and on their bodies. Seeing the positive changes in people’s lives as they adopt these practices has been incredibly rewarding.
Today, Laguna Lily is more than just a skincare brand; it’s a community dedicated to holistic wellness. I continue to expand my knowledge and share my journey, hoping to inspire others to make beneficial changes in their lives. My mother’s legacy lives on through this work, as I strive to honor her memory by helping others achieve health and happiness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My business journey with Laguna Lily has been marked by several obstacles that have tested my resilience and determination.
Starting Up: One of the initial challenges was the daunting task of starting a business from scratch. This included everything from developing a product line that adhered to strict vegan and cruelty-free standards, to finding reliable suppliers for high-quality, plant-based ingredients. Navigating the complexities of product formulation and ensuring that all products were free from toxins and preservatives required extensive research and a lot of trial and error.
Financial Constraints: Like many small businesses, securing funding was a significant hurdle. Bootstrapping the business meant that I had to be very strategic about budgeting and expenditures. This often meant long hours and taking on multiple roles to keep costs down. Ensuring a consistent cash flow to cover operational costs while trying to scale the business was a constant balancing act.
Market Competition: The skincare industry is highly competitive, with numerous established brands dominating the market. Standing out required not only an excellent product but also effective branding and marketing strategies. I had to find unique ways to differentiate Laguna Lily, emphasizing our commitment to holistic health, environmental sustainability, and the personal story behind the brand.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all products complied with health and safety regulations was another significant challenge. This involved thorough testing, proper labeling, and staying up-to-date with changing regulations. Navigating this regulatory landscape required diligence and sometimes led to delays in product launches.
Building Awareness: Raising brand awareness in a crowded market required creative marketing strategies. Initially, it was difficult to get the word out and attract a loyal customer base. Utilizing social media, hosting workshops, and leveraging word-of-mouth were crucial in building a community around Laguna Lily. However, these efforts took time to gain traction.
Personal Challenges: Balancing the demands of running a business with personal life was another obstacle. The stress of entrepreneurship, combined with my personal journey of overcoming health issues like acne and depression, added another layer of complexity. Maintaining my own health and well-being was essential to sustain the energy and passion required to drive the business forward.
Environmental Commitment: Committing to environmentally friendly practices added another layer of complexity. Sourcing sustainable packaging and ensuring that our production methods minimized our carbon footprint were essential but challenging tasks. This commitment often meant higher costs and more effort in sourcing materials and partners that aligned with our values.
Despite these obstacles, my passion for holistic health and the memory of my mother’s battle with ovarian cancer kept me motivated. Each challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Today, Laguna Lily stands as a testament to resilience, dedication, and the belief that true beauty and health come from a balanced, holistic lifestyle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Laguna Lily, my work revolves around promoting holistic health and wellness through natural skincare products and educational workshops. As the founder, I specialize in creating high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products that are free from toxins and preservatives. My goal is to provide products that nourish the skin while also being environmentally friendly.
Specialization and Expertise:
• Natural Skincare: I focus on using plant-based ingredients that are sustainably sourced. Each product is designed to be effective and gentle, catering to various skin types and conditions.
• Holistic Health Education: I conduct workshops that cover topics such as nutrition, skincare, and overall wellness. These workshops are designed to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and beauty routines.
What I’m Known For:
• Commitment to Quality: Laguna Lily is known for its dedication to high-quality, natural ingredients. We avoid using any harmful chemicals, ensuring our products are safe and effective.
• Holistic Approach: Unlike many brands that focus solely on external beauty, we emphasize the importance of overall wellness. This holistic approach sets us apart and resonates with those seeking comprehensive health solutions.
Proud Achievements:
• Community Impact: I’m most proud of the positive impact our products and workshops have had on our customers’ lives. Hearing stories of how Laguna Lily has helped people achieve healthier skin and improved well-being is incredibly rewarding.
• Sustainability Efforts: Our commitment to environmentally friendly practices, such as using sustainable packaging, is another source of pride. We strive to minimize our ecological footprint and promote sustainable beauty.
What Sets Us Apart:
• Personal Touch: My personal journey and experiences deeply influence our brand. The story behind Laguna Lily, including my mother’s battle with ovarian cancer and my own health challenges, adds a unique and relatable aspect to our mission.
• Education and Empowerment: Beyond selling products, we aim to educate and empower our customers. Our workshops and educational content help people make better choices for their health, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
• Holistic Philosophy: Our belief that true beauty comes from a balanced mind, body, and soul is central to everything we do. This holistic philosophy differentiates us from many other skincare brands that focus solely on surface-level beauty.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks has been an integral part of my journey with Laguna Lily. I believe that risk-taking is essential for growth and innovation. It pushes boundaries and allows for the exploration of new ideas, which is crucial in both personal development and business.
My View on Risk Taking:
– Calculated Risks: I believe in taking calculated risks, which involves careful planning and consideration of potential outcomes. It’s important to weigh the benefits against the possible downsides and have contingency plans in place.
– Learning Opportunities: Risks, whether they result in success or failure, offer valuable learning experiences. They provide insights that can help refine strategies and approaches.
– Courage and Resilience: Embracing risk requires courage and builds resilience. Facing uncertainties head-on has helped me grow stronger and more adaptable.
Major Risks Taken:
1. Starting the Business: Launching Laguna Lily was a significant risk. Leaving the security of a steady job to start my own business required a leap of faith. There were financial uncertainties, market competition, and the challenge of building a brand from the ground up. However, my passion for holistic health and the desire to honor my mother’s memory drove me to take this step. It has paid off, as I’ve been able to create a brand that resonates with many and makes a positive impact.
2. Commitment to Vegan and Cruelty-Free Products: In an industry where cost-cutting and efficiency often take precedence, committing to vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free products was a risk. These principles can limit ingredient options and increase production costs. However, this commitment aligns with my values and the values of our customers. It has helped establish Laguna Lily as a trustworthy and ethical brand.
3. Financial Investments: Investing significant personal savings into product development and business operations was another major risk. This included costs for research, formulation, packaging, and marketing. Financially bootstrapping the business without external funding required meticulous planning and budgeting. The risk was substantial, but it underscored my belief in the potential and mission of Laguna Lily.
4. Entering a Competitive Market: The skincare industry is highly competitive with numerous established brands. Entering this market as a new, smaller brand was a daunting risk. However, focusing on our unique selling points—natural, holistic, and environmentally friendly products—helped us carve out a niche and attract a dedicated customer base.
These risks, while challenging, have been pivotal in shaping Laguna Lily’s success and my growth as an entrepreneur. They have taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to one’s values. Taking risks has not only enabled me to build a successful business but also to inspire and empower others to pursue healthier and more balanced lifestyles.
Pricing:
- Body Butters – $10-$22
- Skin Serums – $32-$38
- Soaking Salts – $18
- Smudge – $15
Contact Info:
- Website: Body Www.snpnaturals.com
- Instagram: @lagnuna_lily
- Youtube: @lagunalily
- Yelp: Laguna Lily
Image Credits
MeredithLynn Photgraphy Emily Spitaleri
