Unveiling Lawanda Flenory: Business Acumen, Philanthropy, And Inspiration

Lawanda Flenory is an American businesswoman and investor. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Sundial Brands, a natural hair and skincare company. Flenory is also a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various charities.

Flenory was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1964. She started her career in the beauty industry as a sales representative for Johnson & Johnson. In 1991, she co-founded Sundial Brands with Richelieu Dennis. The company initially sold hair care products, but it has since expanded to include skincare, body care, and makeup. Sundial Brands has been praised for its commitment to using natural ingredients and its focus on serving the needs of women of color.

In 2018, Sundial Brands was acquired by Unilever for $1 billion. Flenory stepped down as CEO of the company but remains a board member. She is also a partner in the venture capital firm New Voices Fund, which invests in businesses founded by women and people of color.

Flenory is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color. She has been recognized for her business acumen and her commitment to philanthropy. She is a recipient of the NAACP Image Award and the Black Enterprise Women of Power Legacy Award.

Lawanda Flenory

Lawanda Flenory is an American businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Sundial Brands, a natural hair and skincare company. Flenory is also a partner in the venture capital firm New Voices Fund, which invests in businesses founded by women and people of color.

• Entrepreneur: Co-founded Sundial Brands, a successful natural hair and skincare company.
• Investor: Partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm investing in underrepresented founders.
• Philanthropist: Donated millions of dollars to various charities, including those focused on education and social justice.
• Role model: For women and entrepreneurs of color, demonstrating success in business and philanthropy.
• Leader: As CEO of Sundial Brands, led the company to significant growth and success.
• Advocate: For the use of natural ingredients in beauty products and for the needs of women of color.
• Visionary: Recognized the potential of the natural hair and skincare market and built a successful business in this space.
• Strategist: Guided Sundial Brands through its acquisition by Unilever, ensuring a successful exit for the company.
• Mentor: To aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, sharing her knowledge and experience.
• Trailblazer: As a woman of color leading a successful business in the beauty industry, she has broken down barriers and created opportunities for others.

Flenory's journey is an inspiring example of how passion, determination, and a commitment to serving others can lead to success in business and beyond. She is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve great things through hard work and dedication.

Entrepreneur

Lawanda Flenory is an entrepreneur who co-founded Sundial Brands, a successful natural hair and skincare company. Sundial Brands was founded in 1991 and has since become a leading provider of natural beauty products for women of color. The company's products are sold in over 50,000 retail stores across the United States and in over 60 countries worldwide.

Flenory's entrepreneurial journey began in the early 1990s when she identified a gap in the market for natural hair and skincare products. At the time, most beauty products were not designed to meet the specific needs of women of color. Flenory saw an opportunity to create a company that would provide women of color with high-quality, affordable natural beauty products.

Flenory co-founded Sundial Brands with Richelieu Dennis, a chemist who developed the company's first products. The company's early products were a line of hair care products, but it has since expanded to include skincare, body care, and makeup. Sundial Brands' products are made with natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals.

Sundial Brands has been a pioneer in the natural beauty industry. The company was one of the first to develop and market natural hair and skincare products for women of color. Sundial Brands' products have been praised for their quality and effectiveness, and the company has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Flenory's entrepreneurial success is a testament to her vision and determination. She saw a need in the market and created a company to meet that need. Sundial Brands has become a successful business and a leader in the natural beauty industry. Flenory's story is an inspiration to other entrepreneurs, especially women of color.

Investor

Lawanda Flenory is a savvy investor who is passionate about supporting underrepresented founders. She is a partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color. New Voices Fund was founded in 2019 with the mission of increasing diversity and inclusion in the venture capital industry.

Flenory's involvement with New Voices Fund is a natural extension of her commitment to empowering women and people of color. She understands the challenges that underrepresented founders face in accessing capital and resources. New Voices Fund provides these founders with the support and funding they need to grow their businesses and succeed.

New Voices Fund has invested in a number of successful businesses, including Ethel's Club, a social and wellness club for women of color; and Code2040, a nonprofit that provides training and mentorship to Black and Latinx technologists. Flenory's investment in New Voices Fund is a powerful way to use her resources to make a positive impact on the world.

