Here on The Curvy Coach, I have the pleasure of interviewing many entrepreneurs in the plus-size community. I couldn’t wait to share with you, my rapid fire interview with a woman who is truly not defined by her size at all but by the beauty products she creates that smells so good you almost want to eat them!

Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter has been a household name for many years and her brand has expanded well beyond her kitchen table days. You can now see her regularly on HSN where her products are highly praised and always sell out. Her product lines are carried in Sephora, Macy’s, and many beauty salons across the nation.

The golden tidbits she shares in this short and sweet dialogue will give you insight on who Lisa Price is as a woman and as a successful business owner. Enjoy!

What is the best part about running your business? What keeps you going?

My favorite part of my business is making product.  I LOVE it.  If I could do that all day, I would.  My children keep me going.  Their love is so unconditional and all encompassing and they just make me smile at the end and beginning of every day.

What is the most challenging part about running your business?

Keeping up with everything.  There is so much going on that there are times when I feel overwhelmed and behind the eight ball.

What made you transition from being a kitchen table operation to a full blown company?

I grew my company organically for the most part and when I expanded I knew that it was the right time because I could not continue the way that I was at that particular point.  You get to a point where you grow or you die.

What were some of the fears you had to overcome to make that big leap?

I am still overcoming them.  The fear puts that fire in your belly.  The most tangible example I can think of is when I go on HSN and I am nervous about being called.  I have nightmares of the phones not ringing and the sound of birds whistling as people stare at the phones.

Who was your first employee?

Official on the books employee and not friends and fam helping out?  Myself and my husband.

How important is it for you to have mentors for your business?

For me, very.  However, my mentors were not necessarily in my business nor people to whom I had access.  I had and have mentors from afar.  I study them, read up on them and learn.

It is said that starting a business is one of the best personal development tools; did you ever have to deal with size acceptance as you grew your business?

Yes and no.  I was accepted but I didn’t feel quite right.  I have recently lost a lot of weight.  I am still plus-sized but healthier and more confident.  It was standing in my way from an energy standpoint.  There’s a lot of work to be done and if you are not healthy, you can’t keep up.

What business opportunities if any, do you see for women in the plus size community?

Whatever they want to do.  We should never let size or someone else’s impression of us alter what we do in life.  If you are happy, do you.  If you are not, fix it and then do you.

You have a product line for Disney, products carried by Sephora, a segment on HSN, and celebrity spokespersons, how do you choose who to associate with your brand?

The person or venue has to be authentic and something or someone in whom I believe.

What are your goals for The Back Room Hand & Foot Spa? Will it evolve to a full-service spa with body massages, facials, etc?

One day, it may.  But for right now, I want to make those basic services we all need something decadent and pleasurable and not so perfunctory.

Where will Lisa Price the mogul be 5 years from now?

I don’t know about “mogul,” but Lisa Price will be an even bigger success on HSN, more of a household name and still creating new and exciting product that stays relevant.  And, my favorite place to be will still be the kitchen.

Would you like to share any words of wisdom to my curvy readers who are thinking about or have existing businesses?

Be strong.  Know who you are and what you bring to the table.  For the things you don’t know, don’t sweat it.  Get someone who does.  You can only do you.  You can’t do you and everybody else.

Lisa P.

Special thanks to Ms. Lisa Price for taking time out of her busy schedule to interview with me. I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.

P.S. If you loved this interview, please share your comments below!

P.P.S.  Want to learn more about Lisa? Then you’ll enjoy this article on page 18 of  The Gemini Magazine, an online plus size magazine I contribute to.