Tymeka Lawrence of Hairfinity+GoFinity+Brock Beauty: Five Things You Need To Know To Succeed In The Modern Beauty Industry
Be Ready to Change: The beauty industry is always changing, so you need to be ready to change with it. For instance, when people started wanting more individualized solutions, we created a customizable hair care line.
As a part of our series about “Five Things You Need To Know To Succeed In The Modern Beauty Industry”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tymeka Lawrence.
Tymeka Lawrence, as the visionary force behind Hairfinity, GoFinity, and Brock Beauty, possesses an unparalleled depth of experience and expertise that uniquely qualifies her to discuss success in the modern beauty industry. With an entrepreneurial journey dating back to the establishment of Brock Beauty in 2004, Tymeka has not only navigated but thrived in the ever-evolving beauty landscape. Her strategic leadership has propelled the brand to international acclaim, earning a reputation for innovation, quality, and inclusivity. Tymeka’s success is rooted in her profound understanding of the industry’s dynamics, coupled with a commitment to delivering transformative solutions. From Hairfinity’s groundbreaking hair care products to the comprehensive range under Brock Beauty, Tymeka has consistently demonstrated a foresight into market trends and consumer needs. Her expertise extends beyond product development, encompassing strategic brand building, customer-centric approaches, and a keen awareness of the evolving beauty standards. Tymeka’s journey reflects a deep appreciation for the intersection of innovation, diversity, and holistic beauty, making her a compelling voice to share invaluable insights into the five essential elements crucial for success in the modern beauty industry. As a trailblazer and industry luminary, Tymeka Lawrence brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a forward-thinking perspective that resonates with the demands and nuances of the contemporary beauty landscape.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My path to the beauty industry and creating Hairfinity was anything but conventional. Growing up, I was more inclined towards technology than beauty or fashion. Yet, a story of encouragement and perseverance shaped my journey, demonstrating that passion and purpose can emerge from the most unexpected places.
As a child, I spent considerable time with my grandmother Martha in Kiln, Mississippi. She moved there with her young children, my aunt and uncle, after a divorce left her penniless. Despite her inability to read or write, my grandmother’s resilience in the face of adversity inspired me deeply. My mother often took me to visit, and during those visits, witnessing my grandmother’s struggles ignited in me a desire to help. I vowed to start a business, buy her a house, and ensure she’d never want anything again.
Even as a young girl, I started small ventures, selling my art to friends at school and giving the money to my grandmother. Though the amounts were small, she celebrated my efforts as monumental, instilling in me the belief that I was destined for greatness. This belief was put to the test when I became pregnant at 15. Amidst the doubts cast by many, including my own family, my grandmother’s unwavering support never faltered.
During a holiday family gathering at my grandmother’s house, where my huge family of over 100 cousins would come together, a pivotal moment unfolded in the kitchen. Surrounded by older relatives, my Aunt Lillian inquired about my aspirations, to which I boldly answered, “I want to become a doctor.” This declaration was quickly met with skepticism from another family member who remarked, “She can’t be a doctor. She has a baby. She can only become a nurse.” But Aunt Lillian, with a reassuring look, countered, “You can be a doctor if you want to be a doctor.” Her words were a beacon of hope, igniting a belief within me that my dreams weren’t out of reach despite the challenges ahead. This newfound support emboldened my entrepreneurial spirit, leading me to start selling items on eBay to support my daughter and me while I pursued my college education.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most interesting moments in my career occurred when I made the decision to expand our brand beyond just a vitamin supplement to include hair care products. Little did I know, this seemingly straightforward decision would lead me down a path filled with unexpected challenges and ultimately, a transformative realization.
Initially, I encountered difficulties finding a manufacturer who could create a hair care product that met my standards. Despite providing detailed specifications and preferred ingredients, the results I received were consistently subpar, lacking the effectiveness I knew our customers deserved. Then, during a conversation with a formulator, came a shocking revelation. The formulator was complaining about the price of the ingredients we wanted to include and said “You don’t actually have to put all the ingredients listed on the label. This way it can be cheaper. All of the big brands do it.” This revelation was unsettling, to say the least, especially coming from a manufacturer with a stellar reputation, trusted by some of the world’s most renowned brands.
This encounter served as a wake-up call, prompting me to reassess our approach to product development. I realized that to uphold the integrity of our brand and ensure the highest quality for our customers, we needed to take matters into our own hands. And so, the decision was made to establish our own laboratory and hire an in-house chemist. This strategic move empowered us to have full control over the formulation process, guaranteeing that our products were not only effective but also transparent and trustworthy.
