Treat Me Bath and Body founder Teneshia LaRoda-Griffith was a stay-at-home mom before she became an entrepreneur enticing women with sugary treats that are believe it or not, calorie free. An all-natural body care line that’s not only organic and free of harsh sulfates and chemicals, it’s simply, a sweet luxury.
LaRoda-Griffith recently set up shop at the annual Derby Hat Walk fundraising event, between her bubbly personality and show-stopping outfit, this writer couldn’t resist indulging.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
When you spend so much of your time showing up for someone else’s dream, its not much of an effort to show up for your own dream. I believe what you put into something is what you’re going to get out of it. For me I don’t show up for work I show up for my life.
How did you determine your career path?
Funny! I didn’t quite choose this, it chose me. God gave me Treat Me. I mean there was never a time as a child that I was like “You know what? I’m going to grow up and be a soap maker. It was more like I prayed for peace and he gave me soap.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Beauty
Health
Wellness
What advice can you offer future business leader and innovators?
Don’t be afraid to go against the grain, to be different. People will think you’re weird, or may even tell you your dreams and desires are insignificant, but you should always stand and keep pushing for your beliefs. Also be strategic. Find a need for something in the world that you feel hasn’t been met and fill that void.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
Give God the glory; it’s not about me, ever. I know that’s not the popular answer but its my truth. I realize if I focus on His work, which is helping people, be it creating something beautiful that makes people feel good, creating a job, or creating meaningful relationships, there is nothing bad that can come from that. Success is inevitable.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
I clearly see a vision in my head and I try making that small glimpse a reality. Once that reality manifests itself and becomes real, then I do it all over again. I don’t measure my success on other people’s vision or opinion. I define what it means to me and when I achieve it, no matter how small it is, I am successful.
Who do you consider peers in your field?
I really look to other fellow artist and crafters, people who also create from their hearts. I often feel like I’m in a special club of people who literally take a dream and make something tangible out of thin air. People like JeJe White who makes hand died Egyptian inspired clothing, Dunn-Spunn a twenty year old young lady who creates fiber and spins yarn, and Soap Queen Anne Marie who literally made “soap making” cool and relevant and taught people like myself. We are all in it together. We are genuinely happy for the other and invested in each other’s success.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
My role models are not really focused on specific people. I’m more inclined to look up to old women who have been on earth for 90 years and have lived to tell. My role models are people who are survivors, hard workers, people who don’t give up. I look up to the everyday man who appreciates life and is constantly moving forward. Progressing
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
The Bible (Favorite book of all time)
The Bluest Eye By Toni Morrison
Why is God Laughing? by Deepak Chopra
Why is lifelong learning important to you?
Because that’s how we evolve, that is how we become better, avoid making mistakes that don’t benefit our life or our children’s lives. It’s how we make sure our world moves in a forward motion even after we’re gone.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
It’s just the voice that says if you can and you will, failure is not an option.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
I always say that “WE” are the people. We create the jobs, work the jobs… We spend the money, and we make the economy and community. Small business creates big opportunities. As a business owner I need my community and they need me.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
It’s a necessary evil. It drives me crazy but it makes life a little easier. I don’t know what I would do with out my soap calculator or my Kitchen aid stand mixer. I could do it but it would be a real struggle.
What software and tools of technology have made the biggest difference in your life?
My soap calculator
Define your personal culture.
Simple living, friends, family, and laughter
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
France
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Its arrogance
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Random procrastination
