We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julia Palmer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.
Julia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Starting this business was not an option, it was mandatory. My family and I had uprooted ourselves to move across the country to be closer to loved ones and to hopefully create new beginnings, only to be faced with a pandemic a couple of months into becoming comfortable. I had initially hoped to make efforts to possibly open a practice for my wellness business, but with the uncertainty of the unknown and the lack of information in regards to the reopening of small businesses, it didn’t seem logical.
A couple of months into the “new normal,” the simplest of things we cherished seemed to hit the bottom of our list as we would scurry through department stores getting things that were deemed as “essential items” or they didn’t make the list because they didn’t qualify as essential. It was during this time that I had realized I had taken scented candles for granted and how often we needed to apply lip balm to our chapped lips hidden beneath our masks.
My daughter and partner seemed to struggle more with chapped lips than anything else and I wanted to find a way to be able to make it from the comfort of our home and know that it was all completely organic. The lip balms seemed to be a hit at home among the family and eventually, friends requested I make them some. With the demand, it gave me an idea to make it a business where others could purchase them, so I decided to name the business after the best thing I had ever created, which is my daughter.
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
I’m a certified colon therapist but I’ve had a long background in beauty and fashion. I worked in modeling and the entertainment industry while funding my education, so I enjoy blending both worlds. As I was creating these lip balms, I wanted to create collections that supported a specific need, whether it be anti-aging or therapeutic, all while using simple ingredients.
I’ve also tried to consider our beauty standards today and incorporate them into some of our collections. For example, “The Emerald Essential Collection” was made using all essential oils but created to give a slight sheen unlike your typical lip balm. I’ve made it so that our lip balm line can be worn under or over your lipstick and still provide that necessary moisture you need. For those individuals standing in their masculine energy. I’ve toned down the sheen with other collections and incorporated uncommon flavours such as Cognac. I was inspired to use “booze” flavours by my significant other to set the brand apart from what was already out there.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the lessons I’ve truly had to unlearn is, “not to depend on your friends and family when starting a business.” I think this lesson is taught more among the black community and I believe that although it is true for some, it is not for all. I started this business and my biggest support system was my friends and family and I honestly had no expectations because I had heard that saying over and over again. I believe it is the circle that you keep and a positive attitude. If you have an amazing support system, then you can believe that they will definitely “pull up” when you need them and if you maintain a positive attitude, what you put out will definitely make its way back to you.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I pride myself on only showcasing the brand and the brand alone. I didn’t want others to simply try any of the products because they may have recognized me or seen a “pretty face.” I wanted our products to stand on their own and let the quality speak for itself. I love that I have real people writing or creating “reel” reviews about the product, so you know it’s genuinely good. I myself prefer to try products if I see that they have been well reviewed and work as intended. It’s often difficult to believe in a product’s ability to work if you see tons of A-list influencers backing it up.
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N/A Julia Palmer (me)