Looking back, this unexpected twist in our journey became a defining moment, shaping the trajectory of our brand and reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellence. It taught me the importance of staying true to our values, even in the face of industry norms, and the power of taking bold, decisive action to uphold our standards of quality and integrity.
Are you able to identify a “tipping point” in your career when you started to see success? Did you start doing anything different? Are there takeaways or lessons that others can learn from that?
Reflecting on my journey in business since 2007, I can pinpoint several pivotal moments, each marked by a significant shift towards success. However, one particular tipping point stands out, fundamentally altering the trajectory of my career and propelling our business to new heights.
This tipping point occurred when I recognized the importance of mastering search engine optimization (SEO). Despite our efforts, I found our product struggling to gain traction beyond our immediate community, hindering our potential for growth. Realizing that we needed to expand our reach, I sought out expertise in SEO to unlock new opportunities.
Through diligent research, I connected with an individual online who specialized in SEO and generously offered their guidance. Their insights and teachings proved to be transformative, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to leverage SEO effectively. With newfound clarity and strategy, we implemented SEO techniques across our platforms, witnessing a remarkable tenfold increase in business growth.
The key takeaway from this experience is the immense value of seeking knowledge and expertise beyond one’s own domain. By recognizing our limitations and actively seeking guidance, we opened doors to unprecedented success. This underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business.
Moreover, this tipping point reinforced the power of leveraging digital marketing strategies, such as SEO, to amplify our brand’s visibility and reach. In today’s digital age, mastering these tools is essential for driving growth and staying competitive.
Ultimately, this journey taught me that success often lies in the willingness to learn from others, embrace new strategies, and continuously evolve. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and innovation, we can overcome obstacles and unlock opportunities that propel us towards our goals.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person to whom you are grateful who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
When reflecting on the journey that has led me to where I am today, there is one person whose unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental: my husband. While I often speak about the profound influence of my grandmothers, I think my husband had the most impact on my life and career.
Our story began when we started dating at the young age of 15, meaning we’ve known each other for most of our lives. From the beginning, my husband showed an incredible level of belief in me and my dreams. I remember the day I shared my idea with him. I approached him and said “I have an idea, but you might think it’s stupid. I want to create my own hair vitamin.” His response was “I love it. We should do it right away.” His enthusiasm and immediate commitment to the vision were incredibly validating, instilling in me a renewed sense of confidence and determination.
He took on a second job to secure the funds needed to bring the Hairfinity product to life. Beyond financial contributions, he rolled up his sleeves and got involved in every aspect of the business, from customer service to packaging. His readiness to get into all the little details showed how committed he was to our shared goal.
But perhaps what I’m most grateful for is his role as my life coach and support system. Throughout the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, he has been a constant source of encouragement, offering guidance, reassurance, and unwavering belief in my abilities. His unwavering support has been the bedrock upon which I’ve built my confidence and resilience.
In many ways, my husband’s contributions to our success often go unrecognized, but I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without him by my side. His belief in me has been a driving force, propelling me forward even in the face of adversity. For that, I am eternally grateful, and I attribute much of our success to his unwavering support and love.
The global beauty industry today has grown to more than a half a trillion-dollar business. Can you tell us about the innovations that you are bringing to the industry? How do you think that will help people?
Our big innovation in the beauty industry is making it easier for regular people to join in and make money through social selling with Gofinity. Instead of just big companies dominating everything, we’re giving everyday folks the tools they need to start their own beauty businesses.
With Gofinity, we’re using social media and online platforms to help people become entrepreneurs in the beauty world. This means breaking down barriers and giving everyone a chance to be part of this huge industry.
Our goal is to help people take charge of their financial future by giving them the support and resources they need to succeed in the beauty business. We believe that by making it easier for people to get involved, we can create more opportunities for success and help more people achieve their goals.
Can you share 3 things that most excite you about the modern beauty industry?
Three things that truly excite me about the modern beauty industry are:
Innovation and Diversity: The beauty industry is constantly evolving with new products, technologies, and trends emerging all the time. From innovative skincare formulations to cutting-edge makeup techniques, there’s always something new to discover. What’s particularly exciting is the increasing focus on inclusivity and diversity, with brands embracing a wider range of skin tones, hair textures, and body types. This diversity not only reflects the beauty of individuality but also ensures that everyone feels represented and valued.
Helping the Planet: People are starting to care more about the environment, and that’s making a big impact on the beauty industry. Companies are finding ways to make their products in a more Earth-friendly way, like using recyclable packaging or ingredients that don’t harm the planet. It’s awesome to see the beauty world doing its part to help out.
