Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Diane Greenstein, owner of The Bath Witch, located in Coventry, RI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is I create, formulate, and hand-make my own line of natural bath and body products that are affordable & effective. I do not use any synthetic dyes or fragrances. I also never use sulfates, formaldehyde, or parabens. My customer is mainly women who love to pamper themselves and buy quality products that work and are affordable!
Tell us about yourself
I first got into making my own products after I lost my Mom to cancer and my daughter and I were both diagnosed with autoimmune diseases. I became highly aware of what I was putting on and in our bodies. I began making most of our meals from scratch and then most of our bath and body products from scratch. The difference in our skin when using my products with fewer ingredients and no toxic ingredients was astounding. Eventually, I started selling my products to friends and family and then to the public.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date is I opened my first brick & mortar location in 2019, and not only survived the pandemic, but my business also thrived. I also placed in the top 3 places and was awarded a plaque two years in a row in the ProJo reader's choice award for the best gift shop in my state.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I am a business owner and a Mom. Juggling the two is one of the hardest things I have to deal with. When you are a small business owner, nothing happens unless you are doing it. I am in control of my time, but it is very much a 24/7 job running your own business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top tips I'd give to someone wanting to start a business are:
- Don't get caught up in the financial aspect and start-up capital. You can start your business with a small investment and just keep reinvesting your profits into your business to grow. There are other ways to grow & thrive without taking out big loans.
- Do it! Often we think about starting our own business and dream about it but don't take any action. I personally waited two years to open my brick & mortar shop because I was afraid I wouldn't succeed. That was wasted time.
- Time management is the biggest skill you need. All jobs that need to get done fall on you. Make a schedule & follow it.
- When able, hire someone to do the jobs you don't like to do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thebathwitch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bathwitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bathwitch/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bathwitch
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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