I think it is safe to say that everyone has dealt with head lice at least once in their lives. Whether we had it when we were kids or our children came home from school with a bad case of these bugs. Either way, this is an experience that few of us would want to go through again. The lice removal process can be long and frustrating unless you’re one of the lucky people that live in New York and have access to Licenders. They offer a full line of all natural head lice treatments that can be purchased online. If you’re local then you can also come to their shop in Manhattan or request a home visit, saving you from having to do the lice removal yourself.
Tell us a little about Licenders.
Licenders is the premier service for the professional screening and removal of head lice, using our own line of all natural products.
Licenders has contracts with over 50 of the most elite public and private schools and camps in New York.
Our clients can come to our salon in Manhattan, or be cleaned out with a private home visit. Our products are available for purchase in our salon, or on-line.We are setting up regional sales of service and product throughout the NY Tri State Area.
Using the NY area as our example, we we will be ready for our first franchise toward the end of 2010.
When was your business launched?
1996
What inspired it?
My children came home from school with head lice. I was not about to use a pesticide shampoo on them. Those chemicals are designed to poison the bug, by applying them to your child’s head!
I set out to learn the most effective and natural way to remove lice and nits.
How many products do you currently offer?
Seven. And they are all natural and chemical free:
- Shampoo
- Combing Solution
- Oil
- Repellent
- Helmet Spray
- Laundry Additive
- Comb
Cost?
Approximately $20
You mentioned that you’d like to turn your business into a franchise. Approximately how long until you think this opportunity will be available?
We have a super impressive sales team covering the entire NY Tri State Area. We will use NY as our example of how much revenue to anticipate based on amount of schools, kids…
We will be ready for our first franchise at the end of 2010.
Care to give us a hint as to what we can expect when this happens?
We will be selling franchises for $250,000 to $500,000. The franchise will be responsible for service and retail sales in their region. The goals/targets will be $1 million to $3 million annual revenue.
What are some other goals you hope to accomplish over the next year or so?
We are looking for a partner that will invest $500,000 for 25% of the business. The full half million will go right back into the company.
We are going to manufacture our products for national distribution.
AND…We have a fabulous formula for a natural bed bug spray!
What are some lessons your business has taught you?
Just do what you’re good at and hire the best professional help to do the rest.
Don’t let other people’s agendas influence you. It is about you and your agenda. That’s why you are the boss.
Also…Never listen to Naysayers.
Any tips or tricks that have helped you balance your time between the business and your personal life?
The more you delegate the more you will accomplish and grow. This is true for business and personal life. If you are a business owner and a mom, your family must come first. I truly understand how important it is to be around when your husband and kids need you. But that does not mean that you are the one that needs to clean the house and cook dinner. Hire help (lots of help) and order out.
Do you have any advice you’d like to offer fellow entrepreneurs that are just getting started?
If you are serious about growing your business, you must stop answering the phones.
Also, stop talking and just do it already.