We recently connected with Alexa McLane and have shared our conversation below.

Alexa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

When I first incorporated essential oils into my daily routine and embraced a holistic lifestyle, the transformation in myself and my family was immediate. I was hooked. The ability to harness the power of all-natural remedies as our primary defence against everyday ailments felt incredibly empowering. This passion for natural wellness led me to start sharing my homemade essential oil creations with friends and family, who not only embraced them eagerly but also kept asking for more. It was then that my husband made a comment in passing “you should sell these things at the farmers market”, which I immediately thought was a ridiculous idea because who on earth would pay actual money for these little things I make in my kitchen? After a lot more conversation and the invaluable support of a trusted friend, Little Lavender Goods was born.

Starting a business is never easy, but launching amidst a global pandemic came with an entirely unique set of challenges. Consumer shopping habits fluctuated dramatically as people prioritized essentials, and the uncertainty of the world made it feel like an incredibly risky time to embark on something new. Yet, despite the external chaos, I felt a deep connection to the business. People also seemed to be craving a sense of well-being, self-care, and comfort and I hoped that my natural remedies could support that.

In the early days, every decision felt like a leap of faith. I went from making products in small batches, ordering just 10–20 units at a time, to taking the plunge and placing orders for over 1,100 units of a single item. The moment I committed to buying 5L of lavender essential oil for the first time (when I started buying 10mls at a time) was terrifying. It was a shift from dipping my toes in the water to diving in headfirst. There were (are) no guarantees, only a belief in my products and a determination to make it work.

As demand grew, we expanded into wholesale, which brought an entirely new set of challenges. Learning how to price our products competitively for retailers, manage bulk orders, and maintain production efficiency at a larger scale was a steep but rewarding learning curve. Suddenly, we weren’t just selling directly to customers; we were building relationships with other businesses that shared our passion for natural living. Figuring out logistics, writing invoices, shipping internationally, meeting wholesale order deadlines and ensuring consistency pushed us to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

But through it all, my passion for natural wellness and non-toxic living never wavered. What got me most excited then and still does today, is seeing how these products enhance people’s lives. Knowing that something I created is helping others feel better, live cleaner, and embrace holistic wellness makes every risk and challenge worthwhile.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

If you had told me years ago that I would be an entrepreneur, I would have laughed in your face. It always seemed like way too much work and I couldn’t understand why anyone would choose that path. I was in school finishing my bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and wine business when the pandemic hit, completely altering my plans. After 6.5 years of university and many educational changes I thought hospitality was a secure career path… guess the joke was on me. At the time, my friend and I were experimenting with essential oil blends and homemade products, and on a whim, we decided to start selling them at a local farmers market. What started as a small passion project quickly grew beyond what I ever imagined. Now, almost five years later, I run Little Lavender as a full-time, six-figure business with the support of my incredible family and friends, and I couldn’t be more grateful for how far it has come.

At Little Lavender, we are passionate about creating high-quality, all-natural essential oil-based products, handcrafted in small batches with care and intention. Our mission is to provide non-toxic, nourishing alternatives that support the well-being of the mind, body, and soul. We believe in the power of nature, which is why we carefully select minimal, completely natural ingredients that allow the benefits of essential oils to shine through. In addition to our commitment to purity, we consciously source as many of our materials as possible from BC businesses, standing in solidarity with local communities. Every product we make reflects our dedication to wellness and a love for nature.

Beyond the business itself, Little Lavender is deeply personal to me.
My mother was the healthiest person I knew. Long before it was trendy, she was making green juices, doing yoga, walking every day, and using only natural remedies. When she was diagnosed with cancer, it was the biggest shock of my life. Losing her when I was 19 years old changed me forever and I think about her every single day that I’m in my studio creating products. Not a lot of people know that she is the heart and inspiration behind Little Lavender because I know she would have been my biggest supporter. Running this business has given me a way to feel connected to her and that’s what makes it so much more than just a brand.

What sets Little Lavender apart is not just the quality of our products but the intention behind them. We’re not just selling essential oil-based goods; we’re offering a way for people to incorporate simple, natural and effective wellness into their everyday lives. Whether it’s a soothing roller blend, a nourishing body butter or a beautifully scented room spray, our goal is to create products that bring comfort and joy. I’m incredibly proud of how far this business has come, from a tiny market stand to a thriving company. But what means the most to me is the community we’ve built. Customers who share our love for non-toxic living and come back time and time again because they genuinely believe in our products. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing, creating and sharing this journey with others.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

As I mentioned before Little Lavender Goods was created during the pandemic. It was purely started with the intention of something fun to do during the pandemic – it was a passion project and nothing more. As a recent university graduate of a field that was globally non existent my schedule was fairly open… My friend and I were experimenting with essential oil blends and homemade products and on a whim, we decided to start selling them at a local farmers market. What started as a small passion project is now a full-time, six-figure business and I couldn’t be more grateful for how far it has come.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve ever had to make, both in business and in life, was becoming a parent. I’ve always been an incredibly independent person, fully dedicated to the things that matter to me, especially my work. Running a business takes an incredible amount of time, energy and focus, and for years I thrived on being able to pour myself into it. But when I became a mother, everything shifted. Suddenly, things that once had my full attention had to be put on hold, pushed to the side or simply not done at all. While that was a massive adjustment, it has also been the most rewarding challenge of all time. Motherhood is something I always dreamed of and I absolutely love it. My priorities have changed, and that’s okay. I’m still learning the best way to to embrace this new season, even when it means letting go of control in some areas.

One of the biggest lessons I’ll probably be learning for the rest of my life is the importance of asking for help, something that doesn’t come naturally to me. But, I recently hired a virtual assistant to help with tasks that were taking up too much of my time. This will allow me to be more present with my daughter while still growing my business in a sustainable way.

The saying “work smarter, not harder” could not be more true. This pivot hasn’t been easy, but it has shown me that success doesn’t just come from working harder—it comes from working smarter, setting boundaries and making space for what truly matters. And right now, that means finding the balance between being a present mother and a passionate business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.littlelavendergoods.com
• Instagram: @ littlelavendergoods
• Facebook: Little Lavender Goods