Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marge Clark, founder, and president of Nature's Gift, Inc., located in Madison, TN, USA.

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

We import and resell essential oil and other aromatherapy products, as well as our own line of "ready to use" products. Our clients include some Aromatherapy Schools, hospitals, and hospices (we are especially grateful to be privileged to supply some VA hospitals), health care professionals, and, of course, impassioned amateurs.

Tell us about yourself

Nature's Gift was born from my passion for essential oils and their healing strength. I started making my own blends for some friends. They loved them and wanted more. "Well, I have to buy more materials, so I'll need to charge you." Or I would find a better sample of whatever oil and sell what I had to buy more. I guess we are still doing that, close to 30 years later. And the reason we are still here? At least once a week, we will hear back from a client about how one of our products just solved a problem and helped. We have proof, regularly, that what we do makes a difference in people's lives. That is the reason we are still here and that I personally am still here.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That is hard to say. Knowing that one of my blends is being used to help soldiers suffering from PTSD? that is one. Receiving a beautiful glass 'trophy' from a professional organization for "lifelong contributions to the field of Aromatherapy" - that's another. Every time a new hospital or hospice decides to source the essential oils for their "complementary medicine" programs. And just surviving all these years in what has become a very competitive industry.

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

The fact that we cannot do it all. And that the final responsibility, whether things go beautifully or whether they are becoming very difficult, it is always my responsibility. "The buck stops here" is the old quote from Harry Truman, and it does.

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

  1. Only do it if it is your passion...if you can't NOT do it.
  2. Under promise and overdeliver. Give your clients more than they expect. The goal is for them to feel like it is Christmas morning when they open one of our packages.
  3. Always have an exit strategy. (My failure to do so explains why I am still involved with Nature's Gift many years after retirement age.)

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Just that, if you love what you do, it truly isn't work. We are truly blessed to make a difference in people's lives, and what a gift that is!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://naturesgift.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturesGift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturesgiftaromatherapy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaturesGift
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Marge-Clark

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.