We were lucky to catch up with Elisia Dunwood recently and have shared our conversation below.
Elisia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 first had to decide what I loved doing that also came natural to me. I then had to decide what it would cost me. After that, I had to figure out what steps I needed to take to turn one of my hobbies into a business. For months I researched what steps I would need to take as far as registering the business. I researched ingredients and their benefits. I researched different vendors and places to buy ingredients. My finances were extremely limited, so if I was going to start a business it had to be affordable for me. After nearly half a year researching things, I decided to take a leap of faith. I used the last $35 I had for the month to invest in supplies I would need to create body butters. I already had bowls and mixers on hand. I ordered ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jars to name a few things to get started. At the time I was already working two jobs 5-6 days a week. I would come home after working both, eat, and then get my kitchen set up to test out recipes I had created from the months of researching. I would look up sometimes and it would be 4 in the morning. In hindsight I’ll admit that wasn’t the best work ethic as far as sacrificing so much sleep. However, I had enough energy in me to sacrifice so many hours. Once I got the recipe to my liking (at that time) I first sent out a text message to my loved ones. Then I think immediately after I posted it on social media. I only expected supportive words from my loved ones. However, many of them surprised me with responses of placing orders. I hadn’t told anyone all of those months of researching and tinkering with recipes. To know that I had their blind support in such a way was truly heartfelt. I had to learn packaging and shipping orders. I had to start figuring out how I wanted others to be able to purchase. I initially started on Etsy, but decided that having a website was more befitting for what I had envisioned the business becoming. Nearly everyday I am still learning something new about this entrepreneurship life and how to elevate the business.
Elisia, 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 was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. I have an educational and career background in psychology. I am creative by nature and a lover of all things art. I got into the industry because I am a DIY fanatic. I would often make body scrubs as gifts for my loved ones. Thus, when I decided I wanted to start a business, I gravitated to skin and body care products. I started with body butters and scrubs. However, I am currently expanding to hair care and have plans to add facial care products as well. I offer customers high quality natural handmade products that work tremendously. While still remaining affordable. What sets me apart from others is that I genuinely care about my customer’s mental health. Being that my background is in psychology, I am a mental health advocate. I love hearing the feedback that my products promote self-care and the aromas shift their moods. What I want potential customers to know is that you are worth the self-care time. The proof is in the products and mine definitely speak volumes!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within the market is having quality products and quality customer service. People want to support your journey. However, they don’t want to waste money on lackluster products and bad customer service. Be accountable and offer both as if you were the one receiving them.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
My best source of new clients has always been word of mouth. Word of mouth is one of the best PR formats because people are more likely to trust a review from someone they know. Most of my customers have turned many of the their family members and coworkers into customers simply by letting them try the products. I even have customers who message me saying they have to hide their body butters from their kids just to keep some for themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: averichlifestyle.com
- Instagram: averichlifestyle
- Twitter: _TheALC_
Image Credits
Photographer Instagram: walkwithenoch