Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marian Munro, Owner of Lodestone Soap Co., located in Halifax, NS, Canada.

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

I own Lodestone Soap Co, a vegan and plastics-free soap manufacturing company in Halifax, NS. I design the recipes, make the products, market them, and sell them. Products include bath and beauty bars, shampoos, conditioners, shave soap, beard soap, dog soap, dish soap, and brush cleaners.

Tell us about yourself

I spent more than 30 years as a provincial botanist in NS, with a special emphasis on wild and native plant ranges, use of same in the built heritage, and plants for people, both helpful and harmful.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Seeing my business grow slowly from the ground up. Almost at the point that I can support myself and even hire help. So the financial growth. I have not lost the thrill of hearing/seeing that people actually pay money for my knowledge indirectly.

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

Making timely decisions, some of which can be expensive

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

  1. Set up a business to conduct activity based on what you know. Not what others are doing.
  2. Do not use your causes, your children, nor other screens to hide behind.
  3. Listen to your gut.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We are resilient; generally, if we remain proprietor-scaled, then growth is slower but steadier.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lodestonesoaps.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LodestoneSoaps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lodestonesoaps2022/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lodestonesoaps
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marian-munro-71b19632/

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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