Meet the mastermind behind La Poliè Luxury fragrance
Meet Lisa Polite, a young woman who decided to venture into fragrance business
It’s such a pleasure to have you here with us. Now, let’s dive into the world
of Lisa Polite and learn more about this unique business venture.
Who Owns Africa’s Ericson Mangoli had a chance to exclusively interview Lisa Polite is the CEO and Founder of La Poliè luxury fragrance brand.
A fragrance company based in New York with our signature scent Phoenix 22 which is proudly made in France. Born and raised in Spanish Harlem in Lehman Village housing projects where I learned hard work and dedication as I watched my dad, the sole provider in a one family income household work hard to take care of me and my 4 siblings, Lisa Polite said.
So, When did you start Lisa Polite?
I physically started in January of 2021 but in my mind since i was a I always love scents that filled the space and made the area smelled beautiful.
Every Saturday my mom would wake us up with loud music that ment get up and clean the house. I would get mad because I couldn’t sleep like I wanted to but I remember when I finished how wonderful the house smelled and how it put me in a place of calm.
How did you come up with such a unique name?
It’s a play off of my name Lisa Polite and Poliè means polite in French and since my fragrance is made in France I tied it together.
Is Lisa Polite a sole proprietorship or public limited company?
Sole proprietorship.
How many employees do you have at Lisa Polite?
Solopreneur, Lisa Polite said.
Is Lisa Polite only for Africans or is it global?
It’s a global brand but I really want La Poliè to inspire African American women to embrace their beauty,confidence,and pursue their dreams fearlessly. As the founder and CEO we are dedicated to honoring unapologetic black women who have worked hard and deserve to indulge themselves in luxury, Lisa Polite told Who Owns Africa.
6. How do you handle competition, especially from larger or more established entities? By Emphasizing what set us apart, also by focusing on the historic,and quality of the ingredients and the uniqueness of my brand we also focus on giving our customers quality over quantity due to La poliè is not mass produced
7. When starting, How much did you invest and how is the revenue now?
We Invested significantly in market research, developing a strong business plan,and building relationships.we also seen a steady increase in revenue since launching and our focus has been on sustainable growth rather than immediate profit.
8. How do you ensure customer satisfaction and manage feedback?
At La Poliè we make sure that we respond to customers question and feedback in a timely manner we encourage our customers to share their thoughts with us through reviews,and direct communication We,also make sure delivery is prompt and every order is shipped with a hand written thank you note to add that personalize special touch.
9. What do you wish you had known before starting your business?
So I’ve learned some very valuable mistakes along the way one big one was i got my trademark opposed by a huge company and i already had my merchandise it was a frightening ordeal but through prayer i own my name.
10. How do you advertise your business?
I do a lot on social media also i do a lot of vending, foot marketing I find that these strategies work best for me as i am a new brand and i have to earn the trust of my consumers and i find with fragrance women like to smell before they buy.
11. What was your biggest challenge when starting out, and how did you overcome it?
Introducing my customers to La Poliè Phoenix 22 do to we are a new brand but once i did the work and got Phoenix 22 in the hands of the people the fragrance speaks for itself.
12. What do you love about sales?
I get to interact with people all around the world and establish a relationship with them helps me understand how people make decisions when shopping.
13. How would you describe your company’s workplace culture?
I am a solopreneur for now but
looking to expand.
14. What do you expect from your employees?
No employees yet
15. What are you most proud of regarding the company? I am proud of everything we come so far being a new company to be in Nordstrom flagship store for black history month, having 5 stars review on google, to partner with Harlem Fashion Week ,working with Harlem Chamber of
carmarence. We are so grateful for all the accomplishments and opportunities that we have been
given.
16. What are the company’s future plans.
Our plans is to continue to provide our comesters with Excellent quality products, continue to bring awareness to this woman owned,black owned brand and to inspire women of all ages to go after their dreams no matter what,and to make La
Poliè a household name.
17. How do you identify and capitalize on new opportunities?
Through market research it’s important
to continue to learn what’s new and trending in your field even though my brand is luxury, times have changed in the luxury field and it’s important for me to change with time.i also listen to my customers their suggestions and pinpoint where i can improve.
18. What are your most effective marketing strategies?
I do a lot of vending it works for me because people like to smell their fragrance before purchasing i do extremely well with this marking strategies once people smell Phoenix 22 they love it also i make great one on one connection.
19. How do you manage cash flow and financial planning?
By budgeting i try not to overspend on
things i want and focus on the thing i need to scale La Poliè
20. What processes do you use to evaluate and improve operational
Efficiency?
We focus on continuous improvement where regular reviews and adjustments are made based on performance data and changing circumstances, and Promoting a culture of continuous improvement requires a multifaceted approach. One effective strategy is we hold regular meetings where staff can connect and build relationships, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration. These
meetings can also serve as platforms for sharing ideas and discussing challenges, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
For anyone wishing to venture into such a business, what advice would you offer them based on your own experiences and journey with Lisa Polite my journey was educational and hard but i wouldn’t trade it for nothing i would tell anyone who
want”s to get into fragrance go for it pursue your dreams don’t let anyone stop you and block out the noise that you will hear stay the path, be determined,and most of all don’t ever give up.