1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
LA PRESHLA SKIN is a proudly South African personal care brand, that specializes in skin and body-care. It’s the new secret to healthy looking skin. We currently have three products that are namely:
- Vitamin C Brightening serum
- Hydra-Beauty Hydration serum
- Detox face mask
All these products have active ingredients that are solution driven for skincare concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne, clogged pores, sebum production, large pores, even skin tone to mention a few. All products are clean, cruelty and gluten free and locally manufactured. We currently sell all our products through our online store.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
LA PRESHLA SKIN was birthed in my life through prayer end of 2018 and only launched in 2022 after a lot of research. It’s my answered prayer. Prior to this I was in the entertainment industry as I have a degree in drama/ film production but long term sustainable gigs were not obtainable. I’ve always been fascinated with skin and maintaining my healthy skin and I didn’t know that my daily habits and routines in how I take care of my skin and being inquisitive of skincare products was God birthing a brand within me.
Going into skincare for me is to change peoples skin for the better. Before releasing the three products in the market we ran a clinical trial over a short period of time to see the effectiveness of the products which was noticed in all products with a slight brightening of the skin due to the presence of Vitamin C and Vitamin B2. The two serums are designed to draw moisture to the skin which ensure long lasting moisture and hydration. The detox mask draws out impurities by exfoliating.
3. What is your role in the business?
I am the founder and CEO of LA PRESHLA SKIN, but since we are a small company I wear all the hats, from marketing, sales manager, graphic designer, stock taking etc. it’s all me.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I studied at Tshwane University of Technology, for a degree in dramatic arts and film production. Am currently pursuing a business management course at the University of Cape Town.
5. How did you finance your business?
I was working prior to launching my company, and I used the money from my job to fund LA PRESHLA SKIN. The revenue from sales is used to reinvest into the company.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
I would honestly say not all days are the same for an entrepreneur, but usually I wake up at 7-8am. Have my moment with God through pray, then check my emails, social media pages and Shopify to track sales. I would then shower and see what needs to be done on that specific day as everyday is different, one day I could be working on marketing or going to meetings, checking packages the other day I could be busy with orders to be delivered and stock taking. Other days am looking for ways to advance and grow my business.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
I dislike procrastination so I plan ahead, or try balance everything out so I don’t get overwhelmed. Everything in my life is LA PRESHLA this and LA PRESHLA that, but thank God I have a very supportive family.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
What drives me is the God given instinct in knowing I was destined for greater things. Despite daily challenges but always wanting to strive for more and having the mentality of What if this works.. It drives me in becoming the woman I’ve always wanted to be, God fearing, loving, kind hearted and very ambitious! I want other young girls to look at me and see that dreams come true, if you willing to work hard for everything you want. What’s inspires me is my Mother. She was a single mother for the longest time prior to God blessing her with her husband and she did everything to give me the best education and mold me into this women I am today. She’s strong, prayerful and never gives up easily and I believe I get that resilient/ persistent spirit from her.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
There is no specific time or place, as I can get an idea while driving or seeing something on social media or even talking to someone, it happens unexpectedly. But most times when I talk to God and go into worship after I’ll get ideas that I write down.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
We do a lot of social media marking such as instagram: @lapreshla_ Facebook & Tiktok @lapreshla and through Instagram influencers. Direct marketing through emails from subscribers on our website to promote our products.
11. What is next for your business?
Expanding the business to be more inclusive. Release more skincare products that will truly benefit all women and men’s skin in Africa to the world at large. I want to coup the employment rate in our country by employing individuals that will grow the brand in Africa to the world at large. To support a wide range of corporate social responsibility programs, issues and causes that make our communities better places to live. To educate people more on skin health as it’s not just about what you put on, but your daily habits.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Be resilient , persistent, and consistent! Believe in your dream no matter the obstacles, don’t listen to the noise. Own pace, own lane!
For more visit: www.lapreshla.com