Life & Work with Alexis Sims

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Sims. 

Alexis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When the pandemic began in 2020, I started hearing a lot about sea moss and the amazing benefits that the product offered. I struggled with allergies, excessive mucus, and a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with an iron deficiency and I took iron pills for a while to help increase my iron levels. I found someone to purchase my sea moss products from and I took it consistently for a year and I noticed major changes in my body. My allergies seemed to clear up, if you were like me and sneeze about 10 times per day then you definitely have to check out sea moss! My mucus even seemed to clear up, and I actually stopped taking my iron pills and started taking sea moss along with my women’s multivitamin. I’ve had two routine physical exams within the past two years and my iron levels are where they need to be. I even noticed a difference in my energy levels and skin. 

In April 2021 I decided to make my own batch of sea moss and give some to a few of my friends. They loved the sea moss and so did I so I decided to start my own sea moss business and offer a variety of flavors. I started posting pictures and the benefits of sea moss on Facebook and Instagram and started receiving lots of orders! I continued to build my clientele and tell others about the benefits of sea moss. A lot of customers shared with me they saw an increase in their energy levels, they noticed a difference in their skin, one customer purchased several jars of sea moss for her family that was battling COVID-19 and it even helped alleviate some of the symptoms and they started feeling better within two days. Some would even tell me it’s the best sea moss they’ve ever tasted and they tried a few! I even have one customer that takes it consistently to help manage her blood pressure. The lives I’ve impacted and the people I help really keep me going. I’m so grateful for each one of my customers. 

With support from my customers, family, and friends I decided to take my sea moss business to the next level and rebrand my products and create an easy and accessible website. I completely rebranded my sea moss business Fall of 2021, and reintroduced Lex Moss Shop, the one-stop shop for all of your sea moss needs! I’m overwhelmed by the love, support, and all of my customers and I trust that God will continue to bless my business and there is a bigger purpose. I hope that my sea moss products continue to help improve the life and health of individuals! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have encountered many challenges along the way however, they did not stop me from pushing forward. When I first started selling sea moss the summer months were approaching and as we all know we had a HOT summer! I started using glass mason jars to store my sea moss gel in and used USPS priority mail for shipping. I experienced several challenges with the mason jars breaking during shipping, and also lids were busting because the jars were overheating. I was new shipping perishable products and had no idea what method to use. I even spoke with someone at the post office and she gave me guidance about the free shipping supplies the post office offered and I should look at their padded envelopes and boxes. I remember using the padded envelopes and I had multiple customers that reported their jars arrived broken. I even used the padded envelopes and packaged them in a small or medium box depending on the number of jars and some jars still arrived busted. At this point, I was done with jars and I decided to put shipping on hold until I found the best method. I reached out to other sea moss sellers in Facebook groups and I noticed shipping was a challenge for everyone and we were all trying to figure out the best method. I decided to try the BPA-free plastic pouches from Amazon with hopes that would help. Some pouches even arrived busted in the beginning, however, I figured out that the pouches should not be filled completely. This strategy helped while I was still trying to figure out the BEST method and my customers said the pouches arrived safely along with the ice packs. 

Fast forward, I have found the BEST shipping method, and each customer’s package has arrived safely and secured! I currently use BPA-free plastic jars and found some great insulated mailers to store the jars along with an ice pack and I still use the free USPS boxes. I switched over to UPS for faster delivery and couldn’t be happier! 

Well, shipping was not the only challenge. I had challenges with the branding team I worked with to complete my entire project. I worked with someone I previously knew and trusted that the team would deliver. I even received a referral from a good friend of mine. Her team previously worked with sea moss clients and knew the ins and outs of the business. For 3 months there was a lack of communication, I never received an actual project timeline, and two weeks before my launch date I was told the branding team forgot to include a website design in my price. I remember becoming extremely frustrated because the website was the #1 focus for the entire three months. Not to mention I was currently completing the hardest semester of grad school and she left me with having to figure a lot out about my website and requiring me to meet deadlines within 24 hours. 

I am grateful for the work her team completed in my rebrand launch and my website looks amazing, God guided me through the tough and challenging areas I had to figure out on my own to create a system for my website, email marketing, etc… 

I even wanted to postpone my website launch but I continued to press forward, pray, and schedule time blocks to figure out everything I need to. God is faithful, never give up on what you want to do! I’m so glad I didn’t because my business is popping and I’m grateful. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do? 

I currently work as a Public Health Project Administrator at a non-profit organization in Nashville, TN. We serve Native Americans and help improve the quality of life and public health infrastructure among Tribal communities. My job is very rewarding and I absolutely love what I do and pray that I continue to elevate in my career. I am currently receiving my Masters in Public Health at Baylor University with one year left and my hope is to work with developing countries and provide health education and promotion, resources, and support around maternal health, sexual health, and domestic violence. I have a passion for helping women and my hope is to create my own global non-profit organization to serve women of different ethnic backgrounds. 

I’m very proud of all of my accomplishments, I’ve encountered many challenges over the years to get where I am now but God truly is faithful and always makes a way. It took me 7 years to receive my Bachelor’s degree, things weren’t always easy working, going to school. trying to pay bills, and figuring out my purpose. I honestly feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be and so glad, I did not give up. I would have never thought I would be in grad school but I am, even though I have moments where things are hard, I continue to pray and push through. To the girl that may feel lost and feel like giving up, I encourage you to keep going. I was there, and now I’m living my purpose and you will too. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I highly encourage people to surround themselves with a group of supportive friends and mentors. You honestly never know who God will connect you with that can help you. Find people and Facebook groups that support what you are doing and reach out for help. Never be afraid to ask questions and never be afraid to take the first step to start. My friend group is very encouraging and we all help each other with encouraging words and promoting each other’s business on social media. The support is really a blessing and I couldn’t ask for better friends. 

Pricing:

• Gold sea moss $25
• Fruit flavored sea moss $30
• Elderberry sea moss $35
• Sea Moss capsules are $50

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.lexmossshop.com
• Instagram: lexmossshop_
• Facebook: Lex Moss Shop