Fontonette Smith is a serial entrepreneur and has businesses in fashion, beauty, health, wellness, business mentorship and women’s empowerment! Read our interview with the lovely Fontonette below…

What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?

I was pregnant and unemployed when I started my first business. I always wanted to start my own boutique and dedicate it to my grandmother. My grandmother was my fashion icon and I just loved her style. So, since I had more time during my pregnancy I decided to start my dream business.

Tell us about your business.

My first business is an online boutique, The Lady Eye-Boutique. I sell women’s clothing, handbags, sunglasses, and accessories. I LOVE fashion, but style is unique. When I shop for my boutique I search for merchandise that would catch the eye of my potential customers.

You will always hear the question, “I want to start my own business, but I’m not sure where to start”. Well, The Lady Eye-Services is a resource guide for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The goal is to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and manage a business. You can also find a compiled list of business resources and tools listed on the website.

Allure’ Naturelle is a natural facial care and cosmetics line. All my products are handmade! I will launch at the end of October 2016. My products will consist of lipstick, face scrubs, lip scrubs, face wash, face mask, toners, and face moisturizers.

Elevating Women is a recently founded empowerment group. This group was created for business women to showcase their business, empower one another, share advice, and build relationships. Elevating Women’s goal is to unite women to network, share resources, inspire to create and accomplish their goals.

Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?

Currently, The Lady Eye-Boutique is having a sale. Everything is 40% off with the discount code “HELOFALL”. Fast Shipping!

Where is your business based?

My business is based in Houston, Texas.

What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?

The first steps I took to start my business were researching my type of business, registering my business, and developing a business identity. I believe research is a FACTOR in starting a business. This is a reason why I started my other business, The Lady Eye-Services, to help small business owners and entrepreneurs.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?

I believe the effective way is staying consistent, building relationships, and providing excellent customer skills.

What have been your biggest challenges so far?

The biggest challenge is the connection with some of the customers.

How did you overcome these challenges?

I overcame my challenges by offering more promotions, attending vendor events, and engaging more through social media. Since my business is online, the vendor events help me showcase my products to women that are not familiar with The Lady Eye-Boutique.

How do you keep motivated through difficult times?

During difficult times I pray through it all. God is my ROCK!

How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?

The way I distinguish myself was to think of my boutique my personal walk-in closet. I do not shop for fashion trends I rather shop for STYLE!

What is the best advice you have received recently?

Keep pushing and let God do the rest.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Procrastination is a deadly weapon… drop it and go for the GOAL!

What is your favorite business tool or resource?

I use The Lady Eye-Services resources.

What social media outlets do you use? List them below.

Instagram @teyeservice @allure_beauti @teyeboutique @elevatingwomen
Twitter @teyeservices @teyeboutique @allure_beauti
Facebook @theladyeyeboutique @theladyeyeservices @allurebeauti www.facebook.com/groups/elevatingwomen
Website www.theladyeyeboutique.com www.theladyeyeservices.biz www.naturellebeauti.rocks www.women2elevate.club
Hashtags #theladyeyeboutique #theladyeyeservices #women2elevate #allurenaturelle #allure7day

What is a good article or book you have read recently?

Currently I am reading “From Breakdown to Breakthrough” by Chamarian Eaglin.

What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?

I am learning time is everything and prioritizing is a must!

What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?

My business goal for the next few months is to develop a new marketing strategy, participate in more vendor events and grow Elevating Women.