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

Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m not just a business owner; I’m a wife and a proud mom to five incredible kids, with four of them now navigating the journey into adulthood. My venture into the world of Awaken Joy Skincare was as organic as it gets. Driven by my insatiable curiosity and a love for learning, I delved into the realm of DIY skincare and cleaning products. It all began with a simple desire to provide the best options for our children while taking control of what I could. Crafting these products for my family soon led to sharing them with friends and loved ones as heartfelt gifts. And guess what? They loved them so much that they started asking if they could purchase more, not only for themselves but also to share with their own circles. Thus, in 2019, Awaken Joy Skincare officially made its debut in the public sphere.

As a small business owner, my vision was clear: I wanted to operate from the comfort of my home and grow without shouldering the burden of debt. I chose the path of gradual expansion, making appearances at local farmers’ markets, placing our products in a nearby boutique, and setting up our online presence through a website. Word began to spread, but it did so at a pace that aligned perfectly with my goals. You see, I still had one kiddo at home, and taking things one step at a time allowed me to be there for my daughter, cherishing these precious moments.

Running a business from home, though, has its unique set of challenges. Balancing family time, household responsibilities, and work in an environment where it all coexists can be overwhelming at times. I had to learn the art of being okay with seeing work that needed to be done but choosing to prioritize my family and saving those tasks for another day.

In 2022, life brought us to the dry, arid climate of Arizona, a change that opened my eyes to the incredible potential of our skincare products. Our Face Care line, No Wrinkly Mamas Body Balm, and Moisturizing Lotion proved to be lifesavers in this environment. These all-natural, oil-based products not only empower individuals to take control of the nutrients they apply to their skin but also create an effective barrier that minimizes transepidermal water loss—the evaporation of water from our skin. Inspired by this revelation, I proudly introduced two remarkable collections: the Desert Survival Kit: Body and the Desert Survival Kit: Face, designed to meet the specific needs of those battling dry skin in arid conditions.

Another triumph in our journey is our Cleansing Balm. Originally formulated as a gentle face wash to cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils or affecting its delicate acid mantle, it unexpectedly became a source of comfort for four clients struggling with Rosacea. This simple balm, when used as a light nighttime moisturizer, significantly reduced redness on their faces. The profound impact it had on their lives deeply touched my heart, reminding me of the incredible gift that comes from creating something that genuinely helps others in their personal struggles.

At Awaken Joy Skincare, our journey is about more than just products; it’s about making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

As I successfully embraced the world of self-employment, the year 2023 ushered in a remarkable opportunity for us. You see, my husband possesses an extraordinary culinary gift. He can whip up a delicious meal from what I would typically consider “nothing,” and it consistently leaves our taste buds singing with delight. For years, I had been urging him to put together a cookbook, and finally, in 2023, he decided it was time! He rolled up his sleeves and penned the delightful cookbook titled “A Father’s Hug from the Kitchen.” You can find it locally at the Chandler and Mesa farmers’ markets, as well as in Momo’s boutique, and it’s also available on Amazon!

With the cookbook came the birth of a fantastic idea: our very own custom spice blends and the introduction of a concept that was new to us— a monthly spice club. Thus, Awaken Joy Spice Club was born! This exciting facet of our business combines both product sales and subscription-based membership. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve seamlessly incorporated these components into our operations using the aforementioned software, Freedom CRM, which has allowed us to set up these engaging funnels, websites, and membership platforms without incurring any additional business costs.

The Awaken Joy Spice Club is more than just a business endeavor; it’s a delicious journey that brings joy to our lives and those of our members.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

In my quest to navigate the intricate world of marketing, I’ve come across some invaluable resources that have truly shaped my approach. One book, in particular, has been a game-changer: “How to Write Copy That Sells” by Ray Edwards. Its insights and strategies have proven to be nothing short of transformative in my marketing efforts. Edwards’ wisdom has a universal appeal, making it applicable to a wide range of demographics, which is a remarkable quality in itself.

Another influential figure who has significantly impacted my understanding of effective sales pitch wording is Dr. Forbes Riley. Her teachings have provided me with a unique perspective on crafting compelling sales messages. As I’ve delved into various books and courses on the subject, these two resources, “How to Write Copy That Sells” and Dr. Forbes Riley’s guidance, stand out as the most impactful and adaptable to any demographic.

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, these insights have proven to be not just helpful but also adaptable, enhancing my ability to connect with diverse audiences and effectively communicate the value of our offerings.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://awakenjoyskincare.com; https://awakenjoyspiceco.com/monthly; https://products.awakenjoyskincare.com/desert-survival-kit-4585
• Instagram: @awakenjoyskinare; @awaken_joy_spice_co
• Other: https://freedomcrm.biz/home-3088?am_id=amy446

Image Credits
Berry Bright Studios, LLC Blair Voss Photography, Jazmin Skinner Photography