We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deanna Minneman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deanna below.
Alright, Deanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I became a Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP) after my second child was born with special needs and some health issues at birth. My husband and I wanted to learn about natural ways we could support him so we both took the classes and became certified, not knowing where it would lead us. We just wanted to learn more about nutrition and natural supplements to improve health. One of the classes for ongoing training to maintain the certification was on sustainability. I learned how to make my own skincare products, such as lotions and lip balms, using few ingredients and with essential oils. I started making lotions and lip balms for my family and friends and gave them as gifts. They loved them so much and encouraged me to start a business to sell the products. So, I decided to give it a try and created Natural Traditions in July 2015 working my first event at the 4th of July Festival here in Georgetown, TX. It was a success so I started doing more events. Customers would request certain products, or I had a need for a product, and began researching how to do it. I also learned more about the different kinds of essential oils and the best ones to use for my products to keep it as pure as possible. With each event I was able to offer more products. I am continuing to work on developing new products so keep an eye out!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
After trying out a few local events selling lotions and lip balms, I had many customers asking about other products so I began researching how to make other things like bath bombs, sunscreen, bug sprays. Everything I saw at the stores, even the health food/natural stores, had so many ingredients and chemicals/fragrances. The more I researched and what I learned in the CNHP classes, the more I realized how everything we put on our skin gets into our systems and can wreak havoc on our bodies. I had a passion to create natural products that are free of parabens, fragrances, and chemicals. I wanted products that actually heal the skin and nurture it. After 11 years in business, I still make the lotions and lip balms, but I now have a full skin care line of face wash, toner, serum, scrub and moisturizer (vegan and one with tallow). I also have sunscreen, bug spray, essential oil blends for allergies and migraines. I also created a pain cream that works on all types of pain and inflammation, even arthritis. And, I have not forgotten about the fur babies. I have blends for them as well that were formulated by an aromatherapist using essential oils that are at safe ratios for pets. I am proud of all of the products I have created. I stay true to my original intention to keep my products pure and use only the best clean ingredients.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I had originally tried selling on Etsy in the beginning, but it was so hard getting sales because there were so many skin care companies on that platform. I ended up paying more in listing fees than I had in sales. That’s when I decided to create my own website on Shopify. It’s so easy to maintain, unlike other platforms I have tried in the past. I am able to manage the website easily as well as manage my marketing emails. I highly recommend using Shopify for anyone who has a retail business.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I started my business my husband and I were able to manage the start-up fees ourselves. I produce all of my products at home so I have very little overhead costs. I started off small and just needed to buy a tent and made some lotions and lip balms and paid a booth fee. I use the money I make at events to scale up and buy more supplies, pay the booth fees, and all other expenses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naturaltraditions.net
- Instagram: @naturaltraditionsgtx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalTraditionsGeorgetown
