Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carolyn Balint & Robin Plaziak, Founders of Herbalicious Inc, located in Narragansett, RI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Herbalicious Skincare is a line of exceptional quality handcrafted, natural, and organic skincare formulations designed to safely, effectively, and luxuriously nourish your skin. Handcrafted in small batches, each Herbalicious product is carefully created using only the highest quality ingredients and without the use of emulsifiers and preservatives. Herbalicious products are designed to be safe and effective for even the most sensitive skin.
Tell us about yourself
I (Carolyn) have a long list of allergies and intolerances, and even products listed as safe for sensitive skin often leave my skin angry, inflamed, and itchy. It took years for me to figure out that I am actually reacting to many of the preservatives used to make the product's shelf stable and emulsifiers used to effectively blend oil and water. Herbalicious began as my attempt to create effective skincare without reactive and inflammatory ingredients. Plants are powerful and really magical in what they can do to care for our skin. We believe that the products we put on our skin should cleanse, treat, moisturize, and also nourish. We believe other people want the same thing. And we believe everyone deserves to get up each morning, look confidently in the mirror, and love what they see.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Biggest accomplishment? Hearing someone talk about how a product has transformed their skin. Over the years, we have met so many people who also struggle with sensitivities or allergies that make finding quality skincare feel like a battle. It feels great to share what we create and know it's actually helping someone.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Oh gosh, I'd say time management and the fact that we can't solve every problem. Caring for our families, working a day job, and managing Herbalicious is nutty at times - but so much fun too. And we want to be able to solve every skincare struggle presented to us, which is just not possible.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just go for it! If you're passionate about what you're doing, other people will be, also. And if you're solving a problem you have, I GUARANTEE many other people are struggling with the same problem.
- Find a mentor or someone else who owns a small business, and don't be afraid to ask question after question. We find that people are so willing to share what they know and the mistakes they've made. There is no reason to fumble around and figure everything out the hard way.
- Don't give up. Things take time. We've learned so much from our mistakes and challenges.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.herbaliciousskincare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Herbaliciousskincare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbaliciousskincare/
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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