Handmade, Luxurious, Yet Affordable

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeanne Egbosiuba Ukwendu, Owner of Eclectic Lady, Inc., located in Miami, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Eclectic Lady. I handcraft bath and body products that are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), phthalates, and animal testing. My customers enjoy fragrant, handcrafted bath and body products created by a small business. They like to take care of themselves and enjoy being pampered. They are confident enough in their own skin to know that they deserve the best products without the ridiculous price tag.

Tell us about yourself

I've always loved bar soaps since I was a little girl. One Christmas, my aunt asked my mom what she could get me as a present. Her response was to get me some soap. My dad gave me a rose-scented heart soap for my birthday. I used to place it just so on the corner of the bathtub each time I used it.

Eclectic Lady started in my kitchen with a soap-making kit a friend gave me for Christmas in 2002. I began selling at craft fairs and farmer's markets and am now selling online on several major websites along with my own website. I enjoy what I do, talking with customers and helping people enjoy their life a little bit more with fragrant products.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I love the fact that I can provide jobs to people and that they know that they can come to me if they need help. It's one of the biggest accomplishments in my life and something I will always be proud of.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things is remembering I am not just a business owner but also a wife and mother of three. In the past few years, I have learned taking days off and enjoying life is just as important as running my business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Do something you enjoy. You will eat, sleep, and breathe your business. Make sure it's something you love to do. My dad always quoted, "If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life."
Start small. Starting a business is hard, so don't bite off more than you can chew. Begin with a few products or a few clients. Work out the kinks and learn from your mistakes. Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is the best teacher.
Listen to your customers. Some of our top-selling products came from suggestions by customers.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://eclecticlady.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EclecticLadyInc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eclecticladyinc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eclecticlady
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclectic-lady-inc/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.