We recently connected with Corina Jacquin and have shared our conversation below.
Corina, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I began this small business venture in my home 5 years ago shortly after I had my first daughter. The inspiration for launching a line of products that are nontoxic and made with organic material was my daughter, Delcie. I remember rubbing her with name brand lotions at night and reading the ingredients, and I was SHOCKED at what companies were allowed to put in products, especially for tiny babies! That is when I began researching and coming up with formulas that were safe AND actually worked!
When I had came up with a couple products I loved, I actually took them to our local bar to sell. My husband and I were part of a billiards league at the time, and I shared my products and dream with the women there. That was my first big step for this business.
Since then, I have purchased a building on our Main Street in Belle, Missouri, and we are doing so well! It fills my heart to know that people are coming into my shop and using quality products on their whole body! I have expanded so much just in the past year, and I couldn’t be more thankful to my customers, friends, and family! This has been an absolute dream come true for me!❤️
Corina, 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?
I am a very driven, determined individual that loves a challenge! I often have customers placing custom orders or asking if I’m able to do certain things. The answer is normally, YES! I enjoy the challenge and strive to do my absolute best.
I have an array of products in store, but a few of my favorites are whipped salt & sugar scrub, whipped soap, and candles! These three products are staples in my house. I am constantly researching to better my products and provide customers with the best possible. I believe this is what sets my business apart from others.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for building my clientele from a personal standpoint is honesty.I have always been upfront and honest with my clients. When I started this business, it was strictly bath products, but as time went on, and I bought a building, it evolved into boutique clothing as well. Customers know when they come into my store or ask questions online, they are going to get a straightforward, honest answer from me. For example, I had a woman come in and try on some clothing items. She walked out of the dressing room and asked how a piece looked. My response was, “I don’t think it looks good because of where the band sits on you. Let’s try a different dress style!” I will never allow anyone to walk out of my store looking bad!
Social media and craft shows have also helped me expand my clientele. I have a website, Facebook page, and Facebook group that continues to grow.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
I was a stay-at-home mom when this business began, so it definitely was a side hustle that turned into a full time career. I hate calling it a job because that sounds so boring! This is a career because I love what I do! It allows me to help people in more ways than one, and it is showing my girls that they can do anything, even be a business woman. They can be independent!
Some key milestones for me was creating a Facebook group for my business, buying a building on Main Street, and expanding my business by including inclusive boutique clothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: heavenlymadehome.com