Today we’d like to introduce you to Frances Harley.
Frances, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey as an entrepreneur started early, way back in high school. I sold candy, I wrote papers, I sold treats, honestly any hustle I could get my hands on, I did it. I didn’t realize that it was my passion though. I can cook really well, so I wanted to be a chef. The plan was culinary school, but then I took a marketing class in high school and realized I was a beast. It came naturally to me, I enjoyed every project, aced every assignment, etc.
So I started considering other options, I thought I had it all figured out. I would go to college for business administration then go to culinary school and open a restaurant. I thought my first business would be a restaurant or something in the culinary field. Once I got to college I started struggling a little and realized I needed another plan in case school did not work out. I started my company the second semester of college I failed a class and lost my scholarship.
Looking back, I don’t regret anything or wish I could change anything that situation helped mold me into the person I am today. I started looking for vendors, creating a business plan, business cards website, etc. in February but I had to wait until school was over to order inventory….. I was your regular broke college student. May 29th I turned my dreams into reality and launched Pretty Perfect Minks. Everything else is history! I’ve been in business for a year and six months and consistency and determination has brought me where I am today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being an entrepreneur has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been a few up’s and downs, but overall I love the experience and would not trade this position for anything.
Sometimes business is booming, and everything is going great, and then a week later sales are slow, packages are being delayed, fraudulent charges, and the list goes on. I’ve learned not to stress over the things I cannot control, and communicate with my customers anytime I’m experiencing a problem that could be affecting their product.
Also, as an entrepreneur, you have moments where you are just not yourself. Sometimes I struggle with motivation, tackling my to do list and staying focused. When that happens, I take a few days to reset and reflect on why I started and how far I’ve come.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pretty Perfect Minks story. Tell us more about the business.
Pretty Perfect Minks specializes in mink lashes, lipstick, lipgloss, and edge control. I started my company with just mink lashes and then started expanding. I am working on adding hair extensions and more cosmetics, a girl’s one stop shop for everything beauty. One of our best selling products is our Edge Tamer, it works miracles… literally.
Aside from running my e-commerce store, I host pop up shops, networking events, community service events and offer small business consulting. I am also a full-time college student majoring in business administration. I strive to provide the best customer experience, on top of receiving quality products customers can expect quick shipping periods, and great customer service.
I take time out to reach out to customers and make sure they are truly satisfied, I let my customers help with picking names of new products, I send out surprise gifts and interact with them on social media, I’ve built a lot of personal relationships with my dolls and I love to see my dolls slaying in my products. They are all a part of my success story.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
0% Luck 100% Hustle and Prayer. My business has grown tremendously within a short amount of time. I see so much growth with my business and myself as an entrepreneur.
God continues to shower me with blessings, and I know soon everything I have prayed for is coming.
Pricing:
- Mink Lashes $15.00
- Lipgloss/lipstick $10.00
- Edge Tamer $10.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prettyperfectminks.com
- Email: prettyperfminks@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyperfminks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyperfminks/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/prettyperfminks
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