Miami University graduate VaLandria Smith-Lash is making waves in the skin care industry with her own business venture, Coarse Culture. At the age of 14, Smith-Lash began experimenting with creating a skin care cream to help her mother, who was experiencing dry skin and hair loss due to Lupus. This homemade remedy eventually evolved into her full-time career.
Smith-Lash’s dedication to creating a product that would benefit not only her mother but also the community led her to run a business from her own home using a kitchen mixer. By the time she graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Coarse Culture had transformed into a thriving business and the university’s first start-up in the new innovation college.
Miami University President Gregory Crawford praised Smith-Lash as the pioneer of what he hopes will be a growing trend among students. The university plans to support additional start-up companies in the coming year, offering interns and investment opportunities to facilitate their success.
Smith-Lash expressed gratitude for the opportunity to turn her passion into a thriving business, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in her entrepreneurial journey. Her story serves as an inspiration for future students looking to make a difference through innovative ventures.