“Life Coach in a Bottle”, Laura McCann, on Establishing Adoratherapy
Hello Laura! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
My name is Laura McCann and I am the Founder and CEO of Adoratherapy. At Adoratherapy, we invite you on a journey of healing through breath and intention using all natural essential oil based fragrances. After many years as a successful entrepreneur in fashion, retail and tech, I experienced major health issues culminating from years of stress. On my journey to recovery I opened myself to healing my mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy combined with breathwork changed my life. Adoratherapy’s unique perspective on conscious beauty transcends ingredients, formulation and traditional fragrance methods by creating breathable scents. I am called a “Life Coach in A Bottle”. Our chakra oil blends and water based aura sprays literally go beyond, reminding you to adore yourself one breath at a time.
So Laura, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
I love hearing stories of other women’s journeys. I love sharing mine and helping how and when I can.
What made you take the leap to start your own business?
I made the leap when I was 28- I am now 59. It’s been a journey.
What was your background in fashion prior to starting your own business?
I was a fashion designer in NYC who started a company at the age of 28, and grew it to $40M in sales.
So Laura, did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I did not know. But my parents and grandparents are entrepreneurs, so it was probably inevitable.
Initial marketing strategies are so important! What was your marketing strategy to get the word out?
At Adoratherapy, when I first started, we focused on growing wholesale through tradeshows and reps. We grew to over 500 retail doors, but I didn’t see the business metrics we needed to continue. I have since then pivoted. and now I have a retail store and sell online and wholesale.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?
My two challenges were: capital and partners. I had to use my own money to grow the business. It was very risky, but in the end it was the best decision. Second, my partner and I “broke up”. Business partnerships are challenging. I learned a lot and had to work very hard to forgive myself and her to move on.
What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
I think I figured out how to create a brand that is authentic, unique and successful.
Do you actually believe in work/life balance? If not, what do you believe in?
I don’t believe in work/life balance. I believe in balancing your chakras. This is what we teach through our products and services.
So Laura, what’s a piece of advice you can share that you wish you’d known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?
What you see is what you get.
Laura, you have lots to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?
We recently received the prestigious CertClean Award for best perfume.
What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
I’d like to open more stores.