We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Williams-Batiste and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Continuing the legacy of entrepreneurship is one of my biggest driving forces. Elle’s Elixirs is a manifestation of my great-grandmother’s legacy and commitment to self-determination. My daughter, Ada Elle, is named after my great-grandmother who rose from humble beginnings but dedicated her life to family, civic leadership and entrepreneurship in the North Memphis community.

What should our readers know about your business?
Three years ago, I not only birthed a baby, I birthed a wellness concept that helped bring balance and vitality back into my life postpartum. Elle’s Elixirs officially launched at the Mid-South Hemp Festival in 2019. Since then, I have been able to put my products in front of my target market. This helped me to capture key demographics about who my actual customer is and clarity on who is not my customer. I’ve spent over a 1,000 hours talking with mostly Black women ages 21-45 years old that are seeking ways to relax, unwind, find relief from aches and pains, increase their nutrient and vitamin intake and stop smoking tobacco, which are all key benefits of my product offerings. There have definitely been barriers that I have had to overcome along the way, especially over the last year nativating a global pandemic and racial uprisings.

As a new mom, working from home alongside my husband who is also working from home and an entrepreneur. Balancing everyone’s schedules and unique responsibilities has been challenging. I’ve had to rely on my family for support while growing my business and educating Ada Elle from home. I’ve also been faced with giving my customers a safe sensory experience in the absence of in-person events for the time being. In-person events have been my biggest source of revenue due to me having a product based business. I’ve expanded my retail and wholesale partnerships as well as upgraded my website to gain more connectivity with my customers. I’ve leaned on other Black business women as mentors, advisors and consultants to help me with blind spots, learning curves or obstacles that have come my way. I had to learn to manage different aspects of running a successful business by delegation, time management and centering my own self- care.

My wellness model, tagline, eccentric glam aesthetic, and unique product offerings set me apart from my competition. Our eccentric glam style gives our brand a signature look and feel that always invokes curiosity with potential customers. Our customers are in search of a product that doesn’t take up a lot of time in their day, allows them to incorporate wellness into their regular activities and helps them live life with natural wellness alternatives by sipping, soaking or smoking our products. Along the way I have learned to deepen my trust in my own instincts and abilities- I am enough.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots to visit in Atlanta are Slutty Vegan, The Village Market, Jeni’s Ice Cream and classes at Gymnetic Fitness.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father, Donald Williams, died tragically when I was 11 years old. I dedicate my Shoutout to his beautiful and bold legacy of leadership and authenticity. He fuels my determination to persevere through any challenges and obstacles with clarity and tenacity.

Website: https://www.elleselixirs.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elleselixirs/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenwilliamsbatiste

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elles_elixirs

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/EllesElixirs/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgUvXNwwmVwQFcufTehR7Mw

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/elleselixirs/elles-elixirs-products/

Image Credits:
Camille Leigh Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.