Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly Stiff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kimberly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I came up with the idea for my tallow skincare business during a season in life when I was seeking both simplicity and deeper wellness. As a Reiki practitioner working toward my holistic health degree, I had always been drawn to natural remedies—but I kept running into the same frustration: the shelves were filled with products that claimed to be “natural” yet still had long lists of chemicals and preservatives.

At the same time, I was working on creating products for myself and my family. I wanted something that was safe for all ages, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and still truly effective. That’s when I rediscovered tallow. Historically, it was used for generations as a deeply nourishing moisturizer, and when I learned that its composition so closely mirrors our skin’s natural oils, something clicked. It made sense—why not go back to what our ancestors already knew worked?

The first time I made whipped tallow, I remember feeling this mix of excitement and calm—it was rich, creamy, and absorbed beautifully. My skin felt amazing, and my family noticed the difference right away. That moment of “this actually works” lit a spark in me.

What convinced me this could be more than just a personal remedy was seeing how unique it really was in today’s market. While so many brands chase trends, I was offering something timeless, clean, and truly effective. My logic was simple: people are craving authenticity and healthier alternatives. They want products they can trust, ones that don’t just say “natural” but actually are.

The more I shared samples with friends and clients, the more I realized I wasn’t just solving a problem for myself—I was solving one for others too. That gave me the confidence to turn this into a business. What excites me most isn’t just the product, though—it’s knowing that I get to connect people back to nature, to tradition, and to something that brings real, tangible results for their skin and their well-being.

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?

My name is Kimberly, and I’m the founder of The Velvet Cow Tallow. My background is in holistic health—I’m a Reiki practitioner and have also studied holistic health in depth. My passion for natural wellness has always been a driving force in my life. I believe that true wellness is about balance, and that includes not just what we put into our bodies, but also what we put on our skin.

The business really began when I started searching for skincare that was safe, simple, and effective for all ages. I kept running into products that were marketed as “natural” but still had long lists of preservatives and chemicals. That’s when I rediscovered tallow, which has been used for centuries as a deeply nourishing moisturizer. It amazed me that tallow’s composition is so close to our skin’s natural oils, making it incredibly compatible and effective. When I saw how well it worked for me and my family, I knew I had something worth sharing.

At The Velvet Cow Tallow, I create whipped tallow body butters, magnesium sprays, bath soaks, shower steamers, and other wellness products. Everything is made with 100% grass-fed beef tallow and complemented with organic ingredients. I also use eco-friendly glass packaging to reflect my commitment to sustainability. Just as importantly, I keep my products affordable—because I believe everyone deserves access to clean, effective skincare without breaking the bank.

What sets my brand apart is authenticity. I don’t chase trends or hide behind labels—my products are simple, honest, and rooted in tradition, but crafted with a modern approach to wellness. I’m proud to say that my customers often tell me this is the first skincare that truly worked for them. That kind of feedback means everything.

What excites me most is knowing that I’m offering people something real—something they can trust, feel good about, and that genuinely nourishes their skin. The Velvet Cow Tallow is more than skincare to me—it’s about bringing people back to nature, honoring sustainable practices, and helping others find comfort, confidence, and healthier skin at a price that feels accessible.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly, my most effective strategy has been giving out samples and simply sharing my passion wherever I go. As my husband likes to say, “she’s never met a stranger.” I love talking about tallow and will share it with anyone and everyone because I truly believe in it. That genuine excitement resonates with people.

I’ve also learned not to be shy about reaching out whether it’s to TV and radio stations, local shops, or anyone willing to listen. Every conversation is an opportunity to educate someone about the benefits of tallow skincare, and those connections have been key to growing my business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Even though I’ve only been in business for 8 months, I’ve faced plenty of challenges and each one has been a lesson in persistence. In the beginning, I spent countless hours preparing products, giving out samples, and talking to anyone who would listen about tallow skincare. There were plenty of “no’s” along the way, and moments when I wondered if anyone would take a chance on a small, new business.

But I kept going. I showed up at farmers markets, reached out to local shops, and even contacted TV and radio stations. Slowly, people began to notice, try my products, and share their experiences. In just 8 months, what started as a small personal passion has grown into a business with loyal customers and opportunities I never imagined.

This experience has taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges it’s about staying passionate, showing up every day, and believing in your vision, even when the path is new and uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.velvetcowtallow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetcowtallow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevelvetcow
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VelvetCowTallow