Handcrafted, Natural, Safe-for-everyone

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Bashlor, Founder and Owner of Remedy By Jess, located in Clinton, NC, USA.

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

We are a specialty skincare company. We manufacture and sell goat milk & shea butter skincare, home fragrance, and men's skin, shave, and beard products. Our customers are primarily with any type of skin condition. I got into making all of these products because I am super sensitive, and many of my customers come to us for that very same reason. Our customers are mindful of what they are putting on their skin and look for quality, natural ingredients in their skincare, home fragrance, and shave products.

Tell us about yourself

The first product that I made was soap, after being able to use it and not breaking out, I was hooked! When I first began this business, I was a graduate student studying to be a counselor and built this business while I was going to school online and staying at home with my children. The first year that I made soaps, I gave them away as Christmas presents and everyone came back for more. My husband and I realized that I had a way to earn some income, and I never looked back. Being able to have my own shop, doing what I love, and being able to have my family with me while I do it is what motivates me each and every day to keep working on my business. I also very much enjoy researching and developing new products, as well as getting to interact with my customers and helping them find the best solution for their skincare needs.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner was when we began to ship internationally. At the time, that was such a big deal to me, and it was pretty cool to ship to Korea and Germany in the same week.

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

Potentially the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is the long hours. Sometimes it seems the work is never done. There is always something to do, adding products to the website, packaging orders, helping customers in the shop, bookkeeping, responding to emails, making products, and researching new products. I am never bored...that's for sure! Finding the balance and knowing when to go to bed and sleep is something that I am sure every entrepreneur struggles with.

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

Do something that you love! When times get hard, you will continue getting up and doing something you are passionate about.
Make time for the people that are most important to you. When you have it all together, and when you don't, they love you anyway. Make sure you spend time with those that matter most, even when things are crazy.
Hire your weaknesses. It was a long time before I could hire any help to help me with my business, but when the time came, I was sure to hire someone that would be good at the things that I am not, and that has proven to be the best use of my resources, and it has grown my business as well.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://remedybyjess.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remedybyjess
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remedybyjess/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bashlor-33504131/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.