Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberta Perry

Hi Roberta, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My ScrubzBody story started in 2006, but it began before. I was a working mom with 3 kids, a hubby, 2 cats, and a dog, with time for everyone else but myself. My skin was dry and flaky. I finally had enough when I scratched my elbow and it started to bleed. I needed to do something.

I discovered exfoliating products that were better than moisturizers alone, but none were completely satisfying. I took the best aspects of each and combined them into one. I made myself one giant jar of scrub.

When my late sister, Michelle, saw the jar and tried some, she wanted to take some home. Later that night, she called me and suggested we sell it. I was game, bought a few empty jars, and signed up for the first craft fair we found locally. She helped me jar up a dozen or so and we sold almost all of the jars.

Michelle thought of the name Scrubz and I used my background in design to create a label and a rudimentary website. I started collecting email addresses wherever I went. Email has to this day been the best way to reach my customers.

We started the company on a wing, a dime, and a prayer, I like to say, bootstrapping everything and schlepping everywhere.

Eventually, I found my product in Whole Foods and other stores of that nature. We sold to salons and small stores. But I found the wholesale aspect not very satisfying.

When we opened a small shop to mainly manufacture and ship, we realized that we loved being a small business store and we pivoted to retail and parties, with our “Make Your Own Scrubz” events. I eventually added private label/white label and wholesale because I love helping other business owners.

Today, we occupy a beautiful storefront at 245 Main Street in a thriving Long Island, NY town, called Farmingdale.

We love being a part of the community, and growing our business customer by customer.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Since 2006, it’s been years of growth, change, pivot, pandemic closures, inflation, bad landlords, and more. But we never stopped. Even after my late sister, Michelle, passed, I kept going. My best friend Wendy stepped in and helped me right the ship.

But, even with the struggles, it’s the greatest business I could ever have imagined.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

My background in graphics helped me design all the pieces (brochures, logos, labels, signage, etc.) for ScrubzBody. It not only saved me money, but it allowed me to have my hand in all aspects of our branding, so our message could be consistent. I still love designing things from start to finish. It keeps my artistic side satisfied.

Another thing I specialize in is customer service. I believe wholeheartedly that my customers are the lifeblood of my business, so I am always finding ways to make their experience better and better. I am so proud of that aspect of how we run things and I do believe it sets us apart.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

We have a private label/white label business where customers purchase our products in bulk under their own name. I love helping other small business owners realize a dream, plus as they grow they order more. I created “The 5 Key Things You Need to Start a Scrub or Skincare Business – Advice from the Trenches of 18+ years!” as a one-on-one class. https://scrubzbody.com/product/wholesale-private-label/how-to-start-a-scrub-skin-care-biz/

We have a wholesale store on Faire, which is another way we help others and expand our income.

We have Make Your Own Scrubz Parties which can be an in-store event or shipped to your home party box.

Pricing:

• ScrubzBody Sugar Scrubs are $26-$36
• Creams are $22-$36
• Specialty Scrubs are $28-$40

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scrubzbody.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scrubzbodyproducts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrubzbody
• Twitter: https://x.com/scrubzbody
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/scrubzbody/videos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/scrubzbody-skin-care-products-farmingdale-4

Image Credits

Roberta Perry owns all photos