Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Crystal Ferenczi, Owner of Farmstead Naturals, located in McBride, BC, Canada.

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

My business is Farmstead Naturalsand we handcraft natural soaps, salves, and aromatherapy products. Our customers love natural, beautiful things. They love to know the ingredients in each product and where they come from.

Tell us about yourself

I started by making my own diaper cream, vapor rub, and salves for my kids, and that quickly snowballed into making my own skincare and household products. I learned how to make soap from my mother-in-law. I love to make products that work and that are made of simple, natural ingredients that I can confidently use on my entire family. I like to say, "I'm an old soul practicing a timeless way of living."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Today, Farmstead Naturals manufactures and sells over 40 products in Canada, the United States, and soon the world, from soaps to balms, essential oils, shampoos & conditioners, laundry detergent, dish soap, and even bug repellant. FARMSTEAD NATURALS are natural solutions to everyday problems!

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

The hardest thing is being able to balance work time and family time. As the owner of the business, you are always on call, and it can be difficult to shut that off for a family time.

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

  1. Find yourself a mentor. Finding someone who can help guide you along the way, who's done it before, who can help clarify things along the way.
  2. There's no such thing as a stupid question when you actually don't know or understand. We are all learning along the way.
  3. Be patient. Success is not going to come overnight. You are going to have to put in the hours doing the little things so you are prepared for growth. I only sold 1 product a month online for the first year.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.farmsteadnaturals.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmsteadNaturals
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmsteadnaturals/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/farmsteadnatur1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-ferenczi-460889100/

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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