Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home and personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jaime Snell, CEO of ECO CRATES of America, located in Greer, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
ECO CRATES of America is an education-first, subscription brand service that provides quality, eco-friendly home, and personal care products. The products we select are sustainably made with safe ingredients by small-American businesses. We currently serve individuals and families that desire to create and maintain a healthier home and sustainable corporations seeking Product Bundling or unique and thoughtful gifts for affiliates and employees.
Company Vision:
- To improve consumers' health and at-home indoor air quality.
- To shift demand from mainstream products made with harmful chemicals to small batch products made with complete transparency and safe ingredients by small-American businesses to slow down the damage these toxic chemicals have done to our earth while building up small businesses to help reinvigorate the American economy.
Tell us about yourself
My journey truly began when I became a mom. Before that, I was interested in sustainability, healthy nutrition, and a holistic approach to living. However, it was only when my first child was born that these interests became a passion. In all honesty, I stumbled into the lifestyle. As a new mom, I wanted to stay home with our newborn. My husband relented, but we had to make great sacrifices in transitioning to a one-income family. We stayed home more, I cooked more, and I also began making our home cleaning and personal care products. Over time, I realized how little waste we were producing, the money we were saving, and how much better we felt physically and emotionally. When our second child was born, I made everything from scratch, from home goods and personal care to bread, sauces, and baby food. I ventured into cloth diapers, second-hand clothes, and homeopathic remedies.
When our third child was born, there was a shift in how much I could do. Making everything myself was no longer sustainable with the time and energy I could give. I had a choice, burn out or find balance. I chose balance. When my youngest was five months old, he developed a staff infection on his upper thigh. No matter our holistic or medical approach, it lingered for months. Once I realized our new home's well water was insufficient to launder his diapers properly, I switched him back to conventional diapers. Thankfully, we had better disposables options than we did three years prior. Of course, natural brands cost a bit more, but my priorities were optimal health, minimal waste, and proactive measures. I continued on this journey, seeking practical solutions that met our comfort needs but had a minimal footprint in our everyday lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my greatest successes is seeing and receiving the excitement and support of like-minded business owners and individuals who believe in my dreams. The surprises are how much joy I receive when the aha moments when friends and customers begin to think differently and understand their power as just one person and the vast difference they can make, even with a tiny change in their habits.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things I have found as a business owner is getting in front of a more extensive ideal consumer base and speaking the language that resonates with them. In addition, above and beyond inventory and operational costs, excess funding has been difficult to attain for hired help for the business's day-to-day functions, such as social media and customer service, so I can focus on growing the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, don't wait. Start today. Analysis paralysis is real and can easily prevent you from pursuing your dream. Second, the best way to learn is to do. Continue to learn, but study, read, ask questions and seek solutions. But the real transformation occurs in action. And third, but most vital, find community. Do not try to do this alone. Find other entrepreneurs to connect with, even if you are the only one that knows your business or the only one in your niche. It can be a lonely road. Having community helps you with clarity, companionship, and sanity.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ecocratesofamerica.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecocrates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecocratesofamerica/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-snell-86143610/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.