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My Story
I am a business-minded executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in higher-education, marketing, and business operation. Over the course of my career in education, I am proud to have positively impacted academia, business, and the professional careers of adults in society. Helping others is as much a part of my DNA as Entrepreneurship.
Though my work as an academic-business leader helping women and men achieve their educational goal(s) was very rewarding, I have always pursued entrepreneurial endeavors. My first pursuit was as a teenager, where I earned extra money braiding the hair of children in the community, a skill I taught myself from watching others braid my own hair. This venture continued at Morgan State University, while earning my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Marketing. I further honed this craft; and learned to style, perm, and color, hair; eagerly offering to do hair for others, just for the love of it. I kept my eyes fixed on developing these skills and setting a bigger goal—to be a business owner.
Upon graduation, I returned to New York and secured a position at New York University and rose to positions of executive leadership. However, I kept pursuing my own entrepreneurial endeavors on the side—becoming a certified manicurist and starting a nail business, doing consulting projects for small businesses and non-profit organizations, being a Mary Kay Consultant, and serving as a representative of Morinda International, Inc. (a health and wellness company). I gladly pursued these endeavors over the years while serving on a charter school board, a small business board, being an active member in various professional organizations, mentoring girls and young-adults, and participating in community events. My first exposure to interactive media and marketing came in the early 90's. I knew it would become a major part of how business is conducted in the future so I returned to school, in the evening, to earn my Master of Science Degree in Direct and Interactive Marketing from NYU.
Throughout this time, my goal remained to create a business that served women more broadly. After 22 years at NYU, in executive leadership roles that consumed my life (although very rewarding), I had to learn to take time to renew my mind, body, and spirit. In living such a busy and stressful lifestyle for so long, I put myself on the back burner—rarely taking time for self-care or to pamper myself—unless it was a birthday, vacation, or some other special occasion. I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE. MANY WOMEN AND MEN CAN RELATE.
I continue to dream of owning a spa one day, to further help people relax and pamper themselves. Going to a spa can be an expensive endeavor for many consumers, one that typically only happens during special occasions. So, I created a way for everyone to enjoy the spa experience—at home, every day. I really want to help people take time for themselves and de-stress, thus I.E. Spa Indulgences LLC was born. The goal of I.E. Spa Indulgences LLC is to help hard-working women and men de-stress—pamper themselves—create an at-home spa experience—use more naturally-made products—and to make it easier for everyone to enjoy this treat in some small way—EVERY DAY.
At first, I made these products because I wanted to share the gift of relaxation and better health and wellness with the special people in my life. However, with such an overwhelming response, the encouragement from consumer tests, and further market research, education, and planning, I decided I needed to share this experience with a much broader audience, than just my inner circle. Like the early years when I taught myself how to braid hair, I learned to make high-quality products. I studied ingredients, read books, tested recipes, watched videos, took tutorials, attended workshops and conferences, and created different formulas. I am a member of the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild, to continue to learn, attend conferences, and network with other business owners. It gives me the most pleasure to make a product and to see it well received by a test group and eventually a customer.
These products are made with raw natural and organic ingredients and essential oils and phthalate-free fragrance oils, love, and special care, so my customers feel confident taking time to indulge in a pleasurable experience—at home, as they renew their mind, body, and spirit and have a little piece of luxury, EVERY DAY. It is my belief this is essential to living a balanced life. A little goes a long way. You will feel good about taking time to indulge in your own intimate escape as you treat your body, renew your spirit, and relax your mind—because YOU deserve it!
I am so happy to bring these creations to you. It has been a labor of love. I have always enjoyed giving back and I.E. Spa Indulgences LLC is my gift to YOU and the COMMUNITY. Therefore, a minimum of $1 per purchase (in currency and/or product) is donated to causes that support Breast Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, Kidney Disease, and other charities that support women and the youth because I have loved ones’ SUFFER and THANKFULLY, RECOVER, from these illnesses that impact many communities today. Increased stress, neglecting our bodies, and using so many chemically-based products, are too often the norm, and in some ways, contribute to these diagnoses. I care about finding cures in these areas and I pray YOU will as well. Please enjoy using these products. I look forward to hearing from you as you share your i.e. spa indulgences experiences with me.
Blessings,
Renée
President and Founder