Marlene Roberts is the owner of MARkD Beauty and Wellness, which is dedicated to providing professional as well as quality hair care services and products. She is also a graduate of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. We had a chance to sit down with Marlene Roberts to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA's training program.
(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
Honestly, I have always viewed myself as an entrepreneur since I am licensed cosmetologist who works an independent contractor. My love for my craft and the services I provide is what prompted me to expand my brand beyond hair styling into natural hair care products.
(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
I do not think I chose my industry but, instead, it chose me. I say that because my father was a licensed barber in Philadelphia and my mother was what I like to call a kitch-tician (kitchen beautician) so growing up I was always exposed to the industry.
(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
The EDTP with LAEDA was a God sent. While talking to one of my clients about my product line, she encouraged me to apply. It was one of the best decisions I have made to help me expand my company and polish my brand. I was not only able to receive a great deal of knowledge in a short period of time but also gain a sense of pride from work I had already started without any formal experience or education.
(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
My road to date has been an exciting journey and I am nowhere near finished! The saying "it takes money to make money" is one of the truest statements ever to be made. I must say that I’m somewhat of a perfectionist so I tend to limit myself for fear of failure; however, through this program and listening to mentors and fellow entrepreneurs, I learned that as long as I keep making moves everything with come together.
(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
My business is now at a slow and steady pace due to the recent events of this national pandemic. Not being behind the chair gave me the opportunity to really focus on the hair care line and retail portion of my business. I was able to connect to new customers and expand my reach. Going forward, I’m working to create a healthy balance of hair styling versus retail sales.
(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
My advice to future entrepreneurs is never forget your "why". If you stay true to your dreams and your motives, you can and will be unstoppable! I would tell them when one door closes, climb through a window. This means that, sometimes (or even most times), you have to make a way when there seems to be no way and be persistent enough to create your own opportunities.
Congratulations to Marlene Roberts for completing EDTP and recommitting to her journey on the path of entrepreneurship. Marked Beauty and Wellness is dedicated to providing professional as well as quality hair care services and products. The company offers a variety of natural hair care services at competitive prices. Its primary mission is to provide the highest level of customer service, quality hair care and exceptional products. Establishing long lasting relationships of trust and commitments is the company's aim. Its expertise and professionalism allows the team to provide customers with an excellent experience! To get in touch with Marlene Roberts, you can email her at markdbeautyandwellness@gmail.com and/ or give her a call at 856-404-1885 text/call 856-566-MARD. Also, consider visiting the website www.markdbeautyandwellness.com.
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and one year of technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.