Dabota Lawson is a remarkable force in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and leadership. With a solid academic foundation in professional management accounting from The London School of Business and Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of Leicester, Lawson has built an impressive career. She is the visionary founder of Lawson House of Beauty and Lawson Cosmetics, renowned for their high-quality makeup and skincare products. As the global spokesperson for Pallet to Profit, she merges beauty and technology, driving innovation in the industry.
Lawson’s influence extends beyond business; she is a published author of “From Likes to Launch,” a guide for aspiring digital entrepreneurs. Her dedication to community initiatives, healthcare, education, and empowerment programs reflects her commitment to making a positive societal impact. With over a million followers on social media, Dabota Lawson continues to inspire and uplift individuals globally, embodying a unique blend of beauty, brains, and business acumen.
In this interview, Lawson shares insights into her journey, her strategic approach to the beauty industry, and her vision for the future
How did your academic background in management accounting and financial economics shape your approach to creating successful beauty brands like Dabota House of Beauty and Dabota Cosmetics? How do you balance financial expertise with creative aspects in the beauty industry*?
My academic background in management accounting and financial economics provided me with a solid foundation in strategic planning, budgeting, financial analysis, and risk management. These skills have been instrumental in shaping my approach to entrepreneurship, allowing me to make data-driven decisions, allocate resources effectively, and assess the financial viability of various business ventures. When it comes to building beauty brands like Dabota House of Beauty and Dabota Cosmetics, I apply my financial acumen to aspects such as pricing strategies, investment decisions, and cost management while also fostering creativity, innovation, and a keen understanding of consumer preferences to develop high-quality products and services that resonate with our target audience.
As the global spokesperson for Pallet to Profit, how does this platform merge beauty and technology, and what technological trends do you think will most impact the beauty industry?
Pallet to Profit represents a cutting-edge platform that harnesses the power of technology to revolutionize the beauty industry. By integrating advanced software solutions, data analytics, and e-commerce functionalities, Pallet to Profit streamlines operations, enhances customer experiences, and fosters greater efficiencies for beauty businesses. I believe that key technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, personalized beauty solutions, and sustainability-focused innovations will shape the future of the beauty industry. Pallet to Profit plays a pivotal role in driving innovation by providing beauty companies with tools and resources to adapt to these trends, optimize their digital presence, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Could you share a practical tip or a success story from your book “From Likes to Launch” that has deeply resonated with your readers and followers? How do you aim to empower aspiring entrepreneurs through the insights shared in your book?
“From Likes to Launch” offers a wealth of practical insights and actionable strategies designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of the digital business landscape. One key tip that resonates with many readers is the importance of building a strong personal brand and cultivating an authentic online presence to connect with audiences effectively. By sharing real-world examples, case studies, and step-by-step guidance, the book equips readers with the tools and knowledge needed to transform their entrepreneurial visions into successful ventures. I aim to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing my own experiences, setbacks, and triumphs, illustrating that with determination, resilience, and a strategic mindset, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations in the digital age.
Can you provide an example of a challenging decision you had to make in your various roles, and how did you navigate the decision-making process while staying true to your values and vision?
Balancing multiple roles across entrepreneurship, authorship, philanthropy, and leadership often entails making tough decisions that impact various aspects of my work and personal life. One challenging decision I faced was determining the allocation of resources between expanding my beauty brands and supporting philanthropic initiatives in underserved communities. To navigate this decision-making process, I relied on key guiding principles such as integrity, social impact, and long-term sustainability to ensure that my actions aligned with my core values and overarching vision. By prioritizing initiatives that create meaningful change, leverage synergies across different sectors, and uphold ethical standards, I strive to maintain consistency and coherence in my endeavors while staying true to the principles that define my purpose-driven approach to entrepreneurship and social impact.
Can you share a specific community project or collaboration that has had a lasting impact on you, and how do you believe partnerships with diverse organizations contribute to addressing societal challenges effectively?
One of the community initiatives that deeply resonated with me was a collaborative project with healthcare and education programs aimed at improving access to quality services in marginalized communities. This initiative underscored the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing complex societal challenges and fostering sustainable change. By working with diverse organizations, pooling resources, and sharing expertise, we were able to amplify our impact, leverage complementary strengths, and implement holistic solutions that not only address immediate needs but also build long-term resilience within communities. My approach to collaboration involves fostering open communication, mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure that partnerships are built on trust, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact in society.
How do you authentically engage with your social media audience beyond beauty and entrepreneurship, and can you share an instance where you connected with your followers on a deeper level?
Leveraging my social media platform to engage authentically with my audience goes beyond promoting beauty and business ventures; it’s about fostering connections, inspiring personal growth, and promoting values of authenticity, diversity, and inclusivity. One instance where I connected with my followers on a deeper level was when I shared my personal journey of overcoming challenges and setbacks in my entrepreneurial career, highlighting the importance of resilience, self-belief, and perseverance in the face of adversity. By sharing vulnerable moments, life lessons, and empowering messages that resonate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I aim to create a space where my audience feels seen, supported, and inspired to embrace their unique paths and potential. Authenticity, empathy, and openness are at the core of my interactions with followers, as I strive to cultivate a community that celebrates diversity, uplifts voices, and fosters a culture of inclusivity and empowerment beyond conventional beauty and business narratives.
How do you foresee the beauty industry evolving in the next few years, and what strategies should beauty brands adopt to stay relevant and innovative? How does sustainability factor into your vision for Dabota Cosmetics and Dabota House of Beauty?
The beauty industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and growing awareness of sustainability and inclusivity. In the next few years, I anticipate that beauty brands will need to embrace digital innovation, personalized experiences, and sustainability-focused practices to stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving market. At Dabota Cosmetics and Dabota House of Beauty, sustainability is a fundamental component of our strategic vision for the future. We are committed to adopting eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and cruelty-free practices while also exploring innovative solutions such as refillable products and carbon-neutral processes. By integrating these sustainable practices, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a more responsible and ethical beauty industry.
How do you manage to balance your professional commitments with your personal life, including relationships and social activities? What strategies or routines do you follow to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal relationships and self-care is essential for overall well-being. To manage this balance, I prioritize setting boundaries, delegating tasks when necessary, and scheduling dedicated time for both work and personal activities. I believe in the power of effective time management, self-care practices such as meditation, exercise, and spending quality time with loved ones to recharge and stay connected. By nurturing relationships, maintaining open communication, and being mindful of my own needs and boundaries, I strive to create a harmonious balance between my career and personal life.
