Check Out Endia Lasker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Endia Lasker. 

Hi Endia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a local Artist born and raised in Kansas City, Mo. since I was a child, I was always creating things and using my gifts (Art) as a healing tool, and in 2016, roughly 3 years after losing both of my parents I picked up my healing tool. I began painting and since that day I began investing into my gifts and my peace. 

During the pandemic, I began experimenting with new mediums, as well as new creations (epoxy coasters, trays, and by September 2020, I invested in a $50 candle-making kit and began researching the candle-making industry. By January 2021, I had revamped the entire design of my candles, discovered my mission for Soy Bella, then launched my website. 

I wanted people to know about my products so any opportunity to setup with my products I applied and seized the moment. The feedback was just the motivation I needed to keep showing up, furthering my research, and investing into my business. September 2021, I had my very first wholesale deal with Made In KC Marketplace, placing 3 of my top-selling scents in 6 of their stores across the Kansas City, Mo., and Ks area. 

January 2022, I took a leap of faith and applied for my first business grant, and by February 2022. I received a startup grant from GIFT (Generating Income For Tomorrow)! Since then, I was able to make a huge investment into my business and continue building my brand. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Before I launched Soy Bella, I was working part-time in an after-school program and selling my artwork. Once I started Soy Bella and realized there was a demand for my products, I made Soy Bella my top priority and dive in full time. Doing so without the proper knowledge of how to build and maintain my business I found myself working twice as hard and still falling behind on bills, but I still showed up and worked even harder to make ends meet. 

As a single parent of two children, I had to work even harder because I couldn’t let them down. My kids have seen me push through some of my lowest points but I am grateful for that because I am teaching and showing my kids that hard work does pay off. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart from others is my ability to use what broke me and turn that pain into something beautiful, not just for me but for others as well. 

I’m a visual Artist and I paint the world and everything around me as I see it. I specialize in mixed media and acrylic paints. I had my very first exhibition at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, then the Jones art gallery. I’ve also hosted many adult/children art classes in my community. 

I am also a creator, I enjoy taking the time and creating beautiful things, so launching Soy Bella is simply an extension to my God-given gifts and abilities. Soy Bella is an environment-friendly candle company and I also make organic skin/ hair care products. My soy candles are each uniquely decorated with dried flowers and healing stones, no two candles are exactly the same! I am known for setting up around the Kansas City area with my creations and I enjoy doing pop-ups because this gives me an opportunity to get myself out there. 

I am most proud of my strong will up succeed. My Faith in God has taken me further than anything I could’ve achieved on my own. My passion is my fuel to show up each day and get the work done. I am also proud of my desire to network abs get out in my community and meet new people, there’s power in networking! 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love that Kansas City has a heart for Art in every form (visual, music, performing, etc..), there’s something for everyone once you really begin to look for what it is you need. 

What I like the least is the talk/thought that Kansas City has nothing to offer, so not true. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.soybella.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soybella_candles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Soy.Bella.candles.20/