"I believe the most underestimated part about running a company is how much blood, sweat, and tears truly go into it."
In an industry full of revolving fads and trends, MAVALA has remained a beauty staple throughout the world for over 60 years, offering high-quality products made with clean ingredients that stand the test of time.
Developed in Swiss laboratories, MAVALA delivers high-performing beauty products and solutions with a scientifically perfected formula and innovative product lines that are rich in Swiss nature, ingredients, and knowledge.
With over two decades of experience in corporate law, Texas entrepreneur, attorney and license owner of MAVALA USA, Stacie LaVenia is an expert in business leadership and corporate transactions in the beauty industry.
With a passion for high-quality, clean beauty products and a legal background as an attorney, LaVenia brings an authentic approach to the beauty industry as she leads MAVALA USA. LaVenia advocates for female leadership and entrepreneurship, recognizing the importance and need for more female leaders in companies.
Understanding that quality skin care is an integral part of everyone’s overall health, LaVenia is committed to delivering high-performing beauty products and solutions that enhance everyone’s beauty instead of changing it.
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Table of Contents
If you were in an elevator with Warren Buffet, how would you describe your company, your services or products? What makes your company different from others? What is your company’s biggest strength?
Stacie LaVenia: It’s been a pleasure to be the license owner of MAVALA USA for the last nine years. The MAVALA brand is over 65 years old and is deeply rooted in Swiss traditions.
Developed in Swiss laboratories, MAVALA delivers high-performing beauty products and solutions with a scientifically perfected formula and innovative product lines that are rich in Swiss nature, ingredients and knowledge.
Unlike most beauty-focused companies, we focus on natural and holistic beauty products, using an in-house chemist to develop the products.
We have been first to market with many products including our Double Lash Nutritive Eyelash Serum, Scientifique Original Nail Hardener, and more.
MAVALA is a one-stop beauty brand that offers high-quality cosmetic collections in not only one category line, but multiple: nail, eye, hand, face, lip, and foot.
We’ve found the fresh ingredients and scientific methods that work and continue to stay true to our proven philosophy while launching new products.
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, are an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle keeping talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are adapting to the current shift we see?
Stacie LaVenia: In my experience, I’ve found that what keeps employees happy is knowing they are valued and appreciated, not just by gestures, but by regular, candid feedback.
Employees truly keep any company functioning and are needed by their executive team, but you cannot have employees without acknowledging their achievements. Many companies do not realize that words and small gestures go a long way and can show your employees that they are more than just a number.
It is clear that everyone wants to be heard and seen. An easy first step for employers is to ensure each employee feels your appreciation and is regularly recognized for their key accomplishments.
By doing this consistently, you’ll typically find a boost in employee happiness, which, in turn, boosts retention and ultimately the bottom line.
Here is a two fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Stacie LaVenia: I have three books that have influenced my life both professionally and personally.
- Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey.
This book was thought-provoking and has changed my perspective to always look at the positive, and view the glass as half full. It is a useful outlook to have when dealing with all the ups and downs that come with running a business.
- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
Who is John Galt? This classic novel is a mystery story, not about the murder of a man’s body, but about the murder — and rebirth — of man’s spirit. All of the novel’s heroes are thinkers: they demonstrate an ongoing commitment to understanding their work, themselves and the world around them.
They choose their goals and values by a process of thought, never putting their desires above the facts. This is an important piece of work and life that I try my best to put into practice.
- The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz.
This book has taught me to not take anything personal and not make assumptions, which I have found to be key notations to apply to business and life in general.
Christopher Hitchens, an American journalist, is quoted as saying that “everyone has a book in them” Have you written a book? If so, please share with us details about it. If you haven’t, what book would you like to write and how would you like it to benefit the readers?
Stacie LaVenia: While I have not written a book, if I did, it would be a look back on my life and how I have evolved through personal and professional achievements and struggles.
I started my professional career as an attorney 25 years ago, and today I lead a reputable cosmetic company. I would highlight the shifts I have gone through, both professionally and personally, and share the lessons I have learned, navigating business and life, along the way.
As a female business owner in a male-dominated industry, it is not always easy. My goal would be to take the learning curve out of other female entrepreneurs’ experiences so they can be as prepared as possible and learn from my mistakes and life lessons. I would want my story to be someone else’s survival guide.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Stacie LaVenia: I believe the most underestimated part about running a company is how much blood, sweat, and tears truly go into it. Many business owners, CEOs and entrepreneurs make it look easy from the outside, but it is hard.
To be a proficient and good business owner, you have to know how to do every position and understand everyone’s role at the company. I’ve learned that no one at the company is irreplaceable, not even the owner.
What does “success” in the year to come mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Stacie LaVenia: The ultimate success in the year to come for MAVALA would be building brand awareness with the younger generations. The goal is to show the world that we have products that help men and women of all ages.
We currently have a lack of GenZ and millennial customers, though our beauty products and solutions are ripe for their picking, and we are looking to change that this year through our marketing and PR efforts.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Stacie LaVenia for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Stacie LaVenia or her company, you can do it through her – Instagram
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