We recently connected with Michelle Hill and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At HoneyMilk, our mission is deeply personal. It started 13 years ago when my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Like any mother, I wanted to give him the best—physically, emotionally, and environmentally. I quickly realized how many toxins were lurking in everyday products, from food to skincare, and how they could affect his sensitive system. That was my wake-up call. I set out on a mission to detox our home and protect my son from the harmful chemicals we unknowingly expose ourselves to every day.

What began as a personal journey for my family evolved into something much bigger—HoneyMilk. I wanted to create products that not only help families like mine but also anyone looking for healthier, cleaner alternatives. Every bar of soap is handcrafted with love, free of toxins, and designed to nourish the skin without compromising health.

For me, it’s more than just skincare. It’s about empowering people to take control of what they put on their bodies and helping them protect the ones they love. That’s why HoneyMilk’s mission is so meaningful—because it comes from a place of love, care, and a fierce dedication to healthier living.

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

I’m Michelle Hill, the CEO and Skincare Alchemist behind HoneyMilk, a brand that’s all about creating toxin-free, handcrafted skincare products with a deep focus on wellness and natural living. My journey into this industry was sparked over 13 years ago when my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His diagnosis made me rethink everything—from what we were eating to what we were putting on our skin. I dove into researching natural ingredients, driven by a mission to eliminate the toxins that could harm his sensitive system.

Every recipe in HoneyMilk’s product line has been personally researched and formulated by me. I’ve always believed that if you want something done with care, sometimes you have to do it yourself. That’s why I took a hands-on approach, teaching myself not just about natural skincare, but also graphic design and product packaging. I designed, printed, and packaged every product we sell, making sure each one is a reflection of the love and detail I put into it. This creative control allows me to ensure every product is made with intention, from the ingredients inside to the packaging outside.

At HoneyMilk, we specialize in essential oil soaps, body butters, and skincare products that nourish the skin while avoiding harmful chemicals. What sets us apart is our dedication to purity, transparency, and education. I want to empower my customers to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. We solve the problem of toxic, commercial skincare by offering a natural alternative that people can trust.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that our brand is built on real experiences and a genuine need for healthier living. Every decision, from the ingredients I use to the designs on the labels, comes from a place of personal care and love for what I do. For those who are new to HoneyMilk, I want you to know that we’re more than just a skincare brand—we’re a movement toward living more consciously, healing naturally, and loving yourself through every product we create.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A few years ago, my world was turned upside down when a flood nearly destroyed my home and soap studio. I was already battling severe anemia with a dangerously low blood count, so my health was fragile. But then, everything else crumbled around me. The flood wiped out almost 75% of my business—products, supplies, and fixtures I used daily for HoneyMilk were ruined. At the time, HoneyMilk was my primary source of income, and I quickly fell behind on my mortgage and bills.

With nowhere to go, I had to move myself, my son, and our dog into my sister’s house for five months while repairs were done. It was an incredibly dark time—I was sick, broke, and devastated over losing so much of what I’d built. I was at such a low point that I almost sold everything. It seemed easier to walk away than to rebuild.

But something inside me wouldn’t let go. HoneyMilk had always been more than just a business to me; it was my passion and my purpose. So, instead of giving up, I got a job and used that income to slowly rebuild my studio. It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t fast. I had to repurchase supplies, and the space wasn’t what it once was, but I stayed focused on getting back to what I loved.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’m in a space three times larger than before, fully stocked with everything I need to keep HoneyMilk thriving. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t give up, even when I felt like I had every reason to. I stuck it out, and it’s because of that resilience that HoneyMilk is stronger than ever.

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

The best source of new clients for HoneyMilk has been vendor markets, which I now do full-time. These events provide an amazing platform for me to meet new customers face-to-face, allowing me to build trust in a way that’s personal and direct. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with my current customers, deepening that relationship and gaining even more of their trust. Farmers markets and vendor-styled events have become major money-making opportunities for HoneyMilk, and it’s rewarding to see the impact firsthand.

What’s even more exciting is that I’m now in a place where companies and organizations seek me out, inviting HoneyMilk to their events. It’s always refreshing to grow my business in a direct, in-person way, which aligns perfectly with our brand’s genuine and authentic approach. Meeting people face-to-face allows me to build exciting, real-time content for HoneyMilk that feels true to who we are.

These markets also create a ripple effect—people love sharing their experiences with us, posting pictures, and spreading the word about HoneyMilk. Being a part of our #HoneyMilkHive has become something customers enjoy, and that organic sharing has been a huge bonus. Nothing beats the energy of these events for both customer engagement and brand-building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.honeymilkco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeymilkcompany/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeymilkco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honeymilkco
• Twitter: https://x.com/honeymilkco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleMarieCo
• Other: https://girlemergepodcast.podbean.com/