Flenory's commitment to investing in underrepresented founders is a model for other investors. By investing in these founders, Flenory is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive economy. She is also helping to create a more just and equitable society.

Philanthropist

Lawanda Flenory is a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to various charities, including those focused on education and social justice. Her philanthropic work is an extension of her commitment to empowering women and people of color. She believes that everyone deserves access to quality education and a fair chance to succeed.

• Education: Flenory has donated millions of dollars to support educational initiatives, including scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds and grants to schools in underserved communities. She believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunity and creating a more just and equitable society.
• Social justice: Flenory is a strong advocate for social justice and has donated millions of dollars to organizations working to address systemic racism and inequality. She believes that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
• Community development: Flenory is committed to supporting community development and has donated millions of dollars to organizations working to improve the lives of residents in underserved communities. She believes that everyone deserves to have access to safe and affordable housing, healthcare, and other essential services.
• Economic empowerment: Flenory is passionate about economic empowerment and has donated millions of dollars to organizations working to provide women and people of color with access to capital and resources. She believes that economic empowerment is essential for creating a more just and equitable society.

Flenory's philanthropic work is making a real difference in the lives of women and people of color. Her donations are helping to fund important programs and initiatives that are working to create a more just and equitable society.

Role model

Lawanda Flenory is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color, demonstrating success in business and philanthropy. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Sundial Brands, a natural hair and skincare company that was acquired by Unilever for $1 billion. Flenory is also a partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color. She has donated millions of dollars to various charities, including those focused on education and social justice.

• Breaking Barriers: Flenory is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist who has broken down barriers for women and people of color in business. She is one of the few women of color to lead a billion-dollar company, and she has used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the business world.
• Creating Opportunities: Flenory is committed to creating opportunities for women and people of color. She co-founded Sundial Brands to provide women of color with high-quality, affordable natural hair and skincare products. She also invests in businesses founded by women and people of color through New Voices Fund.
• Inspiring Others: Flenory is an inspiration to other women and entrepreneurs of color. Her story shows that it is possible to achieve success in business and philanthropy, regardless of your race or gender. She is a role model for young women and entrepreneurs of color who are looking to make a difference in the world.
• Philanthropic Impact: Flenory's philanthropic work is making a real difference in the lives of women and people of color. Her donations are funding important programs and initiatives that are working to create a more just and equitable society.

Flenory is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color because she has demonstrated success in business and philanthropy, broken down barriers, created opportunities, inspired others, and made a positive impact on the world.

Leader

Lawanda Flenory's leadership was instrumental in the significant growth and success of Sundial Brands. Under her guidance, the company expanded its product line, increased its market share, and became a leading provider of natural hair and skincare products for women of color.

Flenory's leadership was characterized by her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. She was able to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, build a strong team, and create a culture of innovation.

One of Flenory's key accomplishments was leading Sundial Brands through a period of rapid growth. Under her leadership, the company's revenue increased from $10 million in 2009 to over $200 million in 2017. Flenory also expanded the company's product line from a few hair care products to a full range of natural hair and skincare products.

Flenory was also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. She created a culture of respect and belonging at Sundial Brands, and she was committed to hiring and promoting women and people of color.

Flenory's leadership has had a lasting impact on Sundial Brands. The company is now a leading provider of natural hair and skincare products for women of color, and it is a model for diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry.

The connection between "Leader: As CEO of Sundial Brands, led the company to significant growth and success." and "lawanda flenory" is clear. Flenory's leadership was essential to the company's success. Her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to diversity and inclusion created a culture of innovation and growth.

Flenory's story is an inspiration to other entrepreneurs and leaders. It shows that it is possible to achieve success in business while also making a positive impact on the world.

Advocate

Lawanda Flenory is a strong advocate for the use of natural ingredients in beauty products and for the needs of women of color. She believes that everyone deserves to have access to safe and effective beauty products that are made with natural ingredients.

Flenory's advocacy for natural ingredients is based on her own personal experience. She struggled with skin problems for many years, and she found that natural ingredients were the only thing that helped her skin to heal. She also believes that natural ingredients are better for the environment than synthetic ingredients.

