We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Essence Turner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Essence below.

Essence, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Back in 2015, while still in college, my now husband and I welcomed our oldest daughter. After giving birth, I began to suffer from some of my worst acne breakouts (I now know it’s called postpartum acne due to hormones regulating). With dealing with school, beginning as a new mommy, and figuring out life all at the age of 23, my self-esteem and confidence took a hit and having to deal with uncontrollable postpartum acne was pretty much the straw that broke the camel’s back. Desperate to find a solution, I began a nearly endless “shopping spree” trying to find the perfect skincare product. I purchased some of the most expensive and top name skincare tools, products, cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and scrubs, only to be left completely unsatisfied. All these products that promised perfect, healthy skin left my pockets empty and my skin raw, dry, itchy, irritated, worse than how it started. I felt hopeless. However, that hopelessness was quickly replaced by determination. I realized this was my moment to access all my years as a biology major, sleepless nights doing research and work in the greenhouse and nature center. Every day after classes and after getting my daughter down for bed, I began my research on natural skincare remedies. After feeling overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge received, I collected my equipment and supplies and made my first facial bar soap. After using this all-natural soap for only a week, I was shocked by how fast and well it worked! I soon started handing out samples to family and friends. Once they received the same results, I realized that I wasn’t the only one looking for quality products that were affordable, effective, and easy to use. I then took the steps to start my skincare brand and in May 2020, I launched my website for Botanical Essence Natural Skincare. I decided to stick with natural remedies primarily as a personal choice. A lot of the products I used were filled with many chemicals, some that even seemed unnecessary. By creating these natural products, I was aware and comfortable with ingredients, and soon found out how effective they are in skincare. I continued with creating all-natural products to provide consumers with healthy options that are easily incorporated into any skin care routine.

Essence, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Essence Turner, I am the founder & CEO of Botanical Essence Natural Skincare here in Detroit, MI. I am a 30-year-old mother of two beautiful daughters. My introduction to the skincare industry came as a means to a personal issue. Coming to enjoy and finding a passion in curating and creating all-natural skincare products, I wanted to make these products available to all. Botanical Essence Natural Skincare is a black woman owned skincare brand dedicated to using all-natural ingredients to create all-natural skincare products. We currently offer a host of products from cleansers to moisturizers, hoping to expand to provide head-to-toe skin care, working to nourish and promote healthier skin. My goal is to celebrate both the earth and its gifts, as well as our skin, providing our consumers with high quality products that offer peace of mind, a unique take on skincare, and a satisfying experience. Botanical Essence Natural Skincare creates safe skincare products for all, working to eliminate racial disadvantages in skin care and skincare products towards POC. Our products not only smell and look good, but they also make you feel good, helping to improve the mind and body, starting with the soap.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source for new clients is popup events. While offering consumers the option to purchase my products in the comfort of their own homes via my website, meeting new clients and potential consumers face to face can’t be beat. It allows me the opportunity to not only sell my products but my personality and character as well. I can translate my passion and love for my business more easily than online, through the different interactions I make with customers. I’m able to tell my story and bring life into each conversation regarding my business a lot better than can be expressed through a screen. I can describe in detail the why behind my business and explain in more detail the ingredients that are in each product and how they come together and work to improve the skin.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Running a business is a journey that illustrates resilience in itself. There are going to be reasons to give up including the lack of support from family and friends, the fear behind failing as a business owner, and absence of the “Cinderella Story” going from unknown to being a “viral sensation.” Contrary to belief, many businesses don’t bubble overnight. I’ve worked long days and nights, pray every day over my business and have yet to see my business become an overnight sensation. However, I know there’s still much that I need to learn and much I have to offer. I know that my brand will soon grow from a home-based small business into a brand that’s stocked in all major retailers across the nation. My purpose isn’t strictly motivated by money and popularity, but to impact the world, providing quality care. I know I still have many long days and nights, but I plan on continuing to learn, grow, and brave this journey I have ahead of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebotanicalessence.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/botanical.essence
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/BotanEss20
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvUODLy-BVMS-XDLzH_ZUw
• Other: www.tiktok.com/botanicalessence