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

Hi Cherece, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I never knew my passion would turn into a business. I grew up in an area where the extent of your dreams was to get a decent job and work until you die. Hope was minimal, even to go to college. One day in 2012 during the height of the “Go Natural” movement I cut off all my hair, looked in the mirror and immediately regretted it. I had been getting perms since I was 5 and loved my shoulder length hair. I needed to know how to grow my hair back as fast as possible without using chemicals. I began researching essential oils (almost obsessively) and making my own hair products. Within 1 year my hair was longer and healthier than it had EVER been in my entire life. When friends and family saw this they asked me to make them things and suggested that I start a business because my products actually worked. Out of fear of failure it took me 8 years but here I am, almost a year from the day I finally registered my business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Because my business is still a new baby I do still work a full time job in Human Resources and work my business outside of my regular work hours. My business is less than a year old and it has not been easy by any means. The growing pains of a new business is literally blood, sweat, and tears and I have done them all. I am still in the process of learning the things that will make me completly successful but some things I have learned is that you have to do everything in your power to stay encouraged and don’t compromise on your brand, show the world who you are and your customers will appreciate you more for it. Starting a business is hard but it is 100 percent worth it and the only regret I have is allowing my fear to delay my success for 8 years.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother struggled raising 3 daughters on her own at a very hopeless time in the city we lived in. I know that is was not easy but I saw her work extremely hard to make sure that we had what we needed and I credit her fully for my own work ethic and attention to detail. My amazing cousin singlehandedly started my business before even I knew I was ready. She posted a single video and orders began pouring in (I hadn’t even registered my business yet). I will never forget that. I would also like to thank my customers because they continue to support and encourage me to do what I love even when it’s hard!!

Website: Www.NaturaLoveLLC.com

Instagram: NaturaLoveLLC

Facebook: NaturaLove LLC

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