Interview with Veronica E. Thomas, CEO of BVeja Botanicals
Tell us about your business.
We provide a variety of handmade aromatherapy shea butters and lotion bars in a jar. The majority of our product line is 100% synthetic free. Most of the products are aromatherapy based, but there are a few scented with hypo allergenic fragrance oils. Massage therapists, fibromyalgia sufferers, and others with pain disorders enjoy the aromatherapy lotion bars in a jar. We also offer herbs, essential oils, and other health and wellness products through an affiliate website.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Being a business owner allows me to control the tempo of my life. I am a 4th generation business owner. And when I first began business ownership through a direct sales company, my father encouraged me to never let go of my business and to keep it no matter what. Even though some ventures were not as successful as others, I learned from them and improved myself for the next opportunity.
I became an entrepreneur because I wanted to be responsible for my future. I didn’t want to depend on a paycheck. Over the years, having my own business has allowed me to weather the storms of personal financial hardship by keeping the family afloat during a job loss or sudden illness. Entrepreneurship helps you to keep power over your life.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Having a great team of women surrounding me has been instrumental in being successful in my business. When I needed encouragement, help, or advice, there was always someone around to assist. I feel that women have more patience and are willing to go the extra mile to help another succeed.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I am the founder of the Multicultural Direct Selling Alliance. And during the time that I was offering coaching services to companies that wanted to create a direct sales model for their company, the company Eden Body Works became a client. Soon thereafter, they were on the Oprah Winfrey show. I was happy to be apart of their experience.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Be adaptable. The world changes, and we have to change with it in order to be successful. I never thought that I was a failure when something didn’t work out or I had to change directions. I believed then and will continue to believe that change, experimentation, and adaptability is necessary to finding out where you want to be in business.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you succeed? If yes, please describe.
Multicultural Direct Selling Alliance provides tips and resources to direct sellers. http://www.mdsalliance.com
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
I plan to launch a line of mineral makeup and develop a line of healing balms.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Do not underestimate the power of direct selling. Many persons feel that they don’t have a “real” business if they sell products or services as representative of another company. These businesses can be just as lucrative as any other, but without the expense, legalities, and investment. I actually earned the funds to start my own line of products by selling Avon. I didn’t have the personal funds to invest, so I earned the funds to invest and continue to sell other products to earn money that I need to continue to develop BVeja. When you actually work the numbers and break down the expense of purchasing products wholesale for retail selling vs. ordering products through a direct sales company on behalf of the customer, you may be surprised when the direct sales representative comes out on top. Direct Sales is an excellent way to start a business.
How can our readers find you online?
http://www.bveja.com
http://fibcfs.bellaonline.com/Site.asp
http://www.vanishdespair.wordpress.com
http://www.twitter.com/shea_mama
http://www.mdsalliance.com