Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Colleen Laux, Owner of Cottonwood Soap Company, located in Hilton Head Island, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cottonwood Soap Company is a small, woman-owned business located in the Lowcountry of Hilton Head, SC. We handcraft bath and body products in small batches, using only quality ingredients designed to leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and rejoicing.
Tell us about yourself
What started as a journey by Designer/Owner Colleen Laux to find a DIY lotion recipe for her husband's dry, irritated skin soon grew into a side hustle while Colleen worked as an attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio. After her retirement and in early 2020, just before the onset of COVID, Colleen and her husband moved to Hilton Head Island, and Cottonwood Soap Company became Colleen's passion and full-time business.
From these humble beginnings, Cottonwood Soap Company continues to grow. Our products are sold at the weekly Hilton Head Farmer's Market, local pop-up markets, and at multiple locations in and around the Hilton Head area.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2021 our company was named "Best Gift Shop" by readers of our local newspaper. In addition, since moving the business to Hilton Head, each year, we have doubled our sales over the prior year's sales numbers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is time management. It is all too easy to get caught up doing things that do not help you grow your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a good support system either at home or via an online group- you'll need someone to pick you up when you're feeling stressed and someone to cheer for you when you succeed.
- Spend money on training- whether it is to hone your craft, learn social media strategies, or other business-related courses. I have found that this is almost always money well spent.
- Read/learn/utilize the ideals in the book Profit First!!!!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cottonwoodsoap.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CottonwoodSoap/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cottonwoodsoap/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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