Carol’s Daughter

Entrepreneur, Lisa Price, talks with The Green Magazine about her recipe for success

The Kitchen. For many families it’s the heart of the home. It’s a place where memories are either made or shared. A place where, at times, we begrudgingly shadowed the family chef to learn the nuances behind those famed secret recipes. No measuring cups were needed, it was simply, a pinch of this and a dab of that. But to Lisa Price, founder and creator of Carol’s Daughter, the kitchen came as a source of inspiration. 

“Everything from the sweet smell of cinnamon and coconut to the warm scent of simmering curry emanated from everyone’s favorite space,” she stated. “It all happened in the kitchen.” Those enticing scents that loomed in a young Price’s kitchen satiated her love of fragrances. Growing up in Brooklyn, Price’s grandmother, or “nana,” would concoct homespun remedies for minor ailments, be it to soothe a sore throat or settle an upset stomach. “My life was filled with recipes,” stated Price. 

Price’s relation to recipes would lure her to her own kitchen years later. In 1989, while working as a writer’s assistant for The Cosby Show, Price began to dabble with perfumes. Unable to find satisfying beauty products, Price began to make her own. Her mother, Carol, suggested that she sell her products at a neighborhood flea market. And she did. Price began with start up capital of $100 for ingredients, flowers and a rental table. News of her Mango Body Butter and Honey Puddin’ spread quickly by word-of-mouth. “After I sold out, I thought, ‘I could do this’” she told reporters. A year later, Price left her career in television production and established Carol’s Daughter.  

What began as a pastime has now expanded into an award-winning, multi-million dollar company. Price has stayed true to her belief of creating products using the finest ingredients that harbor those tantalizing scents she’s known for. Today, Carol’s Daughter offers a line of more than 200 products for the hair, body, and skin. With seven stores nationwide, the flagship store residing in Harlem, Price still and always will be Carol’s Daughter. “My mother and nana were huge inspirations to me,” acknowledged Price. “If it weren’t for my mother encouraging me to sell my products at the local church flea market, I would never be where I am today.” 

TGM: Why is the name Carol’s Daughter so significant? 

LP: I came up with the name at the very beginning. I made a list of things that I was and a list of things I wanted to become. There were other things on the list, like Robert’s daughter and Gordon’s girlfriend. But when I said Carol’s daughter, I got goosebumps. It sounded right.

How did your family play a role in your success? 

My family played a very large role in my success, and they continue to support and inspire me each day. 

Tell our readers about your love affair with fragrances. 

My love for fragrance began when I was a little girl. I started creating my own scents and creams because I loved to experiment—it’s always been a hobby and passion of mine. When I realized that it could also be a business, I began working to make it a reality. 

What are some obstacles you have faced starting your own business and how did you overcome them?

There are ups and downs with everything. It’s important to stay positive and focused and keep pushing forward toward your goals. 

Did you ever have moments of doubt when starting Carol’s Daughter?

I have never for one day regretted leaving television production to pursue Carol’s Daughter. But, in those early months after I left my job, I did feel the pressure of losing that steady income. I am very proud of Carol’s Daughter and how it has grown so quickly, but that it is still true to its roots, never sacrificing quality for quantity. 

How do you manage to be, not only a successful business woman, but mother and wife?  And what would you recommend for women who try to find a balance between all these very important roles? 

Family first. My supportive, loving husband Gordon helps me to find balance and continue to work hard while still being there for my family and myself too. 

How did you link up with celebrity endorsers like Jada Pinkett-Smith and Mary J. Blige?

These wonderful relationships came about when celebrities started using my products and telling each other how much they loved them.  I met Will and Jada through DJ Jazzy Jeff who was first a fan of my products.  

What were your first thoughts when you saw your products in Sephora? 

The best part was watching a customer when she found out. She was on her cell…“Girl, you are never going to believe who is in Sephora!” It’s great to see customers so happy to see the products they wanted and that worked for them. 

What are three key steps in starting your own business? Why are they so important? 

Hard work, dedication and a passion for what you are doing. You can’t get anywhere without working hard. It’s important to love what you do. 

What advice would you give to someone trying to start their own business? 

The most important thing to remember is to always stay balanced and transparent.  If you remain authentic while adapting to the changing landscape around you, you can never fail. Find ways in your community to test drive your creation.  I started with a local flea market run by our church.  Use your family and friends for honest feedback.  If they love the products they’ll tell their friends and so on.  It’s that word of mouth promotion that is so priceless.