Dr. Roberts Clinical Feminine Care

In 2016, Dr. Tomeka Roberts, a dedicated OB/GYN with over two decades of experience, encountered a recurring issue within her practice that she couldn’t ignore. Her patients needed better feminine care solutions, and she was determined to find a way to help them. Drawing on her unique blend of medical expertise and an engineering background, Dr. Roberts teamed up with a chemist to create a line of feminine care products specifically designed to meet her patients’ needs. And so, Dr. Roberts Clinical Feminine Care was born, officially launching in 2012.

The response from her in-office patients was overwhelmingly positive—they loved the innovative, effective products that Dr. Roberts had created. However, turning that initial success into a scalable business was more challenging than she had anticipated. Dr. Roberts realized that to grow beyond her practice, she needed to reach a wider audience, secure strategic partnerships, and navigate the fiercely competitive feminine care industry.

Challenges Faced

Scaling the business wasn’t easy. Despite the enthusiastic response from her patients, Dr. Roberts struggled to expand her reach. She needed to secure partnerships, improve her online presence, and break into retail markets—no small feat in such a crowded and competitive industry. By 2022, she knew she needed expert guidance to take her business to the next level.

Assistance from the Alabama SBDC

In September 2022, Dr. Roberts turned to the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for help. There, she met Leah Bolin, a seasoned business advisor with a passion for helping small businesses thrive. Leah immediately saw the potential in Dr. Roberts’ products and worked closely with her to develop a comprehensive strategy to overcome the challenges she faced.

1. Exploring Direct-to-Consumer Sales Channels: Leah guided Dr. Roberts in exploring direct-to-consumer sales channels, including setting up professional displays in women-centric offices and boosting online reviews. This strategy significantly enhanced the product’s credibility and expanded the customer base.
2. Enhancing Online Presence: Understanding the importance of a strong online presence, we revamped the website content and optimized the Amazon store. Participation in the Amazon Black Accelerators Program provided advertising credits and mentorship, leading to a significant increase in online visibility and sales.
3. Public Speaking Coaching: To help Dr. Roberts effectively promote her products, Leah arranged public speaking coaching sessions. These sessions boosted Dr. Roberts’ confidence and presentation skills, enabling her to shine at various events and further promote her brand.
4. Expanding into Brick-and-Mortar Stores: Leah also assisted Dr. Roberts in expanding her product line into brick-and-mortar stores, securing placements in Brooks Grocery and Alabama Goods. This move broadened her market reach and introduced her products to new customers.
5. Launching New Products: Dr. Roberts successfully launched a new therapeutic bath bomb, which was well-received in the market. This addition diversified her product line, creating a new revenue stream for the business.
6. Securing Partnerships: With Leah’s support, Dr. Roberts secured partnerships with strategic organizations such as the Atlanta Women’s Expo, the Healthy Women Educational Expo, and the Girl Be U Expo. These partnerships, along with Dr. Roberts’ role as a guest speaker at various events, further established her brand and expanded her influence within the industry.
7. Applying for Grants: Leah helped Dr. Roberts apply for multiple pitch competitions and grants, including Delta Sigma Theta’s Shark Tank pitch competition, where she secured $10,000 in funding. This financial boost was crucial in advancing her business development efforts.
8. Organizing Financials: To ensure the business was on solid financial footing, Leah recommended hiring a bookkeeper. Together, they worked with Dr. Roberts to create budget goals, improving financial management and resource allocation.

Outcome and Impact

With strategic guidance and dedicated effort, Dr. Roberts transformed her business from a local operation into a recognized brand within the feminine care industry. The strategies implemented with the help of SBDC business advisor Leah Bolin led to remarkable outcomes:

• Market Expansion: The introduction of direct-to-consumer sales channels and expansion into brick-and-mortar stores significantly increased Dr. Roberts’ market reach.
• Increased Sales: Revamping her online presence, including participation in the Amazon Black Accelerators Program, led to a substantial increase in online sales.
• Product Diversification: The successful launch of the therapeutic bath bomb added a new revenue stream and attracted a wider customer base.
• Strategic Partnerships: The partnerships secured with major expos and event platforms not only increased brand visibility but also established Dr. Roberts as a thought leader in the industry.
• Financial Growth: The $10,000 grant from Delta Sigma Theta’s Shark Tank pitch competition provided crucial funding that supported further growth.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Roberts shared:

“The SBDC Has been very helpful with growing my business. Particularly my mentor Leah Bolin has been a lifesaver. I believe she has a passion for my growth and truly wants me to succeed. She is attentive and responds to every email and question in a timely manner. We actually are having fun as my business grows. “

Dr. Roberts’ story is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the impact of having the right support at the right time. Through her collaboration with the Alabama SBDC and the strategic guidance of advisor Leah Bolin, Dr. Roberts not only overcame significant challenges but also positioned her business for long-term success. Dr. Roberts has emerged as a leading innovator in the feminine care industry, driving change with her groundbreaking products.