Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Harlow

Pam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a sweet start — literally! As a beekeeper alongside my (now ex) husband, I found myself with an abundance of honey and started selling at events and online part-time while working my full-time job and raising my son. As I learned more about honey’s incredible benefits for our skin, this sparked a new passion for creating skin and body care products that incorporated honey and other natural ingredients, which continue to be at the heart of my business today.

Life threw me a curveball when I was laid off from my job of 14 years. I was given the choice to apply for another position within the company or take the severance package — a decision that ultimately led me down a path of self-discovery and resilience.

Leaving behind a job that was never my passion, I saw this as an opportunity to pursue my dream of turning my business into a full-time career. However, this journey was far from easy. I found myself navigating through a divorce nightmare, becoming a single mom to a then toddler, and grieving the loss from a miscarriage.

In the midst of these trials, I discovered a strength within me that I never knew existed. It was a strength born out of necessity, fueled by love for my child, and nurtured by my unwavering belief in the power of self-discovery. Like the honeybees that inspired my business, I learned to adapt, persevere, and create something beautiful amidst adversity.

After years of contemplation, I finally took the plunge and rebranded my business last year. This decision was more than just a name change for me. It was a symbolic shedding of the past and a personal liberation. The original name was a remnant of my previous marriage, and I felt it was time to cut those final ties and shed old traumatic skin.

The rebranding process was daunting, but it was also incredibly freeing. By creating a new identity for my business, I was able to redefine my goals and values, and forge a path that was entirely my own. This transformation marked a turning point in my journey as an entrepreneur and as a woman, and I’m proud to have taken that leap of faith.

As my business grew, I found myself re-evaluating my approach to skincare. Initially drawn to the idea of “all-natural” products, I soon realized the limitations and ambiguities surrounding this concept. I was in search of a more meaningful and evidence-based approach. I turned away from the fear-mongering tactics of the “clean beauty” and “non-toxic” movements as it is often riddled with scientific illiteracy, and instead embraced a philosophy that celebrates the harmony between nature and science.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

As a newly single mom, I faced an entirely new set of challenges. Balancing my business with the demands of raising a young child on my own often left me feeling stretched thin and sleep-deprived. The decision to leave my ex-husband, particularly after that fateful Mother’s Day in 2017, was a pivotal moment in my life — a moment when I chose to prioritize my own happiness and the wellbeing of my son.

The financial impact of my divorce was another significant hurdle to overcome. Not only did I lose my savings, but I also incurred considerable debt in order to ensure I had proper legal representation. The stress of juggling financial insecurity with the pressures of motherhood and running a business was crushing at times, but I know that investing in my own well-being and my son’s was a necessity. I would do it all over again.

But I still battled my own internal struggles. It was easy to get caught up in comparing myself to others, both as a parent and as a business owner. I often found myself wondering if I was doing enough, growing fast enough, or even deserving of the success I sought. The imposter syndrome was real, and it has taken a lot of self-reflection and growth to battle those feelings of inadequacy, which I still struggle with to this day at times. I do my best to remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy, and that everyone’s path to success is unique. I am slowly learning to silence that inner critic and embrace my own worth.

Today, I am proud of the woman and entrepreneur I have become. My journey has taught me the value of resilience, self-belief, and the power of perseverance.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

As a cosmetic formulator and soap maker for several years, I take pride in creating all of my products in-house, from my own meticulously researched and tested formulations. My products are intentionally designed, focusing on performance rather than “fluffing” my products for label appeal.

My commitment to transparency and education has been recognized by many customers who appreciate my informative approach and my efforts to combat fear mongering in the beauty industry. By sharing my knowledge and passion, my goal is to empower people to make informed decisions about their skincare rituals and products and be confident in their choices. I actively encourage building a personalized routine that suits their individual needs, rather than simply pushing for sales. I will never endorse the idea that someone needs my entire skincare line to achieve healthy skin.

I am also known for my beautiful crystal soaps, each adorned with a crystal on top, which has inspired my “wash with intention” philosophy. I carefully curate the scents and aesthetics of my crystal soaps to align with the unique properties and energy of each crystal. This deliberate attention to detail ensures that every soap not only looks and smells amazing but also creates an all-encompassing sensory experience that harmonizes with the crystal’s intended purpose. This concept is also present in my crystal-infused parfums, perfume rollers, and body polishes — blending the power of nature with self-care and personal growth.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that life’s twists and turns are not merely coincidences or manifestations of luck. What I’ve learned is that life’s events, though they may appear disconnected, are deeply interconnected. The way one experience leads to another, shaping our paths in unexpected ways, is a reminder that nothing happens in isolation.

Instead, they can be seen as opportunities for growth and change. Had I not experienced that miscarriage, I can’t say for certain if I would have found the strength to leave my abusive marriage, especially with two small children in tow. While I miss her every day, I can’t help but wonder.

While initially it felt like a setback, getting a severance package when I lost my job was an unexpected blessing. It gave me the financial means to leave an abusive relationship, something I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have. I’m truly thankful for this stroke of luck. I’m acutely aware that my story could have had a very different ending. Many women in domestic abuse situations never find the means or courage to leave, and some tragically lose their lives.

In hindsight, these events, which seemed random and disconnected at the time, actually aligned to create significant turning points and catalysts in my life. It’s not about preordained paths or destiny, but rather about being open to seeing how life’s seemingly disconnected moments can align to create new beginnings. Each experience, though difficult, was a piece of the puzzle that ultimately led me to become the person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.latherandsoul.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/latherandsoul
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/latherandsoul
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@snarkandsuds
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@latherandsoul

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