Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Lemon.
Hi Laura, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
It all started with makeup. My first job was working for Laura Mercier cosmetics at Saks in Tulsa, OK- where I grew up. Makeup helped me feel my best and gave me the confidence when I had a face full of cystic acne in high school. After trying everything to get rid of my acne, I took Accutane. Unfortunately, it was 4x the normal amount most people take. It cleared my acne but gave me a whole host of other mental and digestive issues. I spent most of my 20s being super curious about my health and trying to honestly just feel better. I started to uncover how ingredients can disrupt hormones and began using more natural products. This curiosity lead me to become a beauty buyer where I helped launch natural products (like the OG Burt’s Bees!) nationally at a large retailer. Then I moved to San Francisco with my now husband Evan and soaked up as much as I could in the natural beauty and wellness space. I landed a dream opportunity to help create a skincare and makeup line for Goop. I also took night classes in Berkeley to study holistic nutrition. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial itch ever since I was making lip balms and selling them to friends in school. So when life lead us back closer to family in Nashville, TN — I knew this was my chance to start a business. So, I created a kickstarter (iFundWomen), took a loan from a family member, racked up my credit card (not recommended), and drained my 401k (also not recommended). After being told no countless times by landlords and brokers, I finally found a retail spot just a few blocks away from my house in East Nashville. I wanted to create a beauty space that I wished I had access to when I was younger. A place with good-for-you ingredients and products to support your skin from the inside out. And a place that felt warm & welcoming. After I opened two store babies, I had two babies of my own. It’s been a wild rollercoaster owning a small business and becoming a new mom. So many more grey hairs, but it feels like we’re just catching our stride. I’m so pumped about this next chapter…We’ll be relocating our Nashville store later this year. We’re adding a coffee concept to our retail store. Think really yummy, healthy lattes and treats. So, stay tuned! This is a big deal for my family as this business is our sole income. THANK YOU for choosing to shop small with us.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Lemon Laine?
Lemon Laine is a natural beauty & wellness retailer. We opened our doors in Nashville, TN in 2017 with much fanfare. We’ve made a name for ourselves as the boutique destination for clean beauty. We carry products that work (and that happen to be good for you too). We are obsessed with clean ingredients and curate the best of the best, making it easier to shift to a more natural routine. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all or miracle creams. We believe beauty should be personal, honest, and fun.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Trust your gut. She’s always right.
Pricing:
- Oil Bar experience is $65 per person and includes a customized face oil and complimentary beverages
- Our Club Membership is a way to earn 5% back on every purchase.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lemonlaine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemon_laine/
Image Credits
Caroline Sharpnack
