All-Natural Cosmetics and Body Care

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Buckley, owner, president, and CEO of Honeybee Gardens, located in West Reading, PA, USA.

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

We make natural cosmetics and body care products you can feel good about. We're vegan, certified gluten-free, certified cruelty-free, environmentally conscious, and affordable. We believe natural shouldn't be boring, so you'll find our products fun, trendy and fashionable.

Tell us about yourself

My first product was an herbal aftershave I made for my husband in our kitchen using herbs I grew in my garden. Soon I was making lip balms, deodorant, and hand lotion. I loved making products that I knew had healthy ingredients and were better for the people I cared about. I wanted to share this passion with the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I suppose that really depends on how your define success. From a number and distribution side, Honeybee has grown beyond my wildest dreams. But I don't feel that's my biggest accomplishment. Knowing that we make truly good products that are better for people and better for the environment and offer them at a price which most people can afford - that's important to me. The fact that we also are in the position to give back - we have a Honeybee animal charity that donates to animal welfare projects every month. Creating a unique work environment for our all-female team allows them completely flexible schedules so they can have a better work/life balance.

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

You never really shut down. Not when you go to sleep. Not when you're on vacation. It truly is your life.

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

Be very passionate about what you're doing. This passion and drive will take you further than anything else.
You will make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
Understand your customers and your market. The better your understanding, the more successful you'll be.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://honeybeegardens.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoneybeeGardens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeybeegardens/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Honeybee_Grdns
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honeybee-gardens/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.