Andrea Polk, owner of Solo Noir, has dedicated her life to finding the perfect grooming formula that exemplifies perfection in ethnic skin. Driven by the lack of concern placed on the needs of multicultural men’s grooming coupled with her lifetime respect for organic ingredients, the natural thing for her to do was to invest in developing a plant derived grooming collection. Solo Noir features 100 percent organic 2-in-1 grooming products that offer cutting -dge skin care technologies to achieve skin perfection in men. They offer five uniquely formulated products to help: address ingrown hairs, skin imperfections, restore skin elasticity, moisturize and protect, and promote smooth and healthy skin.
Polk, a licensed aesthetician, holds a master’s in e-commerce and logistics, and bachelor’s in marketing from Tennessee State University.
Polk’s experience in consumer sales has proven to be successful in the grooming industry as well as in her professional career. Her efforts in educating and empowering men while offering products that function as promoted will award success in fulfilling her life goal of providing the over-looked male with the solution to achieving skin perfection. In her efforts to empower her consumers and enforce her slogan “Definition of a Man,” she has named each product after a an attribute of a man to remind consumers of the importance of being well-groomed.
We challenge you to create your own “Definition of a Man” by using Solo Noir for Men.
www.solonoirformen.com
Please describe your leadership style as CEO.
Just as I was taught in my many sales positions prior to the launch of Solo Noir, I lead by example and opportunity. As I begin growing my team, I find the best leadership style for me is to lead with a watchful eye. I would title my style as a relaxed micro-manger. I provide you with the space and creativity to accomplish the task but listen and watch from a distance to ensure it is done with Solo Noir standards.
What is your mission statement?
Solo Noir is a complete grooming line for men featuring 100% organic 2-in-1 grooming products. For years the multi-cultural male grooming market has been overlooked and Solo Noir is the solution to the markets void. Solo Noir offers cutting edge skin care technologies coupled with organic ingredients to achieve skin perfection in our consumers. We offer five uniquely formulated products to help: address ingrown hairs – skin imperfections – restore skin elasticity – moisturize and protect – promote smooth and healthy skin.
What three skill sets are critical for the future executive that you hire for your organization?
They must have analytical skills and know the value of consumer behaviors, and the efficacy of various marketing approaches that would result in increasing our bottom line. Problem solving skills is important, this skill is needed to overcome obstacles and foresee complications in our business. Lastly he or she must possess the skill of negotiation and leadership, these two skills have unmeasurable benefits, that are key to being a great executive.
How does having an advanced degree benefit you and your clients?
Having an advance degree has been very beneficial in my business dealings. It has allowed me to be versatile in my approach as well as my vernacular. My bachelor’s degree in marketing allows me to understand what it takes to appeal to the customer. My master’s degree in supply chain has awarded me the understanding of cutting cost during the life cycle of the product and distribution. And my esthetics license has allowed me to assess and treat the skin.
How do you utilize technology to benefit your organization?
Technology has a huge impact on the success and branding of Solo Noir. We utilize technology to communicate with new and existing customers though social media. We have an online store that our customers can sign up for our VIP Lux Program, which allows for automatic product replenishment and product discounts. We also offer helpful skin care and grooming tips to help our customer achieve skin perfection. For more information visit www.solonoirformen.com .
Finish the sentences:
Team work is important because … it improves moral, productivity, and can encourage creative thinking.
The best way to recruit great talent is … can be found by utilizing your personal networks.
Speaking a second language is important because … it allows you to relate and expand your customer and personal networks.
What social media platforms do you engage in the most?
I engage with fans of Solo Noir and my network mostly on the following platforms;Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I can be reached at @solonoirformen on (Facebook/twitter/Instagram)
What professional organizations do you support?
I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Urban League, Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity
Describe your networking style.
I do not have a particular networking style. My approach depends on the circumstance and what I want the end result to be. Networking to me is second nature and is in direct alignment to my personality. I remember growing up asking questions and being inquisitive, so couple that with my sales and negotiation background and you have my networking style, which has been successful thus far.
If you were giving a graduation speech to college students what would be the title of your speech and give three reasons for choosing that title.
The title of my speech would be “Purpose” this would be my title because I believe that there are two important days of your life, the day you were born and the day you discover why you were born. The day you discover and begin working within your purpose you are living opposed to existing. The importance of purpose is immeasurable, when you are working and living within your purpose life becomes more transparent.
Name your two favorite vacation destinations to relax and recharge.
My favorite destination to relax and recharge is anywhere that has a body of water, water and nature calms me. I can be relaxing near Lake Michigan or on the coast of South Africa, either destination can provide me with the atmosphere to relax and become one with my thoughts.
What are you reading and what are your two favorite books?
Tapping the Power Within by Iyanla Vanzant and Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki are my personal favorites. I am currently reading Instinct by T.D. Jakes and The Path Redefined by Lauren Maillian Bias.
Name three business or political leaders who inspire you.
Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King, Maya Angelou
Favorite sports team and hobbies?
I do not have a favorite team I am just a fan of watching good games. My favorite hobbies include playing sports, listening to live music, traveling and crafting.
Two favorite quotes that motivate you?
“Don’t worry about being successful, worry about being significant and success will naturally follow” ~ Oprah Winfrey
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” ~ Unknown
