INTERVIEW WITH A BLACK OWNED BUSINESS LEICALA NATURAL PRODUCTS

Hi everyone

Week 2 of Interviews with Black owned businesses. Another interview with a Black owned business. Let’s get into it

Hello Leicala Natural Products can you give us a introduction into who you are and what you do?

Leicala Natural Products was founded in January 2018. We are a family owned, all – natural skincare company. We are passionate about creating products using natural ingredients. We enjoy helping our customers look and feel their best.

What inspired you to start your business?

Leicala Natural Products was started after noticing that there’s a need to start using natural skincare products as opposed to products with chemicals. After using antiperspirants which left hay fever like symptoms during the winter months, deodorant was switched after which the symptoms lessen. Extensive research was carried out, which led us to start making different natural skincare products.

How long has your business been running for?

The company was launched in October 2018. Our mission is to educate our customers about the benefits of using natural skincare products whilst empowering them to look and feel their best.

What are your business values/principles?

Our values are : – Honesty, reliable, passionate, we are committed to our customers and we respect our customers.

What is your best selling product/service and why?

Our best selling products are our mango body butter, natural deodorant, face serum and hair serum, as well as our customer services. They are our best seller as based on recent sales, they’ve been bought the most as well as the feedback that we received from customers. Our aim is to ensure that all purchases are delivered on time as well as any concerns, recommendations or feedback are followed up within 48 hours. We pride ourselves on customer services ensure that our customers received the highest level of customer support.

What has been the biggest highlight in your business so far?

The biggest highlight in our business so far has been receiving an award in Paris in July 2019, and also recognised by Networth and Vibe, and shortlisted for an award this year by Black Beauty Fashion.

How have you dealt with setbacks?

We have used setbacks as a tool to evaluate our services and practices and how we interact with our customers and wider community on a whole.

How has the pandemic affected your business?

The pandemic has affected our business in that, all of the events that were booked earlier in the year was cancelled, and we had less interaction with our customers and prospective customers. We are used to going out and meeting customers attending events which enable us to have that healthy dialogue with customers face to face. This did not happen due to the pandemic.

How do you stay focused and motivated?

First and foremost, as Christians, we include God in everything that we do. In maintaining focused and staying motivated, we set targets short term goals and work towards them, encourage each other and continue to invest in ourselves with new knowledge as well as researching ingredients for new products.

How do you give back to your community?

We’re serious about giving back to our community. We have teamed up with another company (Brixkids) and have donated reading books to Mabvuku Primary and Secondary School in Harare, Zimbabwe. We’ve also made donations to buy medication for a child as well as supported children in acquiring back to school supplies. Donations have also been made to Calabar High School in Jamaica,supporting children with school fee and mentoring. Additionally, members of the wider diaspora have made donations to us which we have added to and purchase PPE (gloves) for The Princess Margaret Hospital and The St. Thomas Infirmary in St. Thomas, Jamaica West Indies. At the moment, we have a number of books to be donated to a primary school within the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica West Indies.