Happy Women's Herstory Month, Part I!
Welcome to Women’s Herstory Month! Over the next few weeks, I will introduce you to Black women bosses who are some of my favorite lines to support. For the first week, I want to introduce you to Krystal Armstrong of Andrelle’s Natural Skin Care! I’ve been using this line since January 2019 and my skin has THOROUGHLY enjoyed it! I’ve shared before and after pictures of my skin previously and you can read about my full skin-care routine here.
I was introduced to Andrelle’s after spending a year of trying to get my skin just back to normal! I’d never experienced the level of adult acne and breakouts as I had during 2018. Thanks to my big sorority sister, I ordered a trial size of the cleanser, toner and oil for my combo skin. Within weeks, I began to see major differences! Since then, I’ve added scrubs, the eye cream, sun protectant, masks, and more to my routine. And, I’ve tried to get any and everyone I know on the Andrelle’s train, lol. She has options for all skin types and genders!
I recently chopped it up with Krystal and learned a little bit more about her and her Louisiana based business. Read about it below!
“Whitney Bond (WB): So, how long have you been in business?
Krystal Armstrong (KA): It’ll be 6 years in June 2020!
WB: What inspired you to begin going into business for yourself?
KA: Freedom and peace of mind inspired me into going into business for myself. I am way too talented to spend my life not utilizing my talents for my own monetary gain vs someone else’s. Being able to move freely and diligently on my own time and terms is priceless.
WB: What has been the most shocking experience you’ve had to date with your business?
KA: When I was asked to have my products in the Allure Beauty Box. I tried my best to make it happen too but I just couldn’t produce the amount they needed in the time frame needed being a one woman factory.
WB: What has been the most rewarding experience you’ve had to date with your business?
KA: The most rewarding experience was being featured in 3 international beauty magazines (British Glamour, British Elle, and British Vogue).
WB: What is your favorite item from your line and why?
KA: My absolute favorite item from my line is the cleanser because no other cleanser on the market cleans the skin like it does without stripping it. It literally gives a squeaky clean feeling.
—I totally agree!
WB: Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years
KA: I see my business on select shelves internationally - but not major retailers, more like very posh boutiques. I feel it fits much better with a luxury storefront.
WB: What advice would you offer other Black women who are small business entrepreneurs?
KA: If it feels right to you, never give up! Follow your heart. Also, this is business first so do not short change your business, brand, or yourself to please cheap people. You will not be able to please everyone and will absolutely go into debt trying. Know your numbers FIRST before pricing your items. This way you can make a real profit margin.
WB: Are there any upcoming events, product launches, or sales you’d like my readers to know about?
KA: I only do 2 big sales a year, Anniversary Sale in June and Cyber Weekend from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. Be sure to visit the site and sign up for the email list and follow us on social media for all updates. I put all updates, codes, etc. there but I also do subscriber only sales throughout the year. ”
