Today we’d like to introduce you to Marielle Apronti.
Hi Marielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am Marielle Apronti, a 23-year-old college graduate, mom, and entrepreneur. My journey as an entrepreneur began when I was just 17 years old, with the inception of my brand, Lux Life Label. To enhance my entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, I decided to participate in a college accelerator program, which proved to be invaluable. My hard work and determination paid off when I emerged as the winner of the esteemed Blackstone Launchpad pitch competition at my college.
Currently, I am fully engaged in developing a robust marketing strategy to drive the growth of my business. I am thrilled to see that my efforts have yielded positive results, as my hair extensions have gained traction in sales. This indicates that my products are resonating with customers and playing a pivotal role in the success of Lux Life Label.
Lux Life Label emerged from my realization that there was a significant gap in the market for premium-quality hair extensions. The journey of building my brand began in 2017, within the confines of my college dorm room. Fueled by an unwavering passion for hair, I found myself immersed in countless late-night research sessions that lasted until the early hours of the morning.
In those initial years, I dedicated myself to extensively testing various hair vendors. It was crucial for me to ensure that the hair extensions I sourced and offered to my customers met the highest standards of quality.
The process of building Lux Life Label was not merely a business endeavor; it was a labor of love and a pursuit of perfection. Every step of the journey has been guided by a passion for delivering the finest quality hair extensions to customers who seek nothing less than excellence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The year 2020 will forever be remembered as the time when the world faced the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. While completing my final semester of college, I found solace and inspiration in my university’s Entrepreneurship program. It was during this transformative period that I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, creating my first business model that would revolutionize the wig industry.
Recognizing the struggles people faced when salons were closed and hair stylists were unavailable for appointments, I saw an opportunity to provide a unique solution. I focused my efforts on redesigning wigs to make them ready to wear, allowing our customers to have their desired hairstyles shipped directly to their doorsteps. This innovative approach not only provided convenience but also ensured that individuals could maintain their desired appearance even during the lockdowns.
As I delved deeper into the world of hair, I sought out relationships with overseas vendors who could supply me with only the highest quality hair extensions. By establishing these connections, I was able to offer my customers a range of options, allowing them to choose from an array of premium hair textures and styles. The satisfaction of seeing our customers’ joy as they received their customized wigs, meticulously styled to their liking, fueled my passion for providing exceptional products and services.
In 2022, a profound shift occurred in my life as I became a mother and experienced the incredible joy of welcoming my first baby. This transformative experience ignited a new spark within me, infusing me with an even greater sense of purpose. However, along with the joys of motherhood, I also faced the challenges of postpartum depression. Despite the difficulties, I channeled my energy and focus into my business, leveraging networking opportunities and connecting with others who shared similar experiences.
During this time, I had the privilege of meeting numerous mothers who were grappling with postpartum hair loss, a common issue that can greatly impact one’s self-esteem. Drawing from my expertise in custom wigs and high-quality raw hair extensions, I was able to provide practical and effective solutions for these women. Witnessing the transformation and newfound confidence in these individuals was incredibly rewarding, and it solidified my commitment to helping others navigate the unique challenges they faced.
My journey as an entrepreneur has been one of growth, resilience, and empathy. Through the trials and triumphs, I have learned the value of adaptability, the power of building strong relationships, and the profound impact that a business can have in transforming lives. As I continue to evolve my business and expand my reach, I am dedicated to making a positive difference by providing innovative solutions, fostering connection and empowerment, and embracing the beauty and uniqueness of every individual’s journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
During my undergrad at The University of Albany, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a world of networking and collaboration. As I pursued my studies, I actively sought out connections in the music industry, which eventually led to a pivotal position with a prominent booking agency. This role not only allowed me to gain valuable experience, but also opened doors to establish meaningful relationships with major music labels, entertainment companies, and A&R professionals.
As I delved deeper into my work, my network expanded exponentially. I found myself at the forefront of connecting artists, both established and up-and-coming, with the resources they needed to bring their visions to life. One particular area where I found my niche was sourcing raw hair extensions for A-list artists for their music videos, appearances, performances, and photoshoots. These extensions played a crucial role in enhancing the artists’ looks, elevating their stage presence, and capturing the desired aesthetics for their various projects.
Building and nurturing personal relationships has been the cornerstone of my success in this line of work. Over the years, I have invested time and effort into establishing a deep level of trust with artists and their management. This trust has allowed me to intimately understand their unique preferences, styles, and desired outcomes when it comes to their appearance and image. By truly understanding their individual needs, I can curate and source the perfect hair extensions.
What sets me apart in this industry is not only my extensive network and expertise but also my commitment to providing exceptional customer service. I prioritize open and clear communication, ensuring that artists and their teams feel heard and valued throughout the process. By maintaining a keen eye for detail and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and styles, I consistently deliver hair extensions that exceed expectations and align with the artists’ visions.
Working alongside these incredible artists has been a dream come true, and I take great pride in being a trusted partner in their creative journeys. The satisfaction of seeing their visions come to life, with the added touch of my expertise, is truly gratifying. As I continue to grow my network and stay at the forefront of the industry, I look forward to collaborating with even more talented individuals, bringing their artistic visions to new heights with the perfect hair extensions.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
One valuable piece of advice for anyone looking to venture into the hair industry is to write down your goals. Setting clear and specific goals can provide you with a roadmap to success and help you stay focused and motivated along your journey. What I have learned from writing down my goals:
Visualization and Manifestation: The act of writing down your goals also helps with visualization and manifestation.
By putting your intentions into words, you are more likely to believe in and visualize yourself achieving those goals.
Accountability: When you write down your goals, you create a sense of accountability for yourself.
Clarity and Focus: By putting your goals into writing, you bring clarity to your aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luxlifelabel.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/theluxlifelabel
- Facebook: facebook.com/theluxlifelabel
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/luxlifelabel/
- Twitter: twitter.com/theluxlifelabel
- Other: tiktok.com/@theluxlifelabel
Image Credits
@nelsonegh_production
