Indigenous culture through bath & beauty products - Mother Earth Essentials

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carrie Armstrong, founder of Mother Earth Essentials, based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

Mother Earth Essentials, a Canadian indigenous-owned company, creates luxurious bath & beauty products from natural ingredients and traditional recipes. I founded the company, and I come from a long line of Cree Medicine women. I am passionate about sharing the Indigenous culture and the spiritual properties handed down from elders and medicine people. We've created our product based upon these traditional teachings, the plants found around us, and a philosophy steeped in respect for our environment. We believe in the quality of our products, and we aim to honor the properties of all of the plants we use. People who love our brand are numerous! Indigenous people are happy to see familiar plants used in mainstream products; nonindigenous people are interested in knowing more or supporting local and Indigenous brands.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?

I wanted to share the teachings that my grandmother shared with me - in a way that honored and respected her, our culture, and Mother Earth. I love the creative process of product development and finding unique ways to incorporate the plants I know into high-quality products.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It would have to be that I have inspired my family to reconnect with our culture and embrace it. I have also won or been nominated for several business awards. I also published a book in 2020 that was a best seller in Alberta - titled Mother Earth Plants for Health & Beauty.

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

I am creative - and dislike paperwork! I have had to learn the hard way to find the right professionals for the jobs I am not good at. I also learned (the hard way) that building strong roots (sound systems) is vital for the business's survival.

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

Choose something you are passionate about. Don’t get overwhelmed - take one step at a time. Know your strengths - and build robust systems. Businesses with deep roots can tolerate the storms!

Where can people find you online?

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.