Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Judy Lidie, Owner of Grace & Miss Mouse Soaps, LLC., located in Bellows Falls, VT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Grace & Miss Mouse Soaps is a soap company owned and run by a mother and her two daughters, nestled in the green mountains of Vermont. We produce premium crafted soap and body products made for all types of skin. We create great smelling, moisturizing and pretty soaps for people who care about their skin.
Tell us about yourself
I began making soap after my daughter took me to a spa for my birthday. There were sweet little handmade soaps in the room that made my skin feel wonderful, so when I got home, I started researching handcrafted soaps and decided I could make my own! After many formulas (and failures!) I came up with one that met all of my needs: creamy, bubbly, moisturizing, and long-lasting. I tested out my formula on everyone I knew (and some I didn’t know!) and got the same response: “ WOW, that soap is great! I don’t need lotions after a shower now.”
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am still in awe that I’ve grown my company from my kitchen to a manufacturing facility with employees and knowing that thousands and thousands of people have used our soap.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most difficult part of owning my own business had to do all of the bookkeeping. I wanted my hands playing and creating new soaps and products but had to let some of that go to keep the financial aspect of the business functioning.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, you should do plenty of research into companies that sell the same products or services you plan to provide; join social media groups and ask lots of questions. If you don’t have any background in finance, you will need to find someone who can teach you the basics. Either learn marketing or hire someone who can teach you how to get “out there.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don’t listen to the naysayers!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.graceandmissmousesoaps.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058683737067
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceandmissmousesoaps/
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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