Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Jit, Co-Founder of Sulina Shop, located in Pasadena, CA, USA.

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

Sulina Shop is a business that specializes in natural skincare products. Our products are made with organic, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients that are designed to provide a holistic approach to skincare. We offer a range of products, including facial oils, serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and bath and body care such as bath soaps.

Our customers are primarily women between the ages of 25-55. However, we also have a small but growing number of male customers who appreciate the benefits of natural skincare products. Our customers are health-conscious individuals looking for safe and effective skincare products that do not contain harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients.

Some of our most popular products include the Anti-Aging Facial Oil, Retinol Face Cream, and Hydrating Facial Serum. These products are designed to help our customers maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin while also addressing specific skincare concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness.

Tell us about yourself

We are a natural skincare company founded by me and my sister Shelina. Our journey began when Shelina noticed dark spots on her skin after turning 40. Despite trying numerous skincare products, she found that nothing seemed to work. That's when we decided to go back to our roots by creating home remedies using some of the ingredients we grew up with.

We were born on Fiji Island, where we had access to fresh ingredients and natural home remedies. Our holistic home remedies were passed down by our ancestors, originally from India, and these teachings have significantly influenced our passion for natural skincare.

After researching and testing various formulations, we launched Sulina Shop, offering skincare products made from organic, vegan, and natural ingredients. We believe that what you put on your skin matters, so we use only the best quality ingredients in our products.

As one of the founders of Sulina Shop, my biggest motivation each day is the opportunity to create something meaningful that helps others. Knowing that our products positively impact our customers' skin health and overall well-being is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the high percentage of returning customers is a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into our products. Each day, I'm motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of natural skincare and developing innovative solutions that make a real difference in people's lives. Working on Sulina Shop doesn't feel like a job; it feels like a passion project, and that's what keeps me motivated day in and day out.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, our biggest accomplishment has been getting our Sulina Shop products into retail stores. As a small business, we were thrilled when stores expressed interest in carrying our products, and it was a validation of our hard work and a testament to the quality of our products. While the pandemic caused a decline in our retail sales, it forced us to pivot and shift our focus to online sales. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and resilience in facing challenges. Looking back, our success in getting our products into retail stores was a significant milestone for us as a business, and it's something we're extremely proud of.

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

Wearing multiple hats is one of the hardest things about being a business owner. As small business owners, we're responsible for managing every aspect of the business, from product development and marketing to sales and customer service. It can be challenging to juggle many different responsibilities, especially when we're still trying to grow and expand the business. Additionally, there's always a sense of uncertainty that comes with owning a business. There's no guarantee that all our hard work will pay off, and sometimes we may not see results for all the effort we put in. Despite these challenges, being a business owner is incredibly rewarding. It allows us to pursue our passions and work towards creating something meaningful and impactful, which makes it all worth it in the end.

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

  1. It's crucial to love what you do. Your business is going to become a significant part of your life, and you'll be spending a lot of time working on it. So, it's essential to have a passion for it. When you're passionate about your business, it becomes easier to stay motivated and focused, even during tough times.
  2. Know your products inside and out. You should understand your product's unique features and benefits and be able to communicate them to your customers effectively. When you deeply understand your products, you can also identify areas for improvement, refine your offerings, and stay ahead of the competition.
  3. Be prepared to put in a lot of work and long hours without expecting immediate results. Growing a business takes time, and it can be especially challenging when you don't have funding. You may have to work hard for months or even years before seeing significant progress. However, with dedication and perseverance, you can eventually achieve your goals and make your business successful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sulinashop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sulinashop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sulinashop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sulinashop
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sulina-shop/

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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