For Women’s History Month I will be sharing the stories that define and provide examples of women empowerment, uplifting stories of personal triumph and businesses that are inspiring and are making a difference for women. Women’s History Month is a declared month each year that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
I want to introduce you to Regina Conyers, The Dope Soap Lady.
Regina Conyers aka “The Dope Soap Lady” Regina Conyers grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina where she attended the prestigious HBCU, Fayetteville State University, obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature. She then followed up her studies at North Carolina Central University receiving her Masters Of Social Work. Regina took her credentials and parlayed them into a fulfilling career as a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center Program Director for the Department of Veterans Affairs for many years, until her health started declining and she was diagnosed with Heart Failure. Gina was devastated but felt a fire begin to burn inside. She didn’t see the diagnosis as a death sentence, but rather a life calling that needed to be met. With faith fueling her determination, Regina decided to step out on that and leave her job to follow her passion and true purpose. She birthed the company now known as Gina’s Love.
Her is HERstory:
The love story began in 2016 in her very own kitchen, upon a cold winter’s day. Regina walked in the door of her home, smiled at her children, and felt her lips crack like a porcelain plate falling on concrete! They were beyond dry, and no matter how much money she spent on products, there were none that kept her lips moisturized throughout the day. Then and there, she decided to make a balm that fit all of her needs. Before she knew it, she was crafting natural, organic lip balm, handmade soaps, sugar scrubs and many other body products for friends and family. Gina’s Love isn’t only about making great all-natural, vegan products for the masses. It’s about how we all can make a choice to fall in love with and follow our dreams while making a positive social and environmental impact in our world. The company’s motto is “Love You To Health.” This firm belief and dedication helped land her company a feature in Success magazine’s 25 Holiday gift ideas for 2020. The company is ever expanding and just launched the highly anticipated Clarity Skin Care Line for your face. This has been over a year in the making and tested on different types of skin. The ingredients include Green Tea, MSM, Papaya, Activated Charcoal, and ONLY all natural materials, just to name a few. Gina’s Love does more than help sell soap and body products. It helps to show the world that Life Offers Value to Everyone (LOVE).
She is the Founder and CEO of Gina’s Love. Vegan and Organic Body Care Company.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
Everything. We birth all around us. Our womb is sacred. Where would any of us be without strong women?
What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share with someone?
You’re never going to be “ready” and tomorrow isn’t promised. Just do it!
What do you want your legacy to be?
That I gave 100% of my heart and soul. That my children are left with a company that gives back as much as it receives, if not more. That I was here and left the world a little better, albeit a little kinder.
What inspires you?
My children. My friends. My amazing tribe. Mother Earth.
What kind of impact do you want to have on those around you?
To be happy and kind to all creatures, great and small.
What does self care mean to you?
Everything. I took it for granted before I started my company and my health deteriorated because of it. Now, I listen to my body. I rest when it tells me to.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
When I was diagnosed with my heart disease. I knew that I needed to be my own boss and generate wealth for my children. I will leave my company to them. It will be a great company.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
The wake up call when the doctors didn’t give me long to live.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
Waking up everyday knowing that I am alive and well.
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
Seeing my business flourish and my kids have something to take over. I am passionate about every product that I make by hand. I literally put love into each bar of soap I create.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business and personally?
To grow the business into its own warehouse. Possibly have it sold in Whole Foods and the choice for a luxury hotel chain.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
Every black woman who paved the entrepreneurial road before me. Those are my influencers.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them.
The births of my children, and the diagnosis of my heart disease. Opened my eyes and let me know life is a precious gift that is way too short.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
The facial skin care line just dropped. All natural, restorative hair products are coming very soon.
Is there anything else you would like to share with me?
I want to thank my good friend and publicist, Demetria Johnson. I have known her since Middle School. She has really pushed me to take my business to the next level. I am doing this interview because of her. Queens support queens.
