We were lucky to catch up with Jackie Leighton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jackie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
One of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me was when a wholesale customer, who was always incredibly sweet and kind, sent me an automatic bath bomb press—completely for free. She mentioned that she wasn’t using it anymore and thought it could help my business, so she just shipped it to me, no strings attached.
For a small business, investing in equipment like that is a huge decision. Bath bomb presses are expensive, and while they can make production more efficient, it’s not always easy to justify the cost when you’re growing and managing expenses carefully. Receiving one as a gift was an incredible act of kindness that truly made a difference. It not only helped me scale my business but also reminded me how generous and supportive people can be. It was one of those moments that reinforced why I love what I do—being part of a community where people genuinely care about each other.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi! I’m Jackie, the founder of Bomborama. I live in North Carolina with my family, and as a work-from-home mom, I know firsthand how important self-care is—especially when juggling the chaos of daily life. My business was born from the belief that everyone deserves a little time to unwind, recharge, and treat themselves.
At Bomborama, I create handcrafted bath bombs that are not only fun and beautiful but also designed to enhance relaxation and promote self-care. Each one is carefully made with high-quality ingredients to provide a luxurious and soothing experience, whether you need to de-stress after a long day or just add a little joy to your bath time.
What sets Bomborama apart is the heart behind every product. This isn’t just about bath bombs—it’s about encouraging people to slow down, indulge in small moments of self-care, and feel good about doing something for themselves. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to be part of a supportive community. One of the most touching moments in my journey was when a kindhearted wholesale customer gifted me an automatic bath bomb press. These machines are a big investment for a small business, and her generosity made a huge impact, allowing me to streamline production and grow in ways I never expected. It was a beautiful reminder that kindness and support go a long way in the small business world.
I’m most proud of the fact that Bomborama brings happiness and relaxation to others. Whether it’s a busy parent carving out a few minutes of peace, someone looking for a thoughtful gift, or anyone who just loves a good soak, I love knowing that my products contribute to their well-being.
For those new to Bomborama, I want them to know that this brand is all about self-care, creativity, and joy. Whether you’re here for the gorgeous bath art, the soothing scents, or just to treat yourself, I hope each product brings a little extra relaxation to your day. Enhance your soak and take care of yourself—you deserve it!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my audience on social media has been a journey that really revolved around staying authentic and consistent. From the start, I knew I didn’t want to just sell products—I wanted to create a space where people could connect with me and Bomborama on a personal level. I’ve always been transparent about who I am, what I believe in, and the mission behind my business, which helped me build trust and credibility with my audience.
Consistency has also played a huge role. I made it a point to show up regularly, whether that meant posting updates, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my process, or interacting with my followers. Social media can feel like a crowded space, but staying consistent with my messaging, visuals, and interactions kept people engaged and coming back.
Engagement is key, too. It’s not just about posting content, but about being part of a community. I’ve made it a priority to support others, whether that’s by liking, commenting, or sharing content from other small businesses and makers I admire. Being genuinely engaged and supportive with others creates a positive atmosphere and helps grow relationships, not just numbers. I’ve learned that it’s not only about building your own presence but also being part of a larger community.
For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on authenticity, stick to a consistent posting strategy, and remember that social media is about relationships—not just transactions. People want to connect with real stories, so share yours. And always make sure to engage with others, because social media isn’t just a platform for broadcasting—it’s a place for building community.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most significant pivots I made in my business was shifting my focus from in-person markets to wholesale. While I had initially loved the energy and connection that came with markets, I soon realized that the return on investment (ROI) wasn’t as high as I had hoped. The time commitment required for set-up, prep, and the actual event—followed by the tear-down—was a lot of work, especially when you factor in how much of my time it took away from the more important aspects of running the business, like creating and planning.
As my kids got older and started school, I also had to consider how much time I was spending away from them. Family time became increasingly precious, and I knew I needed a business model that would allow me to balance both work and family life. Wholesale became the perfect solution. It gave me the opportunity to stay home, focus on making and creating, and still have the flexibility to be present with my family.
I still love in-person markets, and you’ll definitely still see me at some of them, but now I’m much more selective about which ones I attend. The ones I choose to participate in are planned with more thought and intention, ensuring they align with my business goals while also giving me time to recharge and spend with my loved ones. This pivot allowed me to keep the joy in my business while also embracing a better work-life balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bomborama.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bomoramabathbombs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bomboramabathbombs
- Other: Faire (wholesale): www.faire.com/direct/bomborama
Image Credits
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