We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Blincoe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single more important decision I have made in my business that has contributed to my success has been to focus on the customer. When I am able to listen to their stories and relate to them, they become a customer for life. It is also about creating, manufacturing, designing and growing organic lavender for quality products that clients enjoy. I created each product to help me with anxiety, stress and sleep issues so I can relate to others when they are feeling overwhelmed and stressed or just beat down by life. Creating a lavender business has given me the joy to pour into others and to connect as humans. I do all our shows. We do not hire employees for events because we want to be the face of the company and I think people appreciate that and keep coming back.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our brand is unique. Our story is unique. I was the first to graduate from college, my oldest son was the second. I did not grow up having a lot or with role models that taught me how to navigate or build a business. I spent 28 years in Corporate America, learning and modeling great leaders and identifying the bad ones so that I would ensure not to be that. I learned what it meant to put the client first and how to be a thought leader. I learned during that time how to be my authentic self, bringing my whole person. Before starting my own company, I was a consumer. I knew I loved high end and did my research on what makes a great product. When I started the Lavender Company it started out as a way to share with others products that helped me with anxiety, stress and sleep issues and that is still what the brand and company is today. I have not moved from the mission and vision to share the benefits of lavender with others. We farm organic and produce clean lavender products. It has not always been easy. During the pandemic, I needed to pivot my business because people were not going to events or shows where I normally had the opportunity to connect with them. I created private events for each guest to bring their close family to the farm for an experience. This was wildly successful and timely for two reasons. First was the families got out of their home for fresh air and able to enjoy time together in the country and second it helped that no one else was there. This created a safe place for families to come and to let go of all the noice in a safe outdoor space. I have now created other events like a yoga and meditation experience, farm to table, photography sessions, sip and shops and more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA – For an ideal getaway I would take my friends to a winery like San Antonio Winery and stay as close to the beach as possible. My favorite places are New Port Beach and Santa Monica. I would take them to my favorite coffee and breakfast Tiago Coffee Bar + Kitchen in Hollywood where my son lives and works. A must see is the Hollywood Stars as we walk to my favorite record store to shop. I would take them downtown LA to see the art and visit the largest Whole Foods I have ever seen, love that place. You never know what famous people you may see in LA along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have three shoutouts! You can use any or all.

First, I would give a shoutout to my husband, Joe. He is the anchor for our family and the encouragement needed on the long days. He has taught me to be kind, empathic and patient. He has taught me to share the passion I have as an entrepreneur with others through speaking engagements and coaching. He wants my voice to be heard.

Second, I would give a shoutout to Darren Hardy. While not a physical mentor, he has been an online mentor through his programs leading CEO’s in business and through his books. When I didn’t have a mentor to model how business works, or to speak life and encouragement into my business, I leaned into his daily reminders. The push and the grit to keep going, the daily reminder that You Were Called Here For A Reason, To fulfill a special purpose. A mission. To contribute something unique has definitely changed my mindset on how I approach leadership in my business.

Third, I would give a shoutout to Joy Broils. I met Joy after being in business for a while through the Overland Park Chamber. She and I have been connected ever since. She has inspired me, mentored me and has given me wonderful advice. We bring out the best in each other, giving honest feedback, brainstorming ideas to move our businesses forward and how to be flexible and pivot when things are not working.

Website: https://sweetstreamslavender.com

Instagram: sweetstreamslavender

Linkedin: Christina (Bryant) Blincoe

Twitter: sweetstreamslavender

Facebook: sweetstreamslavender

Image Credits
tealdoorphotography cherished_moments_kc

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.