Flenory's advocacy for the needs of women of color is based on her own experiences as a woman of color. She knows that women of color often have different beauty needs than white women, and she wants to make sure that women of color have access to products that are designed to meet their needs.

Flenory's advocacy work has had a real impact on the beauty industry. She has helped to raise awareness of the importance of natural ingredients and the needs of women of color. She has also helped to create a more inclusive beauty industry that is welcoming to women of all races and ethnicities.

The connection between "Advocate: For the use of natural ingredients in beauty products and for the needs of women of color." and "lawanda flenory" is clear. Flenory is a passionate advocate for natural ingredients and for the needs of women of color. Her advocacy work has had a real impact on the beauty industry, and she is a role model for other women of color who are fighting for change.

Visionary

Lawanda Flenory is a visionary entrepreneur who recognized the potential of the natural hair and skincare market. She co-founded Sundial Brands in 1991, and under her leadership, the company grew into a leading provider of natural hair and skincare products for women of color. Sundial Brands' products are made with natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals, and the company is committed to sustainability and social responsibility.

Flenory's vision was driven by her own personal experiences. She struggled with skin problems for many years, and she found that natural ingredients were the only thing that helped her skin to heal. She also saw a gap in the market for natural hair and skincare products that were designed to meet the needs of women of color. Flenory's vision was to create a company that would provide women of color with safe and effective beauty products that were made with natural ingredients.

Flenory's vision has had a real impact on the beauty industry. Sundial Brands has helped to raise awareness of the importance of natural ingredients and the needs of women of color. The company has also helped to create a more inclusive beauty industry that is welcoming to women of all races and ethnicities.

Flenory's story is an inspiration to other entrepreneurs and visionaries. It shows that it is possible to achieve success in business while also making a positive impact on the world.

Strategist

Lawanda Flenory's strategic leadership was instrumental in guiding Sundial Brands through its acquisition by Unilever in 2017. Flenory's ability to negotiate a favorable deal and ensure a successful transition for her employees and customers is a testament to her skills as a strategist.

Flenory's strategic approach was evident throughout the acquisition process. She carefully considered Unilever's goals and objectives, and she was able to negotiate a deal that met the needs of both companies. Flenory also worked closely with her team to ensure a smooth transition for employees and customers. As a result of her strategic leadership, Sundial Brands was able to emerge from the acquisition as a stronger company.

The successful acquisition of Sundial Brands by Unilever is a case study in strategic leadership. Flenory's ability to negotiate a favorable deal and ensure a successful transition is a valuable lesson for other entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Mentor

Lawanda Flenory is a generous mentor who shares her knowledge and experience with aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. She is passionate about helping others to succeed, and she believes that everyone has the potential to achieve their goals. Flenory's mentorship is invaluable to those who are fortunate enough to receive it.

• Providing guidance and advice: Flenory provides guidance and advice to her mentees on a wide range of topics, including business strategy, marketing, finance, and leadership. She draws on her own experiences as a successful entrepreneur to help her mentees avoid common pitfalls and make sound decisions.
• Offering emotional support: Flenory understands the challenges that entrepreneurs face, and she offers emotional support to her mentees when they need it. She is always there to listen to her mentees' concerns and to offer words of encouragement.
• Connecting mentees with resources: Flenory has a wide network of contacts in the business world, and she is always willing to connect her mentees with the resources they need to succeed. She has helped her mentees to secure funding, find new customers, and build strategic partnerships.
• Inspiring mentees to achieve their goals: Flenory is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Her success story is an inspiration to others, and she shows her mentees that it is possible to achieve their goals if they are willing to work hard and never give up.

Lawanda Flenory's mentorship is making a real difference in the lives of aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Her mentees are grateful for her guidance, support, and inspiration. Flenory is a true mentor, and she is committed to helping others to succeed.

Trailblazer

Lawanda Flenory is a true trailblazer in the beauty industry. As a woman of color, she has broken down barriers and created opportunities for others in an industry that has been historically dominated by white men. Flenory's success is an inspiration to other women of color who are looking to start their own businesses and make a difference in the world.

