From “Rollercoaster of Emotions” to Calm and Collected

Impact LabSmall BusinessClient Success Story

Dec 19

From “Rollercoaster of Emotions” to Calm and Collected

How many times have you found yourself googling full-time jobs, questioning if it’s worth it to continue as an entrepreneur?

Perhaps you’re burned out from the work you’re putting in, or discouraged with financial pressures. Others may believe in you – and maybe they’re even cheering you on – but you’re struggling to believe in yourself.

This is exactly where Leslie Morand found herself when she joined the Impact Lab. Owner of Le Vie, an LA skincare brand with a name that literally means “to live”, she felt like she needed to realign her own life with her business aspirations.

Here’s how our finance expert, Pat Phelan, helped renew Leslie’s dreams for her business without creating more burnout.

The Challenges

Leslie's passion for skincare was born through her business of providing facials – but the work is backbreaking and labor-intensive, and not as easy to scale, so she decided to start her own skincare product line. Leslie also has her own holistic esthetician facial training and offers facials at her spa. And while she was selling products, she needed help scaling to get to a point that made the time worth the money she brought in. Distribution costs are high, the workload felt overwhelming, and she knew she’d need to find investors.

The tipping point for Leslie came after a conference in LA, which exposed the harsh reality of bulk order requirements and the intricate details of product packaging. She returned from the conference and told Pat she was experiencing “a rollercoaster of emotions.”

Where the Impact Lab came in

Through a review of her financial model and profit and loss statements, Leslie and Pat laid the groundwork for a sustainable business strategy. Discussions on revenue targets and service offerings were complemented by insights into team management and job description optimization, lighting the path towards operational efficiency. They also analyzed historical sales data, which revealed key expenses that could be trimmed, and came up with strategies for better time management and sales outreach. Leslie has also set up several networking opportunities and brand positioning sessions, which will allow her to set the foundation that can help her get into the wholesale market.

But what truly stands out in Leslie's journey is the profound impact on her personal and professional development. She walked away from the program with:

A customer value proposition
Refined sales tactics
A comprehensive strategy to address burnout.
Clarity on her personal income goals and financial planning.

Leslie also reached out to us recently with exciting news – she has opened a new location in La Mesa! This milestone highlights the power of the right guidance and support.

Next Steps

With plans to seek trademark advice, explore influencer marketing, and finalize her expense optimization, Leslie's dreams are as clear as they are achievable. Her goal to increase her personal income to $17k/month or $200k/year is within reach.

Leslie's journey with the Impact Lab took her from simply staying afloat to “building something special” – and it’s a reminder of what's possible when passion meets purpose.

san diego small business owners at impact lab networking event

If this story resonates, it’s time to consider Mission Edge’s Impact Lab.

Our team of finance experts, just like Pat Phelan who helped Leslie, are dedicated to turning your entrepreneurial anxiety into fuel for your success.

Don't let burnout dictate your future.

Whether you're looking to refine your financial strategy, explore growth opportunities, or simply gain the confidence to believe in yourself again, we have the tools and expertise to guide you.

apply today