Lorne Wellington – Successful.Sista.Profiles

Lorne Wellington
Fitness Expert, Fashion, Health and Body Industry
Fit Specialist/The Bra Lady
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“I am a Fit Specialist and my mission is to assist women in the area of Bra Sizing & Fitting, Prosthesis Fitting, and Bra Conversion.”
URL: http://www.sculptedsilhouette.com/

Lorne Wellington’s Bio:
Lorne Wellington is the creator and owner of Sculpted Silhouette. She’s best known as a Fit Specialist and her mission is to assist women in the area of Bra Sizing and Fitting, Prosthesis Fitting, and Bra Conversion. Like so many women, Lorne believed she was wearing the right bra size and style. This was based upon what was recommend and available at local retailers. Not until 3 years ago, did she learn that I was wearing the incorrect bra size. Moreover the myth that there were not a lot of fashionable or stylish selections was rejected. While taking some courses at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), she decided to look into the lingerie business in LA. All of Lorne’s items are imported lingerie from France, Italy and the United Kingdom that is well constructed and feminine.

Successful Sista Survey
Success Stories and experiences of Business Women that we all can relate to and learn from.

Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
Yes I have always wanted to be a business woman. Although I was a great dancer, generating business ideas came easier.

How would you describe your experience as a Black Entrepreneur?
It has been a roller coaster. I’ve had several endeavors in two countries all before the age of 35. Meeting the challenges that business has presented so far has created experiences and allowed me to meet people that I couldn’t have imagined when I was 13 starting my 1st business.

Looking back on your business decisions, is there anything that you would have done differently?
Yes I would have ended a few professional relationships a bit differently. I would not have ended them in the heat of the moment. I don’t regret ending as we both needed to learn a few life lessons but I wish that I could have maintained my standard of composure.

Did you have any formal business training? Do you think this is important to be successful?
Yes I have a MBA degree and am always taking a course or two. I believe in education, even if it is not in a formal setting. Yet, there is something to be said for trial and error also known as experience. The smartest thing I have done is to connect with someone who has achieved what I am seeking and modeled their method.

What funding sources have worked for you?
For Sculpted Silhouette, my current venture, I funded it with personal savings and a LOC from the bank. Having enough cash and contingency funds is critical to any business success. Determining what that amount is and projecting the cash flow has to be completed before you start your business. Although that exercise is a projection, it will give a clear indication as to what amount you need to start. Then you can decide what funding options are best suited for the enterprise. Some businesses require little start up and others need a structured loan. For me with the for profit ventures, I used my cash and a LOC. For the nonprofit I was awarded a start-up grant and maximized my in-kind donations.

How has family/friend support financially or otherwise affected your business efforts?
Yes my family support has been major. My family’s financial contribution has been limited. They are very supportive of my efforts, especially my mother. I can say that when I was in a pinch they were able to assist me. Because of there emotional and financial support I know that my life has been richly rewarded.

How do you work on making your business grow?
Since I am the entrepreneur in my social circles and family, I have gone at “this thing” (being a business lady) alone. With that said, I have made some costly mistakes that only now after recouperating can I apply the lessons learned. The biggest lesson is marketing and pr. To me it is more important than the actual service or product your produce. If the customer doesn’t know about your service/product you will not make sales. Therefore, getting out and communicating is my major focus. I promised myself that for 12 months I would put a significant amount of my sales and energy into marketing as well as pr. What I can’t do I will outsource.

The other activity I will devote energy to is planning the business growth with the SBA. I have the skills to do it but working in isolation, as many entrepreneurs do, only affords me the brilliance of one. By utilizing the free and nominal fee services from an agency that has information and resources that I could not produce in lifetime only strengthens my acumen and business. In addition it allows for feedback beyond my circle. Outside opinions make a contribution even if I decide to act contrary to the opinion.

What words of wisdom can you share with other business women?
Have fun. I understand the notion of having passion for what you do but for some people, like myself, sometimes life presents an opportunity that you know you can achieve success. It may not be your passion but it is something you can get behind. Having fun should occur in all areas of your life regardless of passion. I have seen so many people who have net worth’s I am striving towards and still don’t have fun. The best working relationships I have had fun at the center of our longs days. Seriousness and focus has its place but balance it with fun, actually tip the scale on the fun side life will bring you all the troubles and “realities” you can bare.