Meet Monique Joe | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Joe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Symonious Fusion was birthed during quarantine August 2021. A period of time that was very stressful for adults and children alike. Lives were turned upside down and people had to adjust to situations they have never been faced with. Like many others I had a lot of time on my hands so my husband and I thought it would be fun to make soaps. To my surprise I was really good at it. Not to mention, I am a huge advocate for self-care, so making products that feel good and are safe was right up my ally. During COVID, self-care became almost mandatory to survive. I really felt like Symonious Fusion was a solution to the self-care problem. People needed something to look forward to and one of the things that I heard most was the desire to have a hot relaxing bath. When it comes to self-care, the five senses are very important so I wanted to make a product that would satisfy as many of those as possible. My products smell good, feel good, and are good for your skin. A lot of the products out there have harsh ingredients. While I loved a lot of the smells, I would often breakout from the other hard ingredients, so I started researching, asking questions, and experimenting. It started out as self-care products for my family and friends but as the word spread, the demand grew. Next thing you know, Symonious Fusion was born.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Symonious Fusion is a small business that produces handmade soaps, body scrubs, body butters and more, all made with natural ingredients that are healthy for the skin. The business was created as an alternative to harsh manufactured soaps and other products. Symonious Fusion was created with love and with the whole family in mind, and these are the things that set us apart from others. We are rooted in love and care, not just for our family but every household we touch. We are proud of being family-owned and operated, and leaving a legacy for our children is one of the most important things to us. It’s more than passing on physical assets, it’s a tapestry of wisdom, values, and traditions.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise?
Without having any formal training or knowledge about the soap making industry, I started from scratch with zero knowledge, which proved to be a difficult journey. Nonetheless, driven by an unwavering passion, I felt compelled to pursue this path despite my inexperience. The excitement of creating something new and unique was palpable, but it was also tempered by the fear of uncertainty and self-doubt. Would people like my products? Would they be willing to pay for them? These questions constantly nagged at me, but I chose to focus on the excitement and pushed forward, building my business and clientele from the ground up.

Was it easy?
No, it was not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, and money. It can be pretty challenging when you don’t have good marketing, lack of capital and cash flow and experience burnout. However, you have it keep going. To overcome these challenges, I relied heavily on God to place the right people in my life who could guide me in the right direction, and He hasn’t failed me yet.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
First and foremost keep God first in all that you do. You will also need to have a clear plan that outlines your goals, target market, competition, and marketing strategy. These steps are crucial to the success of your business. You also have to understand your target audience, their needs, preferences, and buying behavior. I have also learned to focus on customer satisfaction. Providing excellent customer service and addressing customer feedback can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. Lastly, be open to change. The landscape of business is always changing so you have to evolve with it.

What do you want the world to know about you?
I would like to world to know that I am a lover of life. Everything that God has placed in my life makes me who I am. I value my relationship with God and strive daily to show myself through my family, friends, and living out my purpose. I love taking care of my family and shaping the futures of my children while having fun at the same time. I love to take care of others but also remembering not to neglect myself. In my spare time, I love to travel and explore the world around me. The name of my business is Symonious Fusion (it’s a fun take on my middle name- Simone). It represents a perfect fusion of mind, body, and spirit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not from Atlanta but when I visit I love to go to the The Battery, Ponce City Market and 3rdSpot. I also love Atlantic Station and Piedmont Park, there are always events happening there. Oh and I can’t forget Krog Street Market. I haven’t been to a lot of places so I would like for an Atlantan to take me around and show me a great time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a huge shoutout to my loving husband, Timothy M. Joe, and my amazing sister-in-love, Christy Joe. These two played an integral role in the inception of my business venture, providing unwavering support and motivation during the challenging early stages. They not only offered encouragement but also challenged me to persevere when the journey seemed insurmountable, and their unwavering belief in my abilities was the driving force behind my success.

Website: www.symoniousfusion.com

Instagram: Symonious_Fusion

Facebook: Symonious Fusion

Image Credits
Corinthians Moore (Headshot) and Cornelius Joe II (Product Photos)