Nycole L. Johnson, founder of R102 Wellness, formerly Rose of Sharon All Naturals, shares her journey from experimenting with natural wellness at home to running a growing business that prioritizes sustainability and community.
In this conversation, Johnson discusses how her personal experiences inspired her to create all-natural products, the challenges of entrepreneurship and her vision for empowering others to embrace holistic, all-natural living through her brand.
Q: What is R102 Wellness?
A: (R102 Wellness) is a wellness-based business. It was established in 2020 during the height of the pandemic out of a need of my own. I was suffering in silence … I sell flavored sea moss gels, flavored sea moss drinks. I also have wellness shots that are sea moss-based and a pain cream. I also specialize in functional mushrooms … I make the sea moss differently because it’s all vegan.
Q: How did you come to create the business?
A: I was given some directions by some medical professionals that were not helping me. It was making me worse. Someone recommended sea moss to me. At first, I did not like the taste of it. I didn’t understand the consistency. Then, a year later, a beautician who was braiding my hair said ‘Your hair is falling out. You need to get on sea moss.’
Q: When did the business begin to grow?
A: My DMs blew up because people found out I was flavoring sea moss, and (R102 Wellness) was born. I named the company after my late mother, whose name is Sharon, and she always loved all things natural.
Q: From where do you draw your inspiration?
A: The inspiration behind my business is actually centered around myself and trying to help people find options for themselves and bettering themselves and their health. With myself, I noticed results right off-hand … I lost 30 pounds. I was depressed and there were a lot of things going on. Sea moss changed my life.
Q: How does your mom inspire you?
A: My mom did everything for everybody. She was the matriarch of the family, and she always loved being in the yard. She always loved gardening and helping people in the neighborhood, even though she was allergic to a lot of things like the sun … My mother always held me accountable as far as helping the community. It’s not all about dollars, but it’s also helping those that want to be helped.
Q: In what aspect of your business do you face the most challenges?
A: Keeping people engaged. Time has been a challenge because you have to go from the mindset of making money versus earning money. When you work for somebody, you’re earning money from them. When you’re being an entrepreneur, you have to go make that money. There’s no guarantee.
Q: What advice do you have to offer to small businesses who are just starting out?
A: If you’re willing to take money out for school, be willing to get yourself ready to take money out for your business. You can have the best product out there, but people have to know about it. Make sure that you do the research on your industry, on your product … Your family and friends are not your customers.
To shop the R102 Wellness products or to listen to Johnson’s podcast “The CoCo Johnson Show,” visit roseofsharonallnaturals.biz.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
