Helping You Bring Out Your Natural Glow

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yawa Mensah, owner of YAWA & CO, LLC, located in Overland Park, KS, USA.

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

I own YAWA & CO, a Kansas-based soap, bath, and body company. All of my products are made with high-quality plant oils, fair-trade butter, additives, parabens and phthalates-free fragrance oils, and therapeutic-grade essential oils.

My customers are people who are looking for unique and thoughtful gifts for friends, family, and coworkers, especially for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. My products are also for individuals who enjoy indulging in self-care and spa-like experiences and are looking for products that can enhance those experiences at home.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Yawa Mensah. My small business journey began with a need for a career change. After years of working in the animal health and clinical research organization industries, I felt unfulfilled and wanted to do something that aligned more with my passions and values. I had always been interested in natural and organic products, and I enjoyed making things with my hands, so I decided to start a handmade personal care business.

What motivates me is the opportunity to create products that people love and that make them feel good. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing a customer's face light up when they discover a new product or realizing that something I created has helped someone with a skin condition or just made them feel more confident. To make my dream a reality, I had to put in a lot of hard work and dedication. I spent countless hours researching and learning about natural ingredients, testing different formulas, and refining my techniques. I was determined to create high-quality products that were gentle on the skin and free from harmful chemicals. I also had to learn about the business side of things, such as marketing, accounting, and logistics. It was a steep learning curve, but I was motivated by my passion and belief in my products.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment as a business owner is achieving the goals I set out for myself to accomplish and making a positive impact in the world. One of those goals was to open a retail space where my customers could come and experience my products. As of October 2022, I was able to accomplish it sooner than later, and I am very proud of myself for that.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the constant need to make difficult decisions and take calculated risks that can have a significant impact on the success or failure of the business. This can include decisions related to financing, marketing, product development, hiring and firing employees, managing cash flow, and dealing with unexpected challenges and setbacks.

As the owner, there is a need to handle everything from accounting and legal issues to sales and customer service. This can be overwhelming and time-consuming and usually require you to develop new skills and knowledge quickly. However, overcoming these challenges can also be immensely rewarding and can lead to personal and professional growth.

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

Setbacks are Ok. All that matters is how you bounce back.
Set goals and expectations for yourself and your business. This will help you get them accomplished.
Running a business isn't a sprint. It's a marathon.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://yawaandco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YawaandCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yawaandco/

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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