Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Plotzker-Kelly. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jonathan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
We had a long-standing relationship with a chemist – they provided many of the formulas that we use in our products. I had previously worked with them back in the 1990’s when I was with Bare Escentuals, the large skincare (and now cosmetics) company. When I founded Heliotrope, they were the first people I called to work on my first product – leveraging our past connection.
We had a mutually respectful and profitable relationship, and then came word that they were closing up shop – their family business had been started more than 50 years before, and they were interested in retirement. But – they didn’t want to leave all their clients in the lurch – so they reached out to me to take over their business. Not to purchase the company, since they didn’t want that outcome – they just wanted a trustworthy company to bequeath their formulas and client list to.
And they chose me – they literally handed me their bestselling formulas & their customer list, and only asked for a small (very reasonable) commission on future sales.
So it’s worth working on relationships, and being respectful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Funny thing, I never meant to get into retail – my mom loved to shop, and I learned that from her – but I didn’t intend to make that my career.
But right out of college, I was recruited by Lord & Taylor (RIP) in NYC. After moving to SF, I stayed on the same professional arc – Williams-Sonoma, Bare Escentuals, Restoration Hardware, et al.
When I left my last job – a Director at Good Vibrations – I was looking for a fragrance-free shower gel (I have dermatitis and can’t stand synthetic perfumes in my skincare products). These are more common now, but back in 2010 there were very few scent-free products on the market.
I reached out to chemists I had previously worked with at another company, and voilà – a collaboration was born. I wanted to sell products that were free of synthetic perfumes and of artificial colors. But for those who wanted scent, I decided to offer an extensive selection of essential oils so we could customize products for each client.
I’m proud that we’ve built up a loyal base of customer – proven by the number of people who bring back their empties for discount refills – saving money & helping the environment! We also sell in bulk, for folks who want to do their own refills at home.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
I used to have a business partner. Things didn’t ultimately work out for our partnership, but he was a good guy & we were friends. We met when I worked for one sex-toy company, and he worked down the street at an online pornography company. I bet you didn’t expect me to say that.
I was working at Good Vibrations, the highly respected, SF-based sex-positive place for adult products (we used to refer to it as a “clean well-lighted place for vibrators.” His company was contracted to host our website, and he & I got to know each other & hung out a lot – mostly grabbing burritos on the weekend.
When I wanted to start Heliotrope, he asked if he could help – he was also looking for an entrepreneurial project. It was great to have someone to lean on in the beginning, and share the burden. Ultimately, we had different ways of doing things & parted ways, but I don’t regret working with him. It’s always more fun to work on a team.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
This was – and IS – one of the biggest problems there is for a small company. Having good credit helps – the ability to use your credit cards, or take out small loans, or leverage your home equity line – whatever works! Borrowing money from friends & parents, sure! Just pay it all back – that’s key :-)
Luckily, in the Bay Area, there are a number of small alternative financing companies like Working Solutions & Main Street Launch, that will loan to businesses who have been turned away by the big banks. They’re much more likely to take risks on small entrepreneurs, and give better interest rates – AND throw in business, too!
Even after the loans are paid off, you’ve built relationships with these organizations that will continue to help, both as a business person and as a member of the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HeliotropeSF.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/HeliotropeSF
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/HeliotropeSF
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heliotrope-san-francisco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Heliotropesanfrancisco
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heliotrope-san-francisco-2
- Other: www.tiktok.com/HeliotropeSF
Image Credits
michaela joy photography