Rising Stars: Meet Monique Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Williams. 

Hi Monique, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started making natural skincare products back in 2016 because I suffered from acne and dry skin since my teenage years and commercial products did not alleviate these issues. Most of the products available on the market did not work for me and even the most effective solutions would likely not work or cause liver toxicity issues. Of course, there are many other people like myself who could benefit from products created specifically for my skin type and color so I decided to use my science background to create some effective solutions. 

I am a scientist by training, and I have always loved creating. Even as a child, I was always mixing things together and experimenting. Creating skincare products was right up my alley. I first started with making soap. 

I attended YouTube University, like many of my contemporaries, to learn the basics of soap making and even found a basic recipe on Brambleberry.com. Using this base recipe, and after many trial and error batches, I refined my recipe and created a bar soap that it truly unmatched. This soap boasts a luscious lather that gently cleanses without stripping the skin dry of its natural oils and is safe to use on the face and body. These properties are attributed to the natural butters and oils (e.g., shea butter, hempseed oil, coconut oil, castor oil) that I include in the recipe. Best of all, the bars last ridiculously long, and they smell absolutely delightful with tropical blends inspired by places in Jamaica that hold a special place in my heart. 

Speaking of Jamaica, did I mention that I am a native to the beautiful island of Jamaica? I was born in Jamaica and lived there for the first 13 years of my life. My family moved to the Bahamas in 2005 to prioritize my education, and after high school, I ventured off to the US for college. I have been in the US since 2009 and have since completed my Bachelors in Biology, Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and found the love of my life. My husband and I moved to North Carolina in 2019 for a job opportunity for me and have been here ever since. 

I started Tallawah Naturals in February 2022 and chose the name “Tallawah” because this is a Jamaican word for “tiny but mighty.” Usually expressed in the phrase “Mi likkle but mi tallawah,” it speaks of small beginnings, strength, and perseverance which wholly embodies my brand. Since starting the business, I have traveled to numerous events all over North Carolina and even to Georgia, attending vendor shows and festivals to sell my products and promote the business, all while working a 9-5. And, of course, I’m always coming up with new products to make. I’ve since expanded to making body butters, body scrubs, and shampoo and conditioner bars all of which my customers adore. After being in business for a year, I realized that there is a market for the products I sell and that this could be a successful enterprise. All I have to do is persevere. 

And now for the heartfelt part of my story: I really started this business as a way to financially support my parents who still live in Jamaica. For as long as I can remember, they have made so many sacrifices to ensure that my needs are met and that they are doing their best for ME. From moving to another country to earn more to make ends meet, being underpaid for their skills, to allowing me to leave home at 17 to go off and achieve my goals. As their only child, it is my responsibility to take care of them as they get older and do my best for THEM. My eventual goal is to be able to move them here to the US permanently where we can finally be close to each other after living apart for 14 years. 

There are many days when I feel lost, like I’m throwing spaghetti at the wall, throwing money into a bag with holes, and want to give up. It would definitely be easier to quit now, but I love my parents too much to just throw in the towel. I have to keep going to secure their future. Plus, my products are phenomenal, and the world deserves to have them. My favorite part of running this business is the in-person events where I get to meet new people, learn more about them and how I can better serve them. Nothing warms my heart more than seeing the expression on the faces of my customers when they try my signature fragrance, JOINTWOOD, and when they leave a review on my website sharing how my products are making a difference in their skin and hair. 

Currently, I’ve filled my calendar with events through the rest of the year, am redesigning my website, working on an acne skincare line to release in a couple months, trying to grow on social media, and mentoring a new small business owner. How I find time to do it all, I have no clue! Let’s just say God gives me strength! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have met many challenges since starting this business: from losing my business partner after only 9 months of working together, missing out on vending events, not having enough time to attend events, getting little to no traffic to the website, difficulty trying to create an online presence, lost money on programs and coaches who turned out to be just disappointing and ineffective, getting mixed information on how to properly market the business, missing out on small business grant funding, funding in general. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mayo Clinic and now currently work as a Senior Scientist at Q2 Solutions, an IQVIA subsidiary, in their immunoassay bioanalytics department. We provide clinical trials services to multiple clients across the globe, supporting the testing of emerging treatments for various diseases. That is as much as I can share without getting myself in trouble. 

I am most proud of my collaborative spirit and my willingness and desire to help others learn and grow in their careers. I LOVE teaching and have opportunities to do that at work and more recently with helping a fellow entrepreneur on her small business journey. 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Please follow me on social media! I’d really appreciate the support in growing my business. I am still learning, and there is so much to learn, and I celebrate every order, every sale, and every glowing review that I get. I am always looking for people to participate in my focus groups so please share my contact information with those interested in trying my products in return for user-generated content (UGC). 

Pricing:

• Soaps: $10 each
• Body Butter: $22 (8 oz)
• Shampoo & Conditioner bars: $15.99 each
• Walnut-Sugar Scrubs: $25.99 each

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tallawah-naturals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallawahnaturals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tallawahnaturals
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9MJYYuPka52UOPxAriIMxw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tallawahnaturals

Image Credits
Carlos Hedgepeth