Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christen Funderburk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

I love being able to give back to our customers. Our customers are the reason why we are in business today, so I always make sure that I am building relationships, being authentic and also providing exclusive deals. I truly love our customers and I enjoy connecting with them. Another cool way that we show customers we appreciate them is by having an affiliate team they can join. It’s free to be a member and by doing do customers are able to save AND earn money on each and every order. I always try to make sure that our customers are well taken care of which also includes good customer service, fast shipping and keeping inventory in stock on a consistent basis.

Christen, 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?

So, it’s kind of a long story…haha, but long story short I created this company based off making laundry detergent in college. I started making my own laundry detergent because not only was I a broke college student, my skin was always super itchy and dry after using commercial laundry detergent and I also suffered from eczema pretty badly my entire life. So, one day I just started making my own. At the time I was living with 3 other room mates and the laundry detergent I had lasted us all semester, I was even able to share some with my family and friends. Once I saw how people were positively reacting to the detergent, I thought to myself…”hmm I could make a business out of this” lol. So, that is what I did…little did I know that first batch I made while in college in 2014 would be the start of my destiny which led to starting my business in 2017. I haven’t used any commercial detergent since and have also added more than 20 unique natural products to our line for sensitive skin and people that suffer from eczema. I literally just went full time last October 2021. Up until then, I worked my 8-5 everyday and then would come home and work my business from 6-12 midnight (often times later than that). I had a schedule and a plan, and I decided to run with it. Honestly, creating this company has been one of the best and most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life. I love what I do and what I love even more is the impact our products make on so many people ultimately helping their skin conditions improve and also helping so many people feel good about the skin they are in, I started this business in my dorm room, then moved to my dads basement, and then eventually got a 400 square foot office, we are now in a 1700 square foot facility downtown Winton Salem NC where we manufacture, ship and sell all of our products.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Oh man, without even thinking about the answer to this question I would most definitely say growing clientele has been the most effective by literally just showing up genuinely and authentically each and ever day. What you see is what you get. Transparency is key to building trust. Once you gain trust that clientele will grow. I always treat customers how I want to be treated when I go out and shop, little things like doing the right thing and being an honest business owner always takes you farther than people out here scheming and scamming. Yeah, it may take me a little longer to get to that final destination, but I’d rather take the slower route, even if that means I have to work a little harder…it’s worth it. Integrity is everything, especially in business.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I’ve had to learn is that just because people are your family or friends does not mean they will or have to support you. And you have to be okay with that. I try to focus on gratitude and staying thankful for those that are in my corner instead of catching an attitude with those who may not be as supportive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://productsbylizzie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/productsbylizzie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Productsbylizzie
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizziesproducts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTEKkuuhIIHogRnEYCPI13A?view_as=subscriber
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/lfxs78t5f0W51PZRUeeQNQ

Image Credits
Jodie Brim Creative