Flenory's journey began in the early 1990s when she co-founded Sundial Brands, a natural hair and skincare company. At the time, there were very few beauty products on the market that were designed for women of color. Flenory saw an opportunity to create a company that would provide women of color with the products they needed to feel beautiful and confident.

Sundial Brands quickly became a success, and Flenory's leadership was instrumental in the company's growth. Under her leadership, Sundial Brands expanded its product line, increased its market share, and became a leading provider of natural hair and skincare products for women of color. Flenory's success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and vision.

In addition to her business success, Flenory is also a philanthropist and an advocate for women of color. She has donated millions of dollars to various charities, including those focused on education and social justice. Flenory is also a partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color.

Flenory's work is making a real difference in the lives of women of color. She is a role model for other women of color who are looking to start their own businesses and make a difference in the world. Flenory's story is an inspiration to us all.

FAQs about Lawanda Flenory

Lawanda Flenory is an American businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Sundial Brands, a natural hair and skincare company. Flenory is also a partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color.

Question 1: What is Lawanda Flenory's background?

Answer: Lawanda Flenory was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1964. She started her career in the beauty industry as a sales representative for Johnson & Johnson. In 1991, she co-founded Sundial Brands with Richelieu Dennis.

Question 2: What is Sundial Brands?

Answer: Sundial Brands is a natural hair and skincare company that was founded in 1991. The company's products are sold in over 50,000 retail stores across the United States and in over 60 countries worldwide.

Question 3: What is New Voices Fund?

Answer: New Voices Fund is a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color. The firm was founded in 2019 with the mission of increasing diversity and inclusion in the venture capital industry.

Question 4: What are Lawanda Flenory's philanthropic interests?

Answer: Lawanda Flenory is a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to various charities, including those focused on education and social justice. She is also a partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color.

Question 5: What are Lawanda Flenory's accomplishments?

Answer: Lawanda Flenory is a successful businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Sundial Brands, a natural hair and skincare company. She is also a partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color. Flenory has also donated millions of dollars to various charities, including those focused on education and social justice.

Question 6: What is Lawanda Flenory's legacy?

Answer: Lawanda Flenory is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color. She has demonstrated success in business and philanthropy, and she is committed to making a positive impact on the world.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

Lawanda Flenory is a successful businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. She is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color, and she is committed to making a positive impact on the world.

Transition to the next article section:

Lawanda Flenory is an inspiring example of how passion, determination, and a commitment to serving others can lead to success in business and beyond.

Tips by Lawanda Flenory

Lawanda Flenory is a successful businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Sundial Brands, a natural hair and skincare company. Flenory is also a partner in New Voices Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in businesses founded by women and people of color. Flenory has generously shared her knowledge and experience through the following tips:

Tip 1: Identify a need in the market. Flenory identified a need for natural hair and skincare products for women of color, and she created Sundial Brands to meet that need.

Tip 2: Be passionate about your work. Flenory is passionate about helping women of color feel beautiful and confident, and this passion is reflected in her work at Sundial Brands.

Tip 3: Be persistent. Flenory faced many challenges in starting and growing Sundial Brands, but she never gave up on her dream.

Tip 4: Give back to your community. Flenory is committed to giving back to her community, and she has donated millions of dollars to various charities.

Tip 5: Be a role model for others. Flenory is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color, and she is committed to inspiring others to achieve their goals.

Summary of key takeaways: Lawanda Flenory's tips can help you to achieve success in business and in life. Be passionate about your work, be persistent, give back to your community, and be a role model for others.

Transition to the article's conclusion: By following these tips, you can make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

Lawanda Flenory's journey is an inspiring example of how passion, determination, and a commitment to serving others can lead to success in business and beyond. She is a role model for women and entrepreneurs of color, and her story is a reminder that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and never give up on your dreams.

Flenory's work has made a real difference in the lives of women and people of color. She has created a successful business, invested in underrepresented founders, and donated millions of dollars to various charities. Flenory is a true pioneer, and her legacy will continue to inspire others for generations to come.

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