Starting a Small Business and Tips for others: An Interview with Awo Body
This week I sat down with the founder of Awo Body, Awo Emefa Kumassah to discuss her business, how she started it, and her tips for other small business owners. With a focus on organic ghanaian skin care and sustainable body products, she founded her company in July of 2019 after two years of planning.
Q: “What do you think your biggest challenges have been in starting this company?”
A: “Consistency! On the outside it looks fun and cute, but it really is a full-time job, what you put in is what you put out.”
Q: “What about your biggest accomplishments?”
A: “One of my biggest accomplishments is the amount of lives I’ve changed, and how many people have said that I’ve inspired them to start their own businesses. I always let them know it’s not just glitz and glamor.”
Q: “What is your favorite product and why?”
A: “This is a tough one, because all the products were carefully curated by my team and I. If I had to get rid of all my products and keep 2 or 3, it would be the lavender oil, Shea Butter, and the African WashCloths. Each of these are great for your skin, body, and hair. Our African wash net is better than loofahs and even went viral on Tiktok last summer!”
Q: “What kind of advice do you have for others that want to start their own business?”
A: “1. Make sure you’re selling a quality product/service.
2. Focus on branding and your marketing, that will make or break your business. Without great marketing it’ll be hard to acquire customers and even harder to keep them.
3. If your business is product based, a great way to start generating revenue is through local pop up shop events.
4. Make sure you keep in touch with your customers, whether that be by email or by phone number, so you can stay in touch and your company can stay on their mind!
5. When you get customers it’s important to do your best to keep them. Repeat purchasers spend on average 3x more than first time customers.”
Personally, I love all of her products and it was great to talk to her about how she got started. Take a look at her instagram @awobody and website AwoBody.com to support a small women owned business, your skin will thank you!
Strike out
Writer: Piper Leistman
Editors: Madison Sloan and Ainsley McCullen
Saint Augustine
