We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mimillia May a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mimillia, 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.

In 2013, when I was three months pregnant with my first child, we got the news every parent feared. My daughter was diagnosed with a genetic abnormality called Turner Syndrome, and we were told to prepare for the worst because the survival rate was so low (about 1 in 2,500). While researching the cause of gene mutation, I discovered the hazardous nature of many ingredients found in my skincare and cosmetics. I made a simple yet effective skincare regimen in a desperate attempt to create a non-toxic environment for her to fight and survive. Those very first creations were the start of Maeve’s All Natural Skincare line.

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?

Hello! I’m Mimillia May, the visionary behind MAEVE, a brand that has evolved far beyond organic skincare. My journey into this industry was deeply personal and rooted in a transformative experience during my first pregnancy in 2013. It was then that my daughter was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome, a rare genetic condition. This pivotal moment ignited my passion for creating a safer environment, leading to the birth of MAEVE’s All Natural Skincare. (MaeveBotanicals.com)

Driven by a mother’s determination, I crafted a simple yet effective skincare regimen free from hazardous ingredients. However, the journey didn’t stop there. In 2015, when my mother faced debilitating knee pain caused by inflammation, my mission expanded. This led to the creation of Nature Aid’s herbal salves, with the flagship product, Magic Hemp Salve, gaining recognition in retail catalogs. (NatureAidCare.com)

Expanding our offerings in 2018, we introduced a CBD supplement and topical line. MAEVE is proud to be a certified and licensed hemp manufacturer in Ohio, championing seed-to-shelf transparency. We prioritize quality, ensuring that our raw materials undergo third-party testing for various factors, providing consumers with the knowledge needed for informed purchasing decisions. (Maeveswellness.com)

With a decade of experience in e-commerce, I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our first brick-and-mortar store, The Healing Studio, in Chagrin Falls. This extension of the MAEVE brand will offer not just natural skincare but also organic and certified supplements, crystals, non-toxic candles, and transformative healing experiences such as frequency sound healing, reiki, and cacao ceremonies. It’s a space where individuals can find support on their healing journey, whether physical or emotional. (HealingCLE.com)

What sets MAEVE apart is our commitment to the highest standards of care and transparency. We are not just a brand; we are a source of holistic well-being. Our pride lies in the genuine care we infuse into every product and service. As we open our doors in February 2024, we invite potential clients, followers, and fans to join us on a journey of healing and self-care at The Healing Studio, where the MAEVE experience transcends skincare to embrace a holistic approach to well-being.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Manufacturing and ingredients matter. While countless brands share manufacturing facilities or contract packers, we take a different approach for many reasons. We are entirely self-reliant, overseeing every step of formulation and production. Each product is crafted in limited quantities within our Cleveland lab, with ingredients personally sourced to ensure exceptional quality, from Extra Virgin Olive Oil to our glass containers. Most importantly, we are able to infuse our product with love and healing throughout production. We could not have achieved this if we outsourced the production process to a larger plant.

My mother loves to tell a story of how a large batch used to be 25 jars of the Magic Hemp Salve. I created this fantastic Excel spreadsheet that keeps track of my raw ingredients, their costs, and suppliers, stores formulas, and calculates unit cost and batch size. The original formula was for 25 units. Currently, we make anywhere from 600 to 2500 units at a time. That’s 100 times the initial batch! I’ve had to learn how to go from using Pyrex and Le Creuset to using industrial-sized 60-gallon double boilers and 12-layer bread carts to keep the trays of jars while they cooled before capping and labeling. I truly loved every step of this process.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

If you had asked me back in 2012 whether I’d leave behind my high-paying position to dive into the world of natural skincare and start my own business, I would have found the idea perplexing. At that time, I was the president of a local design firm and manufacturing business, content and thriving in my role, with no clue about the intricacies of natural skincare.

However, everything took a drastic turn later that year. As I became pregnant with my daughter and discovered her genetic abnormality, my perspective on life underwent a profound transformation. The decision to embark on this business journey was not merely a strategic move but a deeply emotional one, fueled by the $10,000 I withdrew from my 401K. Despite the well-intentioned advice against it, an undeniable inner calling urged me to follow my heart.

There was a steadfast belief that if my intentions were to do good, heal myself, and assist others on their healing journey, the universe would conspire in my favor. This venture is more than just creating products; it’s a dedicated mission to provide non-toxic alternatives that contribute to the well-being of others and myself. The decision wasn’t solely financial; it was a leap of faith driven by a profound passion for healing and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maevebotanicals.com
• Instagram: maeves_All_natural
• Other: Nature Aid Herbal Salve: natureaidcare.com CBD and Hemp products: Maeveswellness.com Skincare: Maevebotanicals.com Healing Studio: 79 N. Main Street Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 healingCLE.com