Inspired by Kids, for Kids - Smelly Kids Company
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Thomas, CEO of Smelly Kids Company, located in Prince Frederick, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Inspired by a family that loves safe, natural products. We started Smelly Kids Company to help other families feel comfortable about the products that they are using. We believe that kids know what kids like! That's why all of our products are "inspired by kids, for kids!" All of our products are handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality, using clean ingredients and with kids in mind. From the skin-safe colors and fragrances are carefully chosen ingredients, all the way to the product name. Our company only creates bath and body products that are creative, safe, fun, and that we know kids will love. Parents will also love our products because we use clean ingredients, quality oils and butters, and skin-safe fragrances and colorants. We are not only kid-approved but parent-approved!
Tell us about yourself
My family was and is still my inspiration with Smelly Kids Company. I was motivated to start Smelly Kids Company because my children love body products, bath & shower products, and candles. Their liking of these types of products initiated my research into clean and natural companies that provide products exclusively for children. I had a challenging time finding products that were specifically created for children. Products that were not too strong of a scent or irritating to their skin. I also had a difficult time finding products that I felt comfortable with my children using. Allergies and skin sensitivities are major factors when making decisions in purchasing body products for each of my children. I learned that children and/or teenagers are eager to use products that interest them to practice good hygiene. I wanted to instill a strong purpose in my children through Smelly Kids Company by leading in an initiative that is bigger than theirs and my personal goals in life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the testimonies from parents and families that we received through reviews and emails. This confirms that other parents, caregivers, and families are assured in the products they are buying from Smelly Kids Company. They also may be experiencing similar challenges with finding companies with this clean initiative for children.
Being a mother, I understand how parents/families do not want to buy or use products that may contain harmful ingredients but often settle because of price points or availability. I wanted Smelly Kids Company to be a brand that is affordable and that parents can trust while fostering a healthy lifestyle for their children & families. I am excited to know that I am helping fill a need for products like ours!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing everything in my professional and personal life. As a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, I have learned that it takes a particular drive, determination, and intuitiveness to execute a person's dreams into reality and then strive to work towards success. Success comes from hard work and accepting to never be complacent in life. As I travel through my journey in my personal and professional life. I have committed myself to influencing, leading, and supporting families of all backgrounds to foster healthy lifestyles for all children.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It takes a great amount of time and resources than people realize to start a business. Work from timelines as you set achievable goals for yourself. There are always goals and tasks to complete. And when you complete your first list of goals, have a second and third list to complete. It is a never-ending process as the goal post is always moving. To grow a business from the ground up is a process that you cannot rush, and that takes patience.
- Stay focused and committed to your purpose. Remember why you started your company. Don't lose sight of your mission statement and what other companies are doing. Remember that no two businesses are the same.
- Create a network and seek help when needed. Find the right people who are experts in areas that you may struggle with. And solicit feedback and advice to learn and grow. There is always room for growth!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I've learned that for whatever reason, you may not always have the support from others that you want or that you may expect but keep pushing forward and stay true to yourself & your company.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://smellykidsco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smellykidsco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smellykidsco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smellykidscomp1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smelly-kids-company-l-l-c/
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.
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