We had the good fortune of connecting with Woodeline St. Louis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Woodeline, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Can I really do this? Am I really capable of operating a business, yet a successful one? What is my plan? How can I execute the plan? How can my life change by just starting? Will this be a short term or long term business? I also felt a little bit of fear, as well, because I knew nothing about business, what so ever. The best part, besides that, is I was willing to learn. I was okay with making a mistake and prepared to have a solution at the same time. Like I said, I knew nothing about business and no one around me at the time had any experience with running a business, so I can’t say hey teach me a thing or two. So, my thought process was literally like a rollercoaster. One minute I’m moving by faith then the next minute I’m discouraged because of fear. Those two emotions carry so much power. If we just stop for a second to just breathe and understand the depth behind the power that these two emotions have I believe that many more entrepreneurs will be birth. I had to decide which path will either make me or break me, when starting my business and I choose faith. The one thing that I know for sure was going to carry me through this process.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Unique Blinks, LLC was established June of 2018 so much has changed since then. These last two years have been one of the most trial and humble seasons and yet everything I needed to grow. Not only have my business flourish within this time, it has also helped me blossom into this amazing, strong black business owner. Which is one of the things that I am the most proud of. What was once a thought, became a plan, then it became a reality. I am proud that I stepped out on faith. The more my business grow the bigger my vision becomes, so their is definitely much more to stay tuned for. What sets Unique Blinks, LLC a part is our QUALITY. Our mission is to be known as “The Home Of Luxury Minks & More” as we aim to provide the best high-end beauty products. We focus on delivering nothing but the BEST. We enjoy being well rounded and involved in every plan, detail and aspect of Unique Blinks. Now, this journey was not the easiest. I’ve definitely faced many challenges, some made me wanted to give up, but I couldn’t. It’s not part of the plan, so I can’t and I won’t. How I overcame these challenges was by surrounding myself with positive people, not being afraid to be stingy with my time, allowing myself to have a mental break and reminding myself that I have business plans to execute, theirs no room for excuses. I definitely learned the importance of patience and the power of manifestation. I am literally stepping into everything I’ve been praying for and have spoken over my life, so I can only imagine all the amazing things that are in stores for my business in the next 3-5 years.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I think my close friends would be the ones showing me around the city (lol), but if it was up to me we will definitely eat at Houston’s. They Martini are also amazing and the steak is to die for. I can’t forget Duffy’s Sports Grill, by the beach, everything on the menu is delightful and the fried cheesecake is a must have! Let me not forget about AfroCode Brunch it is definitely a spot to be on Saturday’s. One thing for sure, it would be a week filled with food and drinks if it’s to me.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s actually a handful of individuals whom I would love to give recognition to. I will start by first giving all glory and thanks to the man above, GOD. He is the root of every accomplishment and every idea that is brith from within and I wouldn’t have been able to start this business if it had not been for his love and mercy over my life, including the individuals he have blessed me with to be a part of this journey. Starting with my better-half. My man, Richard, has been my biggest supporter since day one, sometimes I have to ask him am I talking him to death with all these business plans & ideas (lol) and of course his response will be, “Of course not baby”. If only he knew the depth of what his support means to me and how much it has been such a blessing to my company. My sister, Valerie, words can’t explain how grateful I am for her as well. She have never left my corner, no matter what. She will give me the shirt off her back, if it is the last she has to offer. She doesn’t miss a beat in my life and supports me in everything that I do. I will like to also give a shoutout to the friends who have become more than just friends, but a sister and family to me and have always supported me in every way I can think of, Elizabeth Williams, Erma Augustave, Esther Virgile, Andreanna Laguerre, Merland Etienne and Vanesa Joseph. These women, for the past two years, have been the most supportive and encouraging individuals in my life.. Whether it was support mentally, emotionally, a simple share, recommendation, a word of advice, buying products, promoting without me having to ask, keeping me encouraged, motivated and much more. You know, the simple things that people assume doesn’t matter. Some of these women listed are also business owners as well, so they completely understand what those late nights, sweat and tears, sacrifices and much more that comes with starting and running a small business is all about, which will one day be known worldwide. Mark my words! Overall, I am sure they’re a handful that supports me unknowingly by just referring someone by word of mouth and I appreciate them as well including those who believes in me and my brand and actually want to see me win. Without these lovely individuals and those who buy my products I don’t think Unique Blinks, LLC would have made it this far and it’s just the beginning.
Website: www.shopuniqueblinks.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uniqueblinksllc_
Twitter: www.twitter.com/uniqueblinksllc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MinksByWoodeline