Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Smith, founder of MamaSuds, located in Goodrich, MI, USA.

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

MamaSuds creates naturally-focused, synthetic-free products that are truly safe for label-reading people who focus on health + wellness. The MamaSuds product line includes eco-friendly household cleaners and non-toxic liquid soaps. All ingredients are natural, cruelty-free, free of dyes and synthetics, and handcrafted by mamas.

Tell us about yourself

Researching and learning are at the core of my soul, and after learning about the ingredients in products I used on my family and home, I taught myself how to make liquid soap. This new hobby turned into formulating a laundry soap that would clean my daughter's cloth diapers. Friends, family, and co-workers enjoyed my soaps so much that my husband built me a website and kept encouraging me to make it a business.

As a middle school teacher, I scoffed at the idea of becoming a business owner. I never ever thought people would buy soap from a middle school teacher! My husband made me a website, and I made my first sale a few weeks later. I couldn't believe it. I made it official in January 2012 when I applied for my business license.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am most proud that I've been able to hire people. It was just me for so long, and I dreamt of being able to hire people and create a fun place to work.

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

Getting out of your own way! The sooner you realize you're going to fail a thousand times, the easier it is to get up, learn from it, and then find a way to succeed.

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

  1. Join groups that support your type of business. Early on, I joined The Indie Business Network. It’s a group of hundreds of makers that help one another grow. I learned a lot from women who had been in business longer and been through things I had not. It’s the most supportive and inspiring group of people, and I feel so lucky to have found them. Finding a group that helps you grow and supports you is essential.
  2. Learn how to do Facebook Ads. Driving traffic to your website is vital and learning how to get the right traffic is so important. I learned how to drive traffic by taking classes from The Social Sales Girls.
  3. Listen to what your customers want but stay on brand.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Never stop learning, and consume educational material regularly. Listen to business podcasts and read or listen to books that will help you be your best YOU.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mamasuds.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaSuds/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamasudsllc/

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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