Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Fuller, Owner and Founder of Gatherwise, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a CIDESCO licensed esthetician and herbalist, and I created Gatherwise, a whole plant holistic skin wellness line. Gatherwise stands out for its impeccable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, effective formulations, and truly Farm-to-Face practices — made from plants grown at the Gatherwise farm in Portland, OR. Gatherwise uses plants and plants alone in all their products and believe they contain all we need to protect, heal, and nourish the skin. Our whole-plant ingredients are more than efficient in benefiting the health and wellness of the skin. Gatherwise clientele values natural beauty and seeks out the best products to help them achieve their goals. Gatherwise offers moments of self-care each day for balanced, glowing skin. Our clients find joy and beauty in every moment of self-care, making Gatherwise a brand that they return to time and time again.
Tell us about yourself
I launched Gatherwise in 2018 after a lifetime of struggling with skin issues, unable to use other products without adverse reactions, I began my skincare wellness journey as a young teen grinding and mixing natural foods and herbs in my parent's kitchen, and to my surprise, it worked! Healing with plants was empowering - and it helped! Inspired to create the highest quality plant-based products, it took decades and experience to culminate Gatherwise.
I continue this work each day in hopes of helping others out there like me - others struggling with skincare issues, unable to use other products, and wanting to experience the joy and confidence that comes with healthy, radiant skin.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Bringing more nature and healing into people's lives. To open more conversations and acceptance around aging gracefully and naturally and what it means to truly love your own skin. Through the simple act of dedicating as little as 2 minutes a day to a skincare routine, I have empowered individuals to start or end their day on the right foot, providing a moment of nourishment for both their skin and their sense of self-love. It's the root of loving yourself and empowering others' self-confidence with glowing, healthy skin.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Truly wearing all the hats! Dedicating your time, energy, and resources to all kinds of different work skills/jobs that you could never have imagined, but also learning a lot along the way has been such a great experience. It's been tough for me to shift and morph my business as it grows while also staying within my values as a brand; it's really a huge balancing act in all the ways possible.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Seek help from others. Hire if you can and ask for help when needed. Find resources in your area for small businesses and use them!
- Connect with other small businesses and business groups in your community.
- Be sure to find time to check out of work and check in with yourself. Keeping a balance between work/life is essential to your success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.gather-wise.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051129922083
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatherwise/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-fuller-631701228/
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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