Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Denise Williams, owner of Matter Company, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Matter Company, we embrace a holistic approach to personal care with the simple intention of working with the healing ways of plants. Since 1996 our aim has been to create a community around plant-based wellness for every phase of life: from motherhood to birth to even some of life's most daunting challenges.
It is our understanding that the most powerful thing you can do is to not only take care of yourself but to take care of those you love too.
Tell us about yourself
I initially went to school for Environmental Studies but decided to take a year off to study the traditional practices of Herbalism, becoming a Therapeutic Herbalist. From here, I learned firsthand about growing, wildcrafting, and harvesting medicinal plants, along with the practice of medicine making. I began formulating products, skin salves, and ointments for family and friends from the plants I grew in my garden in the middle of the city. I've always been inspired by nature and what grows around me. Hence many of the products we use are native to Canada.
What inspires me to keep going are the stories from our customers about how our products have helped them in their lives. I feel privileged that we get to take part and show up for people in their day-to-day and to make a small difference.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We created a mineral sunscreen way before this was popular, and everyone else was doing one. It's a really great product, environmentally friendly, and safe for our ecosystem. It was a product that helped propel my business forward.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a small business, we have to wear many hats, and it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks as opposed to seeing the big picture. I am a CEO, formulator, maker, marketer, sales agent, and janitor too:) Creating time and space for creativity, growth, and work/ life balance is a challenge I constantly navigate.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a small niche that you can specialize in and make your own. Something unique that others aren't currently doing.
- Stay on top of your books (finances), or better yet, hire a good bookkeeper.
- Invest in good design. Make your brand something that will propel you for the next decade to come.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mattercompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattercompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattercompany/
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.
