Seed-to-soil Skincare for Wild Humans

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Britt Gillman, founder and owner of Pine + Clover, located in Deep River, ON, Canada.

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

I am a bioregional Herbalist and seasonal herb Gardener certified in Botanical Skincare. I cultivate bioregional (mainly native) herbs in my herb gardens, as well as forage locally to craft natural skincare products for our community. Most of my customers are earth-minded, land-loving, and interested in caring for their bodies or skin in natural and traditional ways.

Access to fresh, potent herbs harvested at their peak is what makes our products so special. Not only are our products crafted with my hands
the plant materials used were harvested + nurtured by mine as well. This kind of plant intimacy is not usually possible from companies that formulate for wellness or skincare — but it’s been the Herbalist’s way + tradition for many moons. I work with the seasons and craft small-batch products that help to support us through each season.

Tell us about yourself

Like many others, I only had the guts to launch my business during a year of potent change for everyone - 2020. I had been working as a photographer and copywriter for the past ten years, and having recently completed my Herbalist certification, I was feeling very eager to spend more time in our gardens and on the land. My family and I were settling into a new home in Deep River, and I was inspired by the tall pine trees surrounding our new garden and the abundant red clover growing at our feet.

I named the business Pine + Clover as an ode to these plants. They are still the two main herbs that I work with every day, and a duo that inspires me to continue working seasonally. Red clover pops up in the Springtime, and white pine is strengthened in the winter. These plants, and the business name, motivate me to stay true to what our Ontario seasons offer and to trust that each season brings with it its own gifts.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is an interesting question because my goalpost for success in my business changes the more that it grows and evolves. I used to think that having my products invited into a retail store meant that I was a success. Or that having a certain product sell-out meant that I had accomplished something. But those things happened, and I found that the feeling of accomplishment that I thought I wanted was not as warm and fulfilling as society makes it out to be.

My biggest accomplishment these days is knowing that I have built a business that works alongside the Earth, not against it and that I have a community that supports and believes in me. Instead of having my business be something that propels me forward as an individual (financially or in status), I want my business to continue to be a tool for community change. I would love for my business to continue to inspire others on the importance of protecting native species, how plants are integral to our health and well-being, and how small-batch, herbal skincare can be used as an invitation to care for ourselves as well as the Earth.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner in this field can be recognizing that your intrinsic worth and value do not come from what you can do or produce. I went into business because I did not want to be an employee for someone else. In fact, I am probably an awful employee to others, by their standards! I need more rest than most people. I like to take breaks. I enjoy being able to have a flexible schedule. If it's a beautiful day outside, I want to be able to take a walk and enjoy it. There have been times I noticed that I felt like I was an employee of Pine + Clover.

Pine + Clover had become its own entity during very busy seasons, and there have been instances I felt like Pine + Clover was my boss and I was its employee. This is when I know it is time to re-evaluate priorities and remind myself that I still have an inherent value as a person, even if I am not working for Pine + Clover all of the time, consistently scaling or growing. The seasons are really good for reminding me that there is a time for doing and a time for just being and resting. I think we should all listen to them!

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

Please eat and drink. It's important to take care of your body, and I find that meals and breaks are always the first things to go during a busy day. Treat your body kindly.
Redefine your customer service in whichever way you feel right. There is a very old mentality still circulating that a business owner needs to be wildly brilliant at every aspect of customer service. We are still comparing ourselves to large corporations with hundreds of employees. We don't need to be answering emails at 10 pm. You will forget something, sometimes. Or make mistakes. You are human, not a machine. Think about which boundaries would make you feel like the best person you can be when it comes to customer service. And go easy on yourself. If you don't like to talk on the phone, encourage folks to contact you via email. If being on display at a trade show makes you sweaty, don't go! You don't have to. You do not have to bend your personal values or priorities for a customer. Having clear ways to engage with you or your business will protect your peace and personhood and keep you happy and healthy.
Have fun. Seriously. Joy is important. It keeps you going. Build play into your business in whichever ways you can. It keeps you going on the hard days.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pineandclover.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineandcloverapothecary/

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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