We were lucky to catch up with Trisha Nester recently and have shared our conversation below.

Trisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I did my first craft show in a bowling alley. I had no clue what I was doing. But I tend to jump-in with out looking.. haha
After my first few craft shows and vendor events my girls aged 8 and 5 started coming with me and helping.

Watching them learn and want to be apart of it had really became my mission. Showing them hard work, consistency, and passion. I want to teach them everything I didn’t learn in school. The real important aspects of business that I am still learning daily. I want to learn it all so if they choose do follow my path or wage their own I will be able to give them the knowledge that I have learned.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started this journey just over a year ago. I have always been creative or artsy as some would describe. I have love cooking since I was about 13 years old. (It is relevant I promise) I started watching the Food Network Channel namely Emeril Lagasse. He was my favorite to watch. As I got older I started to get the FNMagazine. I’d try some recipes from time to time and there is normally a fun food related DIY which was the first recipe for my body scrubs. I cut it out ha saved it in my recipe book I started in 09′. I made it for myself for the first time around 2014′ after I had my first daughter and loved it! It was and is so moisturizing. The natural oils that use are perfect for that itchy pregnant skin. But it’s not just for women!
I’ve done the research on all different oils and the benefits they provide.
I loved it so much I started making them for family and friends.

My cousin is the one who initially told me to try to sell it. After playing around with the recipe I started adding and making different scents, trying different types of salt, sugar, and oils. I finally grew the confidence and took the plunge into business the end of 2021. I started just selling on Facebook marketplace and in local facebook groups.
I needed a name. Because I didn’t have a business plan, I didn’t have a name. I started with Trisha’s Kitchen Made Products. Which is still a group I run on facebook still. That is a page where followers can recommend other handmade items or companies.
Back to the name Phoenix and Snow LLC. my daughters are my fire and ice. Snow is the first name of my oldest and Phoenix is my 2nd daughters middle name.
These body products may have started as a hobby but they made my want for challenging new ideas grow. I now make soy candles, flavored lip balms, and body butter as well. I currently have calendula flowers soaking in oil to make a healing salve for small cuts, burns, wind whipped skin, and chapped lips.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Craft and vendor shows. They may not always have the best foot traffic to all of them but I have started doing a drawing at every show I attend. I ask if they would like to sign up to win a 8 oz body scrub. It gets people to stop by my booth and introduce myself and my product. To enter to win I ask for a phone number and email to best reach them. I draw the winner and collect the emails for my email lists.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I didn’t necessarily save what I should have. I did and still do odd jobs. I am a SAHM but I am a mother hustler. I walk dogs, work decorating for parties, cleaning houses and grocery shop for others. After getting the initial $200 for the first batch of product everything I make I put back into the business. Whether it is products or overhead costs. Anytime I can make some extra cash I will not turn down the job.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.phoenixandsnow.com
• Instagram: @phoenix_and_snow_trisharocker
• Facebook: facebook.com/phoenixsnowproducts
• Other: linktr.ee/phoenixandsnow