Dabota Lawson has demonstrated incredible strength in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and leadership. With a solid academic foundation in professional management accounting from the London School of Business and Finance and a Bachelor’s in Financial Economics from the University of Leicester, Lawson has had an illustrious career. She is the visionary founder of Lawson House of Beauty and Lawson Cosmetics, renowned for their high-quality makeup and skincare products. As the global spokesperson for Palette to Profit, she blends beauty with technology to drive innovation in the industry.
Lawson’s influence extends beyond business; she is also the author of “From Likes to Launch,” a guidebook for aspiring digital entrepreneurs. Her dedication to community work, healthcare, education, and empowerment programs reflect her determination to make a positive impact on society. With over 1 million followers on social media, Dabota Lawson embodies a unique blend of beauty, intellect, and business acumen that continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.
In this interview, Lawson talks about her journey, her strategic approach to the beauty industry, and her vision for the future.
How has your educational background in management accounting and financial economics influenced your approach to creating successful beauty brands like Dabota House of Beauty and Dabota Cosmetics? How do you balance your financial expertise with your creative side in the beauty industry*?
My educational background in Management Accounting and Financial Economics has given me a solid foundation in strategic planning, budgeting, financial analysis and risk management. These skills have played a key role in shaping my approach to entrepreneurship, enabling me to make data-driven decisions, effectively allocate resources and evaluate the financial viability of various business ventures. When it comes to building beauty brands such as Dabota House of Beauty and Dabota Cosmetics, I apply financial acumen to aspects such as pricing strategies, investment decisions and cost control, while also fostering creativity, innovation and a keen understanding of consumer preferences to develop quality products and services that resonate with our target audience.
As the global spokesperson for Pallet to Profit, how does the platform converge beauty and technology and what tech trends do you think will have the most impact on the beauty industry?
Pallet to Profit is a cutting-edge platform that is revolutionizing the beauty industry through the power of technology. By integrating advanced software solutions, data analytics, and e-commerce capabilities, Pallet to Profit streamlines operations, improves customer experience, and increases efficiency for beauty businesses. I believe key technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, personalized beauty solutions, and sustainability-focused innovations will shape the future of the beauty industry. Pallet to Profit plays a pivotal role in driving innovation by providing beauty companies with the tools and resources to adapt to these trends, optimize their digital presence, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market environment.
Can you share some actionable tips or success stories from your book, “From Likes to Launch” that have resonated deeply with your readers/followers? How do you hope to empower aspiring entrepreneurs through the insights shared in the book?
“From Likes to Launch” offers a wealth of practical insights and actionable strategies designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the digital business environment. One key tip that resonates with many readers is the importance of building a strong personal brand and cultivating an authentic online presence to effectively connect with your audience. By sharing real-world examples, case studies, and step-by-step guidance, this book gives readers the tools and knowledge they need to turn their entrepreneurial vision into a successful venture. I aim to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing my experiences, setbacks, and successes, showing that with determination, resilience, and a strategic mindset, anyone can overcome the challenges of the digital age and realize their entrepreneurial dreams.
Can you give examples of times in your various roles where you had to make difficult decisions and how did you navigate the decision-making process while staying true to your values ​​and vision?
Balancing multiple roles including entrepreneurship, writing, philanthropy and leadership requires making difficult decisions that impact different aspects of one’s professional and personal life. One of the tough decisions I faced was allocating resources between expanding my beauty brand and supporting charitable efforts in underserved communities. To navigate this decision-making process, I relied on key guiding principles such as integrity, social impact and long-term sustainability to ensure my actions are aligned with my core values ​​and overarching vision. By prioritizing efforts that create meaningful change, leverage synergies across different sectors and uphold ethical standards, I strive to maintain consistency and coherence in my efforts while staying true to the principles that define my approach to purpose-driven entrepreneurship and social impact.
Tell us about a particular community project or collaboration that had a lasting impact on you, and how do you think partnerships with diverse organizations contribute to effectively addressing societal challenges?
One community work that resonated with me deeply was a collaborative project with a health and education program aimed at improving access to quality services in marginalized communities. This work highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in addressing complex social challenges and fostering sustainable change. By working with various organizations, pooling resources and sharing expertise, we were able to expand our impact, leverage complementary strengths, and implement holistic solutions that not only address immediate needs but also build long-term resilience within our communities. My approach to collaboration includes fostering open communication, mutual respect, common goals, and a commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring partnerships are built on trust, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to making a positive and lasting impact on society.
Beyond beauty and entrepreneurship, how do you authentically engage with your audience on social media and can you share an example of when you connected with your followers on a deeper level?
Leveraging my social media platforms to authentically engage with my audience is not just about promoting my beauty and business ventures; it’s about fostering connections, encouraging personal growth, and promoting the values ​​of authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. One example of when I connected with my followers on a deeper level was when I shared my personal journey of overcoming challenges and setbacks in my entrepreneurial career, emphasizing the importance of resilience, confidence, and perseverance in the face of adversity. By sharing vulnerable moments, life lessons, and empowering messages that resonate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I aim to create a space where my audience feels understood, supported, and inspired to embrace their unique paths and potential. Authenticity, empathy, and openness are at the heart of my interactions with my followers, and I strive to foster a community that celebrates diversity, elevates voices, and fosters a culture of inclusivity and empowerment beyond traditional beauty and business narratives.
How do you think the beauty industry will evolve over the next few years, and what strategies should beauty brands adopt to stay relevant and innovative? How does sustainability factor into your vision for Dabota Cosmetics and Dabota House of Beauty?
The beauty industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and growing awareness of sustainability and inclusivity. In the coming years, I foresee that beauty brands will need to embrace digital innovation, personalized experiences, and sustainability-focused practices to stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving market. At Dabota Cosmetics and Dabota House of Beauty, sustainability is a fundamental component of our strategic vision for the future. We are committed to adopting eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and cruelty-free practices, while also exploring innovative solutions such as refillable products and carbon-neutral processes. By integrating these sustainable practices, we aim to reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a more responsible and ethical beauty industry.
How do you balance your work responsibilities with your personal life, including relationships and social activities? What strategies or routines do you follow to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Balancing work responsibilities with personal relationships and self-care is essential for overall wellness. To manage this balance, I prioritize setting boundaries, delegating tasks when necessary, and scheduling dedicated time for both work and personal activities. I believe in the power of effective time management, self-care practices like meditation and exercise, and spending quality time with loved ones to stay rejuvenated and connected. I strive to create a harmonious balance between my work and personal life by nurturing relationships, maintaining open communication, and being mindful of my own needs and boundaries.
