Meet Lamara Smith | Entrepreneur & Social Media influencer

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

Hi Lamara, how do you think about risk?
In order to live you have to take a risk. There are risk factors that play apart in our everyday life wether we know it or not. It can be as simple as promoting our business, or applying for a new job. The risk in both situations is being told no. I have learned and is still learning that the worst thing that can happen in taking risk is being told no. The best thing that can happen in risk is that you get what you want out of it. Both are apart of life, and both are essential to growth.

The risk I take in my life and career is showing my face to whoever I can while being the face of my business and brand. My career requires me to network, talk and promote my business because it is still a growing small business. With out me putting myself out there, no one will ever hear about my business. Then, my business will fail to grow. Taking the risk of speaking and “shamelessly” promoting myself is what helps my business grows, while filling my life with a new network of people. Don’t get me wrong, I have gotten told no. But, I have gotten told yes more.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is Gxld Natural Skincare. It is a vegan skincare company offering products ranging from body/face cremes and exfoliates. Gxld Natural products are based on simple ingredients like shea butter blends and oils. No chemicals, preservatives or fragrances are ever added in to the products. What sets us apart is how simple our products are made. Our customers are able to read and comprehend what they are actually putting on their skin. Gxld Natural products helps to achieve skin hydration, natural glow and a healthy clear appearance.

I am most excited for our relaunch in Nov 2021. Gxld Natural has gotten new packaging, new product lines, and a new logo! After three years, I wanted to upgrade Gxld Natural look. I wanted the look to match the quality of the product. I wanted the look to scream ‘HIGH END” but the cost to always be affordable.

I am where I am today business-wise because I am never afraid to admit if I am wrong or if I need to go back to the drawing board. In business things change so fast, especially when you are new to business. You have to sometimes be able to roll with the punches, good or bad. You have to be able to bend or fold to best help your business grow. Sometimes it means trying new things, seeing if it works, or changing it if it doesn’t work. It is all a learning process. It is not easy, but it becomes easy. You overcome the bad days with taking it as a lesson. The lesson learned keeps you from making the same mistake twice.

A few lessons that I have learned is first, always have a FAQ/Policy page. This saves everyone time and can always help you in the long run. Make sure you, as the business owner is always following this policy no short cuts for anyone. Second, always communicate with your clients or customers. They will never get upset for how much you communicate with them about their order. Especially if they have already paid. Last, hold your business with integrity and respect. The way you talk about your business is the way everyone will. Hold your business to the level and accountability you will hold someone else’s,

I want the world to know that me, my brand and my story is all one. I started as an insecure little girl, that was very uncomfortable in her own skin. So uncomfortable she hid behind makeup, hair, and people till she seen her true beauty when creating her brand. My brand Gxld Natural is to show women that same true beauty, in THEIR OWN SKIN. Makeup, hair and clothes are fun. But, we are just as beautiful without it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When visiting the city of Detroit, Mi Better make sure its summer, because our winters are COLD! But the first place to stop is a downtown area called Campus Martius. This area is filled with shops, restaurants and a great place to sit and just people watch. My favorite restaurant in that area is Lumen. It has indoor and outdoor seating and always have a great ambiance, While in Downtown Detroit a few places to stop by will always be all of the amazing museums. We have the Detroit Institute of Art Museum, Historical Michigan and Detroit Museum, Motown Museums, Contempary Art Musem and even a hands on Science Center. To end any night it can be done peacefully on Belle Isle. Just 5 mins from Downtown Detroit and a couple mins over a bridge. Belle Isle is mostly peaceful as you can sit by the water hearing the waves of the Detroit River crash against the rocks of the island, .When Belle Isle closes at sundown, there is still Detroit Riverwalk where you can still catch a good breeze , and relax to the sounds of the water,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Success can never be achieved soul on your own. First, as cliché as it is, my parents are one reason why I am here as strong and determined as I am. My mother always allowed me to be comfortable with exploring my passions. Wether it was art, fashion, dance, or business, she always gave me the freedom to try it. My father always taught me how to think ahead, long term. What we do today, affects the future. Second, my younger siblings. They are still very young, but always remind me to still dream. I want to make them proud of course, but knowing how much they look up to me is that extra push. Last, but never least in my heart is my husband Gregory Smith. He taught me truly that whatever you want in life is yours, if you want it bad enough. On the days I wanted to give up, he reminds me of the light I have to shine on others. There are soo many more people I can mention. Family is everything to me, and I thank all of them for their support to never give up.

Website: www.shopgxldnatural.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mari.gxld/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariGxld

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrkHK6pA6YaqU5Z5ijN9f5A

Image Credits
Devante Frisco, Gregory Smith