Feeling Good About Ourselves: Beauty isn’t just about looking good — it’s also about feeling good. Nowadays, we’re seeing a lot more people using makeup and skincare to express themselves and boost their confidence. Plus, with social media, everyone can share their unique style and beauty tips with the world. It’s amazing to see how beauty can make people feel empowered and happy.
Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to improve the industry, what would you suggest?
Concerns:
Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Sometimes, the beauty industry makes us feel like we have to look a certain way to be considered beautiful. This can make people feel bad about themselves and lead to low self-esteem.
Harmful Ingredients: Some beauty products contain ingredients that can be bad for our health or the environment. This is worrying because we shouldn’t have to sacrifice our health for beauty.
Animal Testing: Sadly, some companies still test their products on animals, which is cruel and unnecessary. It’s not fair to put animals through pain just to make cosmetics.
Improvements:
Promoting Diversity: Beauty should celebrate all kinds of beauty, not just one narrow standard. By showing a variety of people in ads and magazines, we can help everyone feel included and accepted.
Using Safe Ingredients: Companies should make sure their products are safe for people to use and don’t harm the environment. We can encourage them to use natural and non-toxic ingredients instead of harmful chemicals.
Ending Animal Testing: We should push for laws that ban animal testing for cosmetics. There are plenty of alternative methods, like testing on human cells or using computer models, that are more humane and just as effective.
You are an expert on beauty. Can you share a few ideas that anyone can use “to feel beautiful”?
Practice Self-Care: Treat yourself to little things that make you happy, like taking a bubble bath, reading a good book, or listening to your favorite music. Taking time for yourself can help boost your mood and confidence.
Dress in Clothes You Love: Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Choose colors and styles that you like and that make you feel good about yourself.
Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who support you. Surrounding yourself with positivity can help boost your confidence and make you feel more beautiful.
Based on your experience and success, can you please share “Five Things You Need To Know To Succeed In The Modern Beauty Industry”. Please share a story or an example, for each.
Think Creatively: To succeed, you need to come up with new and interesting ideas. For example, when we wanted to make a new hair product, we thought about what people really wanted and made something that could solve multiple problems at once.
Find Something Special: In a busy market, it’s important to offer products that are different from what everyone else is selling. For instance, when we made Hairfinity Elite collection, we created a customizable haircare line that would address individual needs, which made it stand out and attract customers.
Stay Positive and Accept All Feedback: It’s important to stay hopeful and listen to all feedback. When some customers complained about difficulties taking pills, we were inspired to create our Beautonic vitamin drink.
Build Good Relationships: Building good relationships with the people you work with, like suppliers and influencers, is really important. For example, when we needed ingredients for our products, we made sure to work with suppliers who were known for being reliable and ethical.
Be Ready to Change: The beauty industry is always changing, so you need to be ready to change with it. For instance, when people started wanting more individualized solutions, we created a customizable hair care line.
By keeping these things in mind and being willing to learn and adapt, you can do well in the beauty industry and reach your goals.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, it would be focused on empowering youth through entrepreneurship. I believe that giving young people the skills, resources, and support they need to become entrepreneurs can have a transformative impact on their lives and communities.
Through our Gofinity Cares nonprofit organization, we are currently working on a youth entrepreneurship workshop. This workshop aims to provide young people with practical knowledge about starting and running their own businesses, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities.
By empowering youth to pursue entrepreneurship, we can unlock their potential to create positive change, drive economic growth, and foster innovation. Additionally, entrepreneurship can provide an alternative path to success for young people who may face barriers in traditional educational or employment settings.
Ultimately, I believe that investing in youth entrepreneurship has the power to not only transform individual lives but also uplift entire communities. By nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders, we can create a brighter and more prosperous future for everyone.
Can you please give us your favorite Life Lesson Quote? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is by Albert Einstein: “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
This quote has been incredibly relevant to me in my life journey. It reminds me that success isn’t always about being the smartest or most talented person in the room. Instead, it’s about persistence, determination, and resilience.
There have been many times in my life when I’ve faced challenges or encountered obstacles that seemed insurmountable. In those moments, I’ve found solace in Einstein’s words. By staying committed to solving problems and refusing to give up, I’ve been able to overcome seemingly impossible situations.
This quote serves as a reminder that success is often the result of hard work, perseverance, and the willingness to keep trying, even when faced with setbacks. It encourages me to approach challenges with a positive mindset and to keep pushing forward, knowing that every problem has a solution if I’m willing to stick with it long enough.
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational.
