We recently connected with LaRhonda Carson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi LaRhonda, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Since Elle’s began with me, in the kitchen, putting together salves and balms and oils for my family, my business has a very personal feel. I still put that same care into every product I make.

My aim is for Elle’s products to address peoples’ needs – to help them care for their temple in a loving, thoughtful way. Some products are targeted and some are just luxurious and fun, but all have ingredients that have beneficial qualities.

Most importantly, I pray over every formulation, product and shipment and whomever receives it. God has given me the opportunity to reach and care for people and I don’t take that lightly!

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?

Elle’s Apothecary began when I experienced some frustrating hair damage and wanted to find natural ways to address that loss. I began researching herbs and oils that would make my hair healthier. Along the way I learned how directly environment and lifestyle impact our bodies and our health.

A couple of years into my research, I became aware of skin conditions that my new son-in-law and grandchildren were struggling with, so I sought to address those as well. The creams prescribed medically contained harmful chemicals and ingredients that my family refused to consume long-term, so I created health-conscious products that soothed and even encouraged healing of some mild rashes and irritations. Through word of mouth, the demand for my handmade products grew into Elle’s Apothecary.

Our goal is to provide clean, naturally-derived (or nature-identical) products with quality ingredients to soothe and treat both your body and spirit. Our products are formulated to relieve your self-care stresses while promoting healing, simplicity and relaxation.

We are a Christian business, based on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and we want to support each individual’s journey of showing gratitude and honoring their temple. We pray over every product as it’s formulated, created, packaged and shipped.

We believe that true self care should be more than a mantra, but an essential part of a balanced life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Elle’s Apothecary is still very much in it’s infancy, but I’m confident that growth is on the horizon. I stand behind every formulation and I’m careful about which ingredients we use and in what combination. We’re not just here to make a dollar, but to actually provide support and care for people. Our integrity and quality products will speak for themselves.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I haven’t built a team yet, aside from my children, but I’ve been on many teams over the years.

I’ve learned that it’s critical to treat employees like a valuable asset, not just a means to an end. That is the most basic way to maintain morale – by encouraging and rewarding hard work.

In the past I’ve also had to coach employees in difficult situations, but sought to do so with tact and care, allowing them to maintain their dignity and express their concerns as well.

Basically, if people are treated with respect, listened to and acknowledged, that team is off to a great start.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.ellesapothecary.com/
• Instagram: ellesapothecaryig
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllesApothecaryFB