 |
Angie Onassis ParlionasCEO of 'YOYO Lipgloss'.
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Angie Parlionas: CEO of YOYO Lipgloss
- Inspiration and Origin of YOYO Lipgloss
- Market Research and Business Plan
- Manufacturing and Production
- Global Success and Business Growth
- Entrepreneurial Journey and Education
- Impact of Executive-in-Residence Program
- Future Goals and Expansion
Angie Parlionas: CEO of YOYO Lipgloss
Angie Parlionas is the CEO of YOYO Lipgloss, a company that specializes in creating lip gloss keychains easily attachable to jeans, belts, or bags. Driven by her immense passion for cosmetics, Parlionas conceived and spearheaded the company.
Inspiration and Origin of YOYO Lipgloss
As a child, Parlionas was fascinated with lip gloss and lipstick. She remembers being punished by her parents for her obsession and having her makeup confiscated. Inspired by the inconvenience, she wondered if there was a way to keep her lip gloss within easy reach, ultimately leading to the creation of YOYO Lipgloss.
Market Research and Business Plan
Parlionas conducted extensive research and discovered that no similar product existed in the market. Utilizing the knowledge acquired in Professor Larry Boone's entrepreneurship class in 2003, she developed a comprehensive business plan. The plan outlined projected revenue, target audience, and the growth potential of the cosmetics industry in the United States.
Manufacturing and Production
After comparing manufacturers worldwide, Parlionas selected a factory in Zhejiang, China, based on favorable pricing and communication skills. She and her mother, also an investor in YOYO Lipgloss, traveled to Guangzhou to attend the Canton Fair and meet with the chosen manufacturers.
Global Success and Business Growth
Today, YOYO Lipgloss is sold in 75 retail locations around the world. Parlionas credits her success in part to professors like Larry Boone and Leon Schiffman, who provided valuable entrepreneurial experiences during her time at college. She states, "Little do teachers know how much of a difference they make when they say the right things and teach in a way that resonates with students."
Entrepreneurial Journey and Education
Parlionas initially pursued DJ booking but realized its limited potential. Her entrepreneurial studies at the Peter J. Tobin College of Business helped her refine her research skills, evaluate information credibility, and develop discipline and determination.
Impact of Executive-in-Residence Program
Parlionas attributes the Executive-in-Residence program with providing her with invaluable experience. "In this class, we created a business model for KeySpan Corporation and presented our final project to KeySpan's board of directors at the end of the semester. This was an amazing experience that also helped me build a solid business model for my own company."
Future Goals and Expansion
YOYO Lip Gloss currently employs 50 vendors and four full-time staff members. Negotiations are underway with major retailers and distributors. Parlionas envisions expanding the company internationally and participating in charitable initiatives. She concludes, "I live and breathe YOYO Lip Gloss. It's all I think about, and there's no doubt in my mind that it's going to continue to succeed."
