Lipstick Changes Lives…It Started with One

In 1995, Joni Rogers would not have imagined that a lipstick would change her life.  What do you do when you are a single mother who suddenly needs to find a way to support your family?  What do you do when you have an idea for a product that you believe will revolutionize an industry?  If you are Joni Rogers-Kante, you start a business.  As Joni told me recently, it started with one.

As a young woman, Joni realized she loved the cosmetics industry.  She also had a desire to create scientifically sound skin care.  In part, this came from a personal need.  Growing up in Oklahoma,  for years she had been plagued with her own skin care issues due to allergies.  I sat with Ms. Kante recently to try and gain insight into how a woman who was worried about providing for her family one day, found the strength to take a risk and create a hugely successful business.  This business in turn, has provided opportunities for other women to support their own families.  What insight did I gain?  Joni is a no nonsense, highly motivated individual with a purpose.  She says, “Choose to live life in love and abundance, and then work for it!”

This purpose drove her to create SeneGence, and to create a foundation which supports charitable organizations focused on women and children.  It started with one lipstick – it had to be high quality – and she found both a formulator and a botanist who were willing to collaborate with her to create a product that women would love.   Her business evolved from using her living room as her ‘warehouse’ and filling the original LipSense vials in her kitchen, to running a global company with multiple distribution centers and pharmaceutical grade manufacturing.  Joni understands the value of confidence, and recognizes that taking time out to take care of ourselves can do so very much to give us the confidence we need to take on the world.

She also believes that there is both good and evil in this world, and letting negativity win will prevent you from achieving your goals.  Here are Joni’s tips for maintaining a positive attitude and fulfilling your dreams:

1. Eliminate negativity from your life.  Surround yourself with positive thinkers; they will cheer you on and will allow you the freedom to achieve your goals.
2. Work persistently and consistently toward each goal.  What you think about, you bring about.  Make it happen.
3. Keep smiling.  The physical act of smiling sends a message to your unconscious mind.  If you smile, even when on the phone, people will hear it in your voice.  You’ll feel better too!
4. Adopt a “never give up” strategy.  Make a commitment to your goals and never give up.
5. Eliminate fear.  Most of your fears are learned, and you can unlearn them starting now.  Make a commitment to grow and to eliminate unwarranted fears that hold you back from experiencing a full life.
6. Continue your education.  School is never out for a professional.  Learn you trade.  Knowledge is power, and it builds confidence.  Joni schedules one hour a day for “education” and looks forward to that time every day.
7. Accept “problems” as your friends.  Visualize problems as exercises to keep your brain strong.  Think of your problems and frustrations as a workout.  Solving a problem gives your mind a workout and gives you the strength to deal with the next problem.
8. Know that you are a very special being.  You can make a contribution.  If you have dreams, you have the ability to achieve your dreams.  Believe in your abilities.  Don’t compare yourself to anyone.  Ever.

What is your dream?  Joni would absolutely encourage you to pursue it – because you are fabulous, and most definitely you are strong!