Natural.Eco-Friendly.Handmade - Healing Moon Farm & Soapery

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in organic farming but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caitlin Hoover, Founder of Healing Moon Farm & Soapery, located in Booneville, AR, USA.

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

Healing Moon Farm & Soapery is a small organic farm and natural soapery dedicated to eco-friendly products. Our customers are passionate about using natural, non-toxic, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious products in their homes. We sell organic produce, chicken eggs, and fresh farm lavender. We also handcraft all-natural soaps, beeswax candles, shampoo/conditioner bars, and essential oil blends.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been passionate about regenerative agriculture, organic food, and living harmoniously with nature. Running our small farmstead was a no-brainer for me. Later, when I began developing allergies and sensitivities to store-bought personal care products, Healing Moon Soapery® was born. After researching common ingredients in most store-bought items, I realized the majority are toxic or greenwashing! Many of my health issues were common side effects of toxicity build-up in the body. So, I began hand-making natural soaps in our small farmhouse kitchen, and the word quickly spread! My family began asking me to make some for them; then, their friends would reach out. Slowly, Healing Moon Farm evolved into Healing Moon Farm & Soapery.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is providing accessible natural, non-toxic, and healthful products to my local community. Where we live currently is very rural; there is no Whole Foods or Organic Market within reach. Walmart is the only accessible store for body care products within a large radius. Being able to disseminate what I have learned through natural products to my local community at the farmer's market has been very rewarding for me. Every time a customer tells me their skin issues have been resolved or our products made their hives go away, I feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

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

Accepting that you can't always do everything by yourself. When you work a W2 job at a large company, there is usually a clearly defined job description. When you are a small business owner, you are left to your devices to balance everything yourself. From creating products to digital advertising, you don't have a singular lane when you own your business and are trying to scale. I've learned a lot through trial and error on this journey, from underpricing products so that we took consistent losses to not being able to keep inventory in stock. The biggest takeaway I have is to not be afraid to reach out to other small business owners and network. Join online forums, seek out tools to help streamline your processes, and don't be afraid to charge a fair price for your hard work.

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

  1. It takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day. If you see ads telling you that you can start, run and scale a highly profitable business within 30 days through their program. RUN. It's going to take hard work, perseverance in the face of failure, and faith in yourself.
  2. Sometimes, you will fail. Try not to beat yourself up if a business idea doesn't gain momentum or you lose out on an opportunity. You can't make the perfect move 100% of the time, no matter how prepared you are. The important thing is to gain knowledge from every "failure." Take those learnings, pick yourself up, and try again.
  3. Have some fun. Life is too serious. One of the joys of having your own business is that it's completely customizable. Are you worried that the illustrative logo you love won't be "professional" enough? Do it anyway. It's okay if your personality shines through. At the end of the day, that's what ultimately makes your business stand out against competitors. There may be hundreds of companies doing what you do, but there is only ONE YOU.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://healingmoonfarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingMoonFarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingmoonfarmsoapery/

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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