We had the good fortune of connecting with LOLA STONE and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi LOLA, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
When the idea of creating a solution for having keloids came to mind, creating something with value and principle was extremley important to me. I wanted to create something that could not only help me when dealing with my keloids, but also help others with their keloids. Lola Stone Collection is more than a skincare line. It exist with an important principle of creating an enviornment that helps people defeat problems that comes from having problematic skin; mainly keloids. It is extremely important for me to build a brand that welcomes people to feel comfortable with voicing the many problems they are faced with when dealing with having these unusal scars.
Some of the problems are severe itching, soreness, burning, consistent growth of the skin and the overall apperance of having keloids. Lola Stone Collection started after creating a YouTube channel documenting my journey of having two keloids surgically removed from the center of my chest. My journey continued because my keloids had grown back bigger and in worst condition. Because I am a consumer of my product and because I have a genuine relationship with my supporters, consumers and subscribers, if I were to lack in delivering what I promised, It would really bother me.
I understand how having keloids can affect the quality of ones life, as well as cause serious insecurities. With no permanent cure, life can sometimes become extremely hard because there’s nothing we can do, except deal with having them until a permenant cure is found. Most time, people with keloids go to surgeons who offer many procedures to remove their keloids and you’ll often hear surgeons say they specialize in the removal; these doctors make matters worst. Also, insurance doesn’t support having them removed in most cases and in the medical world, these removals are labeled as “Cosmetic,” which means insurance doesn’t support it and you get talked into paying thousands of dollars only to be put in a worst condition years later; that’s what happened to me.
I am grateful because my YouTube platform placed me in the position to understand the human skin, learn from others who had similar stories and understand enough to realize a solution was desperately needed. If a doctor couldn’t be trusted, creating something to help manage having keloids was my idea of step one for one day finding a permanet cure. Because I communicate with others who are dealng with having keloids, there is nothing more important to me than making sure I am truly giving these people, who I like to call family, products that gives them a sign of comfort and relief. I launched my first product, the Soothing Butter Cream on September 18, 2020 and the reviews and responds I got is the best feeling ever til this day. It warms my heart that I was able to come up with an idea and offer a solution for an issue that has been around for years.
Not only did I find a way to tackle my own problems, but I’m now able to help thousands of people around the world. My products has reached places like the United Kingdom, Canada, the U.S and I am currently working towards getting distribution in Africa. With this being a solution for many around the world, it is inevitable that I deliver what I promise; it’s what matters the most to me.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets Lola Stone Collecton products apart is the fact that you’re getting products formulated specifically for people with keloids by someone with keloids. I understand what’s needed when it comes to dealing with problematic skin and I’m 100% invested in being there for those who are going through the same problems as me. I am most proud of my execution with bringing my idea to life. I’ve been disappointed in the lack of care and understanding from having my keloids removed by someone I thought I could trust; my surgeon. He didn’t have my interest at heart. I remember when I first started brainstorming on how I could offer a solution to my skin problem.
I remember spending months researching, calling manufacturers to help me create my idea, speaking to many formulators, dermatologists, and even movie makeup artist as I tried to figure out what would be the best route for finding a solution and then it clicked. I am proud of myself for staying consistent in the process beause sometimes that can be hard. I was determined and desperately wanted to be of help for myself and for the commuinty of those with keloids.
I am most excited about the launch of the new products to come. The Soothing Butter Cream has helped many people around the world by tackling the severe itching, soreness and burning, but these new products to come will tackle other issues caused like the apperance of having keloids, as well as offer solutions to those with other skin problems like eczema, post surgery scars, c-sections scar and acne breakouts; just to name a few. My next products to be released is the cooling gel and scar sheets. The scar sheets is going to be a gamechanger because it will allow those with keloids to be more confident in their apperance.
Some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way are: details are essential, trust the process and never stop learning. In business, the smallest detail plays an important part to the overall goal, the process is mandatory and because life is forever changing, you must be open to allowing yourself to always be a student. It won’t always be easy, but taking time to understand your bad habits and repetition of replacing those bad habits with good ones will make things easier when building a business.
I want the world to know that there is always a solution to a problem and knowing that, is step one when building a business. I want the people who may feel discouraged because of their skin to know they are not alone and that Lola Stone Collection is always there to help them when they have those days of not feeling their best. I want them to also remember that I am just like them and I’m here to be more than a skincare line. I am someone who takes building others up very seriously and that is what makes my brand.
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.
As someone who’s been living in Atlanta, GA for 11 years now, there are many places and sites to visit here in the city. I am someone who loves nature and being outdoors. I love art, as well as the Atlanta culture. If I had to take my bestie out, which I have many times, I would start by finding a brunch spot that had some sort of outdoor/patio vibe. Here in Atlanta, there are so many places to choose from. You have Atlanta Breakfast Club, South City Kitchen Midtown, Flying Biscuit Cafe, Fin & Feathers Buttermilk Kitchen and the list goes on. I feel like you won’t get the full “Atlanta” experience without brunch.
Depending on the weather (because ATL weather can be tricky), I would take her to the beltline to ride the bikes around the city, see the art that has been painted throughout the city and probably stop at one of the ice cream spots or outdoor open bars near the beltline trail. To be honest, there is ALWAYS something to do in Atlanta whether it be going skating, bowling, day party or night party. Whatever we decided to do would depend on the vibe we are going for.
Website: https://www.lolastonecollection.com
Instagram: @lolastonecollectionllc
Facebook: The Keloid Kit
Youtube: lola stone
Other: Personal IG: @Southernbel13