Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura McCann.
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey as the CEO and Founder of Adoratherapy began with a passion for personal transformation and the belief that the power of breath and intention could become a simple healing journey anyone could have. Drawing from my background in business, sourcing, and product design and my need to support my healing journey, I embarked on the entrepreneurial path to create a brand that not only offered healing products but also embraced a holistic approach to self-care that had the best of beauty and wellness with a touch of life coaching. The inception of Adoratherapy was marked by a dedication to sourcing premium essential oils and crafting unique blends that catered to the emotional and mental aspects of well-being, targeting the chakras and the aura. Over the years, through resilience and a commitment to quality, Adoratherapy has grown into a trusted name in the wellness industry. Our products and commitment to vibrational healing came together when we opened our store in downtown Asheville at the Historic Grove Arcade. Inspired by an Aura Photo we had in Chinatown in New York, we envisioned opening a permanent Aura Studio. My life partner Jim was up to the task and found software that allowed us to provide customized aura and chakra readings. We combined our readings, which provide accurate results on the guest’s chakra health, with our Chakra Aromatherapy blends to create a one-of-a-kind healing session in our store, and it was incredibly successful. Our journey continues to be fueled by the mission to provide individuals with tools for self-discovery, balance, and a renewed sense of joy. Today, as the CEO, I am proud to lead a team that shares the vision of enhancing lives through the transformative power of energy healing with aromatherapy.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Capital Constraints: Acquiring sufficient capital is a perennial challenge for many entrepreneurs. Whether funding initial startup costs, managing day-to-day operations, or fueling expansion, securing financial resources can be a constant uphill battle; as a manufacturer, it’s a chicken and egg scenario: the more you grow, the more you need. I have been fortunate to have found a way to keep the business afloat. Many times, it seemed impossible, but courage, resilience, and a willingness not to give up fueled our ups and downs.
Experience and Expertise: I was fortunate not to lack experience or expertise in running a business because I have been an entrepreneur for over 30 years. However, every business requires a unique skill set. We have the retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and e-commerce races to handle. It’s a massive job and requires learning on the job and staying in tune with all the industry trends, research, and benchmarks. Technology is ever-evolving, and many aspects of the job require being an early adopter with strong analytical skills and financial acumen. I am lucky to keep it all together due to my appetite for personal development and interest in entrepreneurship.
Market Fit and Competition: Identifying the right market fit for a product or service is a critical challenge. Understanding customer needs, preferences, and market trends is an ongoing process. Moreover, standing out in a competitive landscape requires constant innovation and differentiation. We have had to continually assess and adjust our offerings to stay relevant and meet the evolving demands of the market.
Establishing Brand Voice: Crafting a distinct and resonant brand voice is nuanced. I have had to learn to articulate my values, mission, and unique selling propositions in a way that captures the attention and loyalty of Adoratherapy’s target audience. Building brand awareness and fostering a connection with our consumers is an ongoing effort that involves consistent messaging, storytelling, and engagement across various channels. We finally have that nailed down, and our success validates this. Now, we have to continue to stay relevant!
While daunting, these struggles are inherent to any entrepreneurial journey and also present opportunities for growth, learning, and, ultimately, the business’s success. Challenges are stepping stones to innovation and improvement. Leveraging each experience to build a resilient and adaptive business is my “raison d’etre.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
At the core of my professional journey lies a unique fusion of creativity and strategic thinking, a duality that has been instrumental in my success. Trained as a designer focusing on fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York in the 80s, I bring a blend of left and right brain capabilities to my work. My background equips me with the ability to conceptualize ideas and translate them into tangible, saleable products. My training involves a comprehensive understanding of market trends, hands-on experience in stores, and leading design teams. What sets me apart is my commitment to honoring my creative self-expression, a driving force beyond conventional measures of success or financial gains. As the daughter of an artist, this creative lineage influences everything I do. I take pride in merging my inherited artistic sensibilities with the structured approach learned through design training. This unique combination allows me to approach challenges holistically, ensuring that my work meets strategic objectives and reflects a genuine and distinctive creative identity.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
I believe in the power of collaboration and community, and there are several ways people can work with me, collaborate with our community, or support our endeavors. One avenue is through our ‘People we Adore’ series, where we actively seek to uplift and amplify the voices of fellow entrepreneurs, healers, women business owners, and community leaders. This initiative involves live interviews and blogs, providing a platform for sharing inspiring stories and fostering a sense of collective strength. For those interested in joining our community, we always look for talented individuals. We welcome collaboration if you are passionate about energy healing, aura, and chakra readings or resonate with our holistic approach. Spreading the word about our products and unique energy-healing methods is a powerful way to support us. Your advocacy helps us reach more individuals seeking wellness and balance. We have ambassador programs and affiliate programs to support this. As we expand our reach, we are excited about hosting events and pop-ups and traveling to new locations to share our work. We are open to partnerships and collaborations that align with our mission and values. In the Summer of 2024, we have an upcoming book launch, and we invite potential partners to join us on this exciting journey.
Furthermore, we offer internship opportunities for those looking to gain hands-on experience. I am passionate about nurturing the next generation, providing valuable training, and sharing insights from my journey. Collaborating with us isn’t just about business – it’s about co-creating and building a community that thrives on shared values and aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adoratherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoratherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADORAtherapy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5303461/admin/feed/posts/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/adoratherapy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOrGg2A9-X2UfEL1yK0cUFA
Image Credits
Keyan Riddick
