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

Alright, Marilyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea for Seli Han Skincare during my journey with cancer. After being diagnosed with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer in 2016, I realized the importance of taking care of my skin and body. I never saw my skin as an organ but my diagnosis made me understand my body better. I realized our skin is an organ that needs to be fed quality ingredients just like the body. I started exploring with natural, vegan-friendly products and discovered the benefits of fair trade shea, kokum, sal, and cocoa butters along with plant based oils in soothing and reducing the visibility of my surgical scar.

As I navigated my recovery, I became passionate about creating products that would help others achieve healthy, glowing skin. I saw an opportunity to offer a unique approach to skincare by using naturally derived, ethically sourced, vegan ingredients. By combining these effective ingredients with luxurious textures and scents, our products aim to not only improve skin health but also uplift mood and promote well-being. The sensory experience of using our products – the feel of creamy butters, the gentle cleansing of whipped soaps – is designed to evoke feelings of calmness and happiness, helping people start their day feeling confident and serene. As a [hands-on-mom]- owned business, I wanted to build a business that would allow me to connect with customers on a personal level. I truly believe this is where true beauty begins.

What excites me most about Seli Han Skincare is the positive impact it has on people’s lives. I’m solving a problem that many people face – finding effective, natural skincare products that nourish and protect the skin. By offering high-quality, handmade products and building strong relationships with customers, Seli Han Skincare has made a real difference in people’s lives.

My vision for Seli Han Skincare goes beyond just selling products. I also empower fellow small business owners to succeed. I help them sell handmade products that I create for their business so they can sell under their own brand name.This allows them to build their own businesses and spread the culture of natural wellness. By working together, we are creating a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who prioritize natural wellness and customer connection.

My grandmother was a significant influence in my life, and her impact can still be felt today. Growing up with her, I learned the importance of taking care of one’s skin and using natural remedies to promote healthy, glowing skin. She would often share stories about her own experiences with skincare and the products she used to use.

One of my fondest memories of my grandmother is the time we spent together lotioning up at night. She would apply rich, nourishing moisturizers to her skin, and I would watch in amazement as her skin glowed with health and vitality. These moments spent with her instilled in me a love for skincare and a desire to create products that would help others achieve the same level of skin health.

In November 2024, my grandmother passed away at the age of 101. Hours before passing, my aunt applied one of my body butters to my grandma’s skin, and it was a beautiful way to honor her memory. It was a poignant reminder of the impact she had on my life and the lessons she taught me about skincare. I’m grateful for the time we had together and the memories we created. I will forever miss her but Seli Han Skincare will continue to honor her love for healthy skin.

As a mother of two daughters, Selina Luna and Hannah Sol, I’ve involved them in the business, teaching them the value of entrepreneurship and creativity. They love being part of the product development process, from brainstorming ideas to testing new scents and flavors. It’s been amazing to see them grow and develop their own interests in the business. They’ve learned the importance of self-care and the impact of healthy skin. Their playful personalities shine through their love for our sweet, candy-inspired scents – which seem to change with each passing year! I’m grateful to share my workspace with them and hope they’ll one day carry on the legacy of our natural wellness journey.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Seli Han Skincare is the connections I’ve made with customers. I’ve had customers reach out to me with stories of how my products have helped them overcome skin challenges, and it’s moments like these that make all the hard work worth it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

I’m passionate about using only the best ingredients in my products, sourcing them from suppliers who share my commitment to natural wellness. I believe that everyone deserves to have healthy skin, and I’m dedicated to creating products that can help make that possible.

The journey of building Seli Han Skincare hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s been worth it. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with others.

Seli Han Skincare is more than just a business – it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for natural wellness. I’m committed to continuously improving and expanding my product line, always looking for new ways to innovate and meet the needs of my customers.

As I look to the future, I’m excited to see how Seli Han Skincare can continue to grow and evolve. I’m committed to staying true to my values and mission, always prioritizing natural wellness and customer connection.

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?

As the founder of Seli Han Skincare, I’m thrilled to share my journey and values with you. Getting into the handcrafted skincare industry was a leap of faith. I used to attend many farmers markets, drawn to the soap makers’ passion and creativity. The soaping and skincare stations always smelled so refreshing, clean and just happy! Speaking with various soap makers just made me realize I can one day fulfill one of my dreams to become an entrepreneur and make a difference in people’s lives. After various conversations, reading lots of book, loads of research, I made the decision to start my business.

The name Seli Han comes from merging both of my daughter’s names, Selina and Hannah. My girls as well as my lovely granny in heaven are my inspiration to my business. My products are colorful, happy, naturally derived, silicone free, formaldehyde and paraben free, SLS and sulfate free, plant based, small batched and full of ethically sourced, biodegradeable glitters! We want our customers to feel empowered and say hello to soft and happy skin! We are known for our body butters creams that have transformed many irritated, dry unhappy hands to happy, supple and soft hands. We specialize in dry skin! As a handcrafter, I do not make any medical claims but I do promise you a smile! My customers and I are always smiling! At Seli Han Skincare we listen to every customer and offer full transparency. My customers love that they can communicate with me directly. I’m most proud of the positive impact Seli Han Skincare has had on our customers’ lives and the relationships we’ve built.

As a mom, running Seli Han Skincare with my daughters, Selina Luna and Hannah Sol, has taught them valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and decision-making. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with them and our customers. At Seli Han Skincare, I promise to provide top-notch customer service, and I personally ensure that every customer feels heard and valued.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My entrepreneurial journey began with a Valentine’s Day gift that would change everything. My loving husband surprised me with the funds to apply for my LLC license, and we walked hand-in-hand to the bank to open my business account. He deposited $1,000 into my account, but with a challenge: start with $100 and double it. If I succeeded, he’d add another $100. His trust and encouragement ignited a fire within me. I was determined to prove that my business idea wasn’t just a fleeting thought, but a well-thought-out plan that would positively impact our family. With his support and my dedication, I set out to turn my dream into a reality.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

Seli Han Skincare thrives on two platforms: Shopify and Etsy. As a star seller on Etsy, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of this platform in expanding my audience and driving sales. The star seller status is a testament to my commitment to customer satisfaction, and the reviews from my amazing customers speak volumes about the quality of my products. However, Etsy’s fees and fierce competition can be challenging. Despite this, the benefits of being on the platform far outweigh the drawbacks, and I’ve seen significant growth as a result.

On the other hand, Shopify offers me flexibility and control over my brand’s online presence. While it’s pricier, with monthly fees and app costs, the pros outweigh the cons. I appreciate the autonomy to customize my site and listings, creating a seamless experience for my customers. Unlike Etsy’s strict algorithm, which demands constant attention, Shopify provides a more relaxed atmosphere.

By leveraging both platforms, I’ve been able to reach a broader audience and build a loyal customer base. I’ve even transferred customers between platforms for larger orders, ensuring a smooth experience. Ultimately, the key to success lies in understanding the pros and cons of each platform and adapting your strategy accordingly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.selihan.com
• Instagram: @selihanskincare, @selihanskincare_shop
• Facebook: @selihanskincare
• Youtube: @selihanskincare
• Other: Etsy Store:

  https://selihanskincare.etsy.com

  Email for all inquiries for both retail, collaborations, wholesale:
  [email protected]