BOSS Member Spotlight: Lura Ball
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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Myself. Of course, money and marketing were issues however… Questioning myself daily if I could do this at this time in my life was the biggest. Should I do this at this time in my life? Even though I had the experience and skills, I was starting over and in a big way, on a journey to combine all of my professional and personal skills and experiences into one big effort to sync my life and make a measurable impact on communities and build something to leave for my children.
What inspired you to break into your industry? It was a natural progression from a forty-plus year baking ministry. I created baked goods as gifts of love from my hands and heart for special occasions, my children’s achievements, a love offering for a church member. Like grace, something you could not buy but is given. My cookies in particular, were created and named for individuals and or events. Consequently, every Cookie has a “backstory.” Friends and family had implored me for years to makes my baked gods available for purchase. However, it was not until the death of my husband that I realized I had to chart a new path. I looked at my life and where I wanted my journey to continue and forming Lura’s Kitchen, Inc. a benefit corporation makers of premium dry cookie mixes was a major part of where I would travel and make my mark in business, community, and family.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? I will be honest. I am not good at balancing my time. As a widow, I still struggle with missing my husband and living alone. So, I am guilty of filling my hours. I intertwine my business with everything I do. At church, I make special red, white and blue Teacakes to celebrate Veterans Day, For my work with SCLC in Southern California, I made a Good Trouble Teacake for 60th March on Washington Event, for the Our Authors Study Club (I am President) Carter G. Woodson Color Purple Screening, I made a Madear’s Purple Teacake. It is more than marketing it is an integration of my business into the organizations I am dedicated to. It fills my days and nights. I am hoping that in 2024 I will begin to explore what “me” time really is. I do however delight in spending time with my 16-year-old fabulous granddaughter whenever I can!
What is an inspirational quote that you live by? “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
Also “I will lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.” Psalm 121
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way? I have received incredible support. My children in the beginning but my oldest son Langston has been there all along. A former client, that I am now a client of Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) was the springboard early of for training, grants, and visibility. Their continuing support has led to grants with the City of Los Angeles, State of California, and a large grant with LISC; low interest loans with VSED and KIVA. Through VSEDC and LISC and Amazon Black Business Accelerator I have had (in some cases continue to have) incredible business coaches. I have participated ti the FEDEX Business Accelerator, The Verizon Small Biz Resource and so many other opportunities that opened up due to VSEDC that was founded by my USC Mentor a true “Original” BOSS Marva Smith Battle-Bey.
But “THE” most influential person in my life, business and personal is my sister, Iva Spight, the Chief Moral officer and Treasurer of Lura’s Kitchen, Inc. The singularly best BOSS I know.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? I must find and onboard an outside sales team member; a strong co-packing partner; a mass market deal (Walmart, Target), New varieties including gluten free and sugar free and additional team members.
What is your definition of a BOSS?
You write and tell your own story.
Confident in your own style and Brand.
You own your failures and celebrate your wins.
You learn how to recover from setbacks and loss, when to ask for help.
You show up for your sisters.
You recognize your sisters and applaud their achievements.
You are prominent in your community, moving it forward in some way.
You are constantly learning.
You are financially secure so you can be of support to others.
You are aware of the issues of your city, community, nation, world.
Provide us with two words that describe you? Nostalgic Concierge
Learn more about Lura at:
INSTAGRAM: @Luras_Kitchen
FACEBOOK @luraskitchen
TWITTER:@Luraskitchen
Website: www.luraskitchen.com
Email: customer@luraskitchen.com
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