Quality, Handmade Small Batch Products -Paradise Bath & Body

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Paradise, Owner of Paradise Bath & Body LLC., located in Naugatuck, CT, USA.

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

I make cosmetic products, but my business is much, much more than just soaps and room sprays - it’s my passion. My customers are like-minded individuals who believe that equality matters and good skin care is crucial.

Tell us about yourself

I started off with a culinary degree and went into a baking career, and I loved it! I was good at it! After some time, my hands grew weary, and I knew I needed to step down from my position. I basically hit rock bottom. I felt like I no longer had a purpose. Fast forward through months of collecting small short-term disability checks, and it was almost my mother’s birthday. I knew I wanted to give her something extra special for helping me stay grounded throughout it all.

I had been watching YouTube videos of people making lotions and such with essential oils to pass the time. I immediately thought, “I could do that..and probably better!” I set my mind to purchasing limited ingredients, and ones from which I could make several products. I went to work creating a lotion, a small sample of soaps, and other products. My mother was so impressed and absolutely loved everything. I told her that creating those things made me happy again and that I thought I wanted to start a small business.

Months went by, full of testing ingredients and writing formulations. I had come alive again!! I knew this was exactly what I was supposed to be doing with my life! Years later, I am still loving every single victory, bump in the road, and small feat. I still celebrate every sale. I don’t ever see myself getting tired of this, even through social media hiccups. I can’t wait to see how far I can take this business!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My business is very donation friendly, so I’d have to say that my biggest accomplishment is probably maintaining a healthy balance between making a profit and being able to make monthly donations to my favorite organizations. Black Girls Code and Human Rights Campaign are among my favored companies.

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

Fear of failure, hands down. Every day is a new adventure. Social media is something that could make or break you these days, and I’m still learning to navigate it. Also, you can have such a great month, say around the holidays, and then the next couple of months, you hardly sell anything. It’s maddening. The “makers” know that there’s always a bit of a lull after December though, so we plan accordingly. The thought of a new business moving into town at any given time is debilitating. The only thing I can do to overcome those fears is to realize that I am good at what I do, and that’s all that really matters!

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

I could probably name a million, but first and foremost, I’d say get into social media from the jump! Every single platform, if you can! It’s important!
Mind your money. If you don’t have a lot of money going in, don’t spend a lot of money. Don’t skimp on quality either, though!
Surround yourself with loved ones who will support you and your aspirations. When you’re first starting out, I think positivity is incredibly important. You’ll get enough criticism down the road. Keep the first year or so as positive as you can make it. If you start feeling like you’re failing, take a step back and reevaluate. You got this! You WILL do great things!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.paradisebathbody.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseBathandBody/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradise_bath_and_body/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-paradise-1a0aa9a6/

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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