Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Gardner.
Dominique, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For most of my young adult life, I never really struggled with my skin; but when I did, whether it be from stress, hormonal issues, etc. I always paid extra attention to what I used on my skin, especially because it is sensitive. I realized a lot of things worked for a term, not really for a long period of time, so I was always onto trying something new. At times I’d endure skin irritations, minor burns, so the whole skincare routine got irritating. However, people I know and don’t know have always randomly commented on my skin: how beautiful and even my skin tone is, how soft my skin is.
At this point, I was at a dilemma that needed a solution: I admired my skin as much as I admired the compliments I’d receive, but I could not keep using mostly harsh products on my skin. Then came the idea of making my own – SunKissed Naturals. I had been making and using my own products for over a year, but I was never really encouraged to sell my products and start a business until 1. I knew working a 9-5 isn’t what I want to do long term, and 2. my fiancé influenced me to find something I love and am passionate about and stick to it. This one here stuck!
Has it been a smooth road?
This journey of being your own boss and running your own business is never going to be “easy.” I learned that as I am currently pursuing my master’s in business administration. Do I hope for it to be more controlled? Yes. I started in the middle of a pandemic. I had quit my job in expectation of starting another, and that kind of fell off due to COVID-19. I was without work for almost six months. Although I didn’t receive any government assistance during that time, it didn’t stop me from funding my own business and launching. I am so passionate about my business that I used my own savings to get it off the ground with no extra money coming in. Was it scary? Heck yes! Was I faithful? Absolutely, and still am! As far as sales go, days aren’t the same and neither is every week. Now that I am devoting 9 hours a day to a job again, and I am tired most days, I’d rather sleep less than lack with SunKissed. I cannot imagine the success my business will have if I don’t make the sacrifices. Nothing ever comes easy for me, but I always enjoy the ride and the testimony later.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with SunKissed Naturals – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
SunKissed Naturals is a black-owned e-commerce store that sells 100% handmade natural and organic skincare products. All of my products are made to order. Prior to launching, I invested in a certificate for natural hair and skincare from the School of Natural Skincare based in the UK to ensure that my products included all-natural ingredients and to learn best practices for safety and health. We specialize in natural beauty for all shades of melanin. I want both men and women to understand that skin health equals health period! “Natural beauty radiated by the sun” that’s our motto.
So far, I am most proud of weathering the storm during a difficult time the world is facing right now. I could’ve given up on my vision, but the fact that I have so many customers that I’ve known from previous years and reconnected with strangers who have come into my life and support my business – I know I can’t lose. SunKissed is not just about skincare, it’s about health, and that’s what our community needs because we are the people who live in food deserts, suffer from obesity, have many health complications and illnesses, etc. Through my business, I am still a servant leader. As much as I can aid others through this platform is my main goal, and the rest will fall into place.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Atlanta is what raised me. I am originally from Chicago and if you know me, I won’t ever let my roots die. I’ll always let a mug know I’m from Chicago, period. My mom, brothers, and I moved here at the end of my 6th-grade year, so Atlanta is where I endured a lot of transformations and became who I am today. This is where a lot of magic happens. There are a lot of ambitious people and a lot of different people. You never know what you’re going to get, but it’s always a vibe, and I’ve made a family out of the people I met over the years here. I have no complaints.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesunkissednaturals.com
- Email: contact@thesunkissednaturals.com
- Instagram: @sunkissed.naturals
- Facebook: The SunKissed Naturals LLC
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