Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mfon Ekpe-Dancy, Founder and CEO of Ziggy's Pudding®, located in Woodland Hills, CA, USA.

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

Ziggy's Pudding® is a clean, non-toxic, vegan skincare brand dedicated to providing potent, NON-GMO, cruelty-free, nutrient-dense, skin healing and nourishing products for children of all ages and people with sensitive skin. Our formulations are handcrafted with organic and wild-harvested ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties, making them excellent for eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, dry skin, scars, cradle cap, rosacea, and other skin irritations.

Tell us about yourself

I am a mother of three, critical care registered nurse, and a holistic health and wellness coach. I initially got into natural skincare to solve my eldest son's (Ziggy) skin issues. He suffered from recurrent diaper rashes, eczema, and sensitive skin. Dissatisfied with the product offerings on the market, I ventured into creating my own product. A few years later, When my second born (Pudding) started suffering from eczema as well, I perfected our signature baby body butter. I am motivated by my customers; I love to get feedback from them on which one of our products they are currently loving and which ones need improvement. Although I got into natural skincare to solve problems for my own children, it has been incredibly motivating to help others all over the country who are just looking for relief.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is not giving up. Becoming a business owner has its uncertainties, and it's easy to give up just when you're about to make significant progress. Being able to stick to this business, especially during times when there seems to be no obvious reward, has been one of my biggest accomplishments.

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

There's a bit of a strong learning curve when it comes to owning and running a business. As a solopreneur, you need to sacrifice, commit wholeheartedly, and just work hard to gain momentum, and that can make owning a business difficult.

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

  1. Start from a place of clarity. What are the problems you are looking to solve, and who do you want to solve them for?
  2. Think about your customers first. The greatest companies in the world use this model, and they have been able to outlast many.
  3. It's a marathon. Many of us come into business ownership trying to run a sprint or race to accomplish some goal that we may have seen or heard someone else accomplish in a short period of time, but those are outliers. Businesses take time to become sustainable and profitable, be patient and ready to run the marathon.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Do not give up. Your business could be the thing that brings positive change to your circumstances, your family, other families, and generations to come. Also, know when to pivot, knowing when to pivot in entrepreneurship is a great skill that can save you from unnecessary disappointments in business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ziggyspudding.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZiggysPudding/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziggyspudding/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfon-ekpe-dancy-b38504192/

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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