What do you do?

Hello, I'm Lorna Grim, the founder of Lanubian Experience. At Lanubian Experience, we believe that nature holds the key to beautiful, healthy skin. Each item is lovingly made by me from pure, natural oils and ingredients which I source carefully and are of the utmost quality.

We understand that everyone’s skin is unique, and we’re dedicated to providing personalized solutions that help you feel confident and radiant.

What inspired you to start your business?

Turning my passion for creating natural skin care products started with making products for myself, which quickly expanded to family and friends. They loved the results and constantly asked for more. Now, I get to share my creations with a wider audience, knowing that each product is crafted with the same care and dedication that I originally put into making them for my loved ones.

 

What have been the high and low points of being a business owner?

Advertising to the right customers and understanding marketing, along with securing funds, has been challenging. However, my greatest success has been the positive feedback and loyalty from our customers. Hearing how Lanubian Experience products have transformed their skin and boosted their confidence is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, growing our online presence and community has been a significant achievement, allowing us to connect with a passionate audience who loves natural skin care.

Starting Lanubian Experience allowed me to follow my passion while meeting the needs of people looking for natural, effective skin care solutions. It's a dream come true to see my products make a difference in people's lives; and with a 35% increase in sales and customer engagement, it excites me to see my hard work and passion finally be recognized and appreciated, and I’m looking forward to continue growing and innovating in this journey.

The greatest surprise about starting Lanubian Experience has been the immense joy and fulfillment from creating and designing products. I didn't expect how rewarding it would be to see the positive impact on customers. Additionally, the extensive time and planning required, managing multiple roles by myself, has been a challenging yet empowering experience.

How SCORE helped.

SCORE has been instrumental in streamlining our operations and preparing us for the commercial aspects of our business. They provided invaluable resources and guidance without focusing solely on financial gain. With their support, we developed enhanced strategies that have strengthened our business approach.

Additionally, my mentor at SCORE has been incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and exceptionally helpful. Her unique perspectives have consistently offered me new insights and a deeper understanding of business dynamics. She has taken time to also connect me with knowledgeable people who can help me understand and solve personal agendas for the business. SCORE also helped me with encouraging my focus on the Farmers Markets such as the ones at Copley, Boston Fish Pier, Roslindale market and so on.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a small business?

Before launching, conduct thorough research and due diligence to understand your business landscape fully. Stay attuned to evolving customer needs and prioritize building strong relationships and exceptional experiences. This approach sets the foundation for long-term success in the entrepreneurial journey.

What have you learned from your experiences as a business owner?

Reflecting back, I would have prioritized thorough financial planning and implemented a robust inventory system from the outset. Proper organization and foresight significantly streamline operations and ensure smoother business management. For example, maintaining a proper database of the products I create, and the ingredients I buy, with the related time sheet, and planning a better inventory system would have helped me be more aware of what's happening with my business.