We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mar Na Carter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mar Na, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

The inspiration for Mar Na’s Body Shop started in 2010. A family member of mine was having skin issues and was unable to use store-brought products. I decided to do some research and found out that I could create something that would not harm their skin. I made my first product, Peppermint Body Butter. The family member used my body butter and her skin started to clear up. I knew I was on to something.

A few years went by and people kept asking me to make more Peppermint Body Butter. One day my sister was using a body butter that was very expensive and was small in portion. I told her I could make one that was less expensive and bigger in size. I decided to start my business on my birthday, Jan 1st, 2018. I have been making body butters for my sister, my family and other people ever since that day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Honesty, I had started as an inspiring artist, writer and poet. The inspiration started with learning about holistic health from friends and family. One annual event, exposed me to the holistic lifestyle. That event was the black art expo. Whenever the black art expo would come to Philadelphia, my family and I would visit. There were so many wonderful black vendors, artists, painters and entrepreneurs. One entrepreneur sold Shea butter and lip balm that worked well for my dry skin. Unfortunately, the event was moved to another location. and the access to learn about the new businesses had wain. I had decided to do some research and learn how to make the Shea body butter products for myself. I never knew I would become an entrepreneur. But I believe going to the black art expo exposed me to the possibility to create things and learn more about my culture. Also, reading Lisa Price’s book, Success Never Smelled So Sweet, sparked something in me as well. I love Carol’s Daughter products and was inspired by her journey. Mar Na’s Body Shop specializes in body butters made from Shea butter and mango butter. The online store has expanded their line. We also sell body oils, hair oils, body scrubs and candles. Mar Na’s Body Shop motivation is to help assist people to heal their bodies holistically. We wanted to provide an alternative to store brought skincare products that have harmful chemicals and preservatives in them. We are proud to create skincare products that customers love to use and scents are amazing too.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic, Mar Na’s Body Shop had slowed down. Matter of fact, it felt like the world had stopped. People were suffering financially. I didn’t believe anyone would want to buy any products. I had almost closed the store due to pandemic and discouragement. There are good days and bad days in entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, I had some bad ones along the way. When I wanted to close the shop for good, a customer sent a message on Instagram. The customer wanted to know was I still willing to sell some body butters to them. I was shocked by the request. I thought since we were going through a crisis in our country that no one would want products from me. But here I am talking to a customer about my products. I confirmed that I would sell the body butters and shipped them out right away. After that, more orders came in. I was so honored by the customer’s request. That taught me to never give up. You might have to pivot in your business, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t mean to be an entrepreneur.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me was either one on one interaction at an event. Also, word of mouth. I have received many requests from customers because they were told my products were good. Customer service is very important and sometimes, good ole’ fashion face to face interactions does the trick too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marnabodyshop.com/
• Instagram: @marnabodyshop
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Mar-Na-Carter/100082010405835/

Image Credits
Mar Na’s Body Shop