We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donna Metz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Donna , appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I had been designing jewelry for a decade when the idea to begin a subscription box service began. I had introduced wax products to my business but knew there was room for growth. When in lockdown during covid, I knew I could immerse in Netflix and take a break (I mean who was buying jewelry in a lockdown?!) Or educate myself and dive head first into a new challenge. I began researching chemical free bath and beauty. Not only body care but facial skin care too. I wanted to educate myself in the safest way to create formulas that kept thier promises. They had to work, they had to be affordable and they had to be most of all, effective! Before moving to the states in 2004 I was a RN in Scotland. My nursing knowledge helped greatly. Understanding the consequences of topical agents and our bodies endocrine system and the negative effects. I was able to create, in my basement kitchen, so very many formulas for the body and a complete facial skin care line too. I wanted to create a subscription box service that offered not only my gemstone jewelry designs, but soy wax products and my bath and beauty products too.
I have formulated over 20 products utilizing amazing oils given to us in nature such as moringa and carrot seed oils, aromatherapy oils, skin safe fragrances and plant based powders with powerful benefits.
My FRUstomers (customers who became friends) welcomed each with so much enthusiasm. Creating monthly boxes is like shopping for your best friends and it never gets old! Each box is created based on each subscribers personal profile and lifestyle, skin care needs and favorite smells, products and even holidays. The boxes contents change each month, the products, the scents and supplementary accents included differ month to month.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was best known for jewelry design, with emphasis on photo shoots and runway events even NYFW! While we were all locked down I was inspired to utilize the time well. I am so incredibly proud of the products I’ve produced and singlehandedly created. I personally create every single one from begining to end including growing many of the ingredients myself. I want women to understand the importance of going chemical free, so much in our environment and in our beauty regimens are detrimental to our systemic health and endocrine system. These chemicals may distrupt our bodies homeostasis and can cause inflammation and exacerbate autoimmune disease such as Hashimotos Thyroiditis of which I suffer from. A huge percentage of women in the US suffer from autoimmune diseases! Caledonia Chic Designs and Comforts brings affordable, effective and delightful bath and beauty to women of all ages, with all skin care needs and lifestyles. Facial Wash, soap scrub, cleanser and toner, soaps and lotions, lip balm and polishes, skin refreshers, bath soaks, body balm, serums and butters… The list goes on!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have embraced social media platforms and delved deep into creating positive relationships with women. I have a Facebook page but better still I have a Facebook group of thousands where we can gather, I can share products, product launches, information and I offer weekly live sales. I know of very many automated subscription services with very little “human contact”. I think a personal touch in my approach to business has proved to be incredibly beneficial in the level of success I’ve experienced. I very much ensure I reach out to clients regularly. I ensure I’m available for all communications they may need to accommodate questions and all needs they may have each month

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

My clients are able to reach me personally any time. I invite clients to send questions and requests and orders on social media or by phone . My clients love how accessable my brand is. I strive to ensure my products are readily available and I know my clients, thier favorite’s, lifestyles and can anticipate what they need!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @caledoniachic
• Facebook: @caledoniniachicdesigns
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/663616790406677/?ref=share_group_link