We recently connected with Nicole Bandhu and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
My first client I was in the Lauderhill Mall and this guy in there has a Kiosk (THA PHUNK SHOP) he’s very knowledgeable as well, so I walked up to him with a few of my soaps talking and gave him a few to test out. He immediately fell inlove with my Frank &Myrrh 6 years later and we are still in business together I sell to him wholesale now.
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?
I got into the industry young, I went to school for Massage and Skin care. After developing issues with my hand not able to much massage. I also worked for Elemis and I loved their products ( I still use their products as well) then my daughter was diagnosed with Autism and my father took Ill, I was having a moment of being overwhelmed, I resigned from Elemis and decided to do things I like to be more flexible and understand Kalani ( my daughter) more, being a single parent with 3 kids was not Easy either, there was a time I had to send my kids to Jamaica to live with my mom so I can work and give my kids a better life. I eventually developed knowledge for my current craft for Kalani and her skin sensitivity and also my first grand son. I did it only for them then my best friend Wendy loved it and suggested it I do it on a business level, I thought about it, did more intense research, got a lot of certification in oils and herbs and all I needed to be successful.
My clients skin varies so I always suggest a daily routine for them, from their diet, exercise or whatever to improve their health or whatever they ask of me.
What sets me apart is, my sense of humor, my self determination, my not pushy, I am not afraid to express myself in todays culture, I have an acquired personality.
Im proud of how far I have come with all the obstacles, rejections of life I don’t take anything personal but as a learning experience.
So my Herbal soap bars aren’t like any other you soaps you have used, I put a lot of love, effort and time into making each soap, soak, beard oil, unique and the absolute best, I want when my clients, friends, anyone use my product feel like they are getting an actual hug from nature, It makes the skin soft, moisturized, like floating on a cloud ( as 1 customer described her feeling to me )
I work very hard on a lot of different things I tend to get bored every easy so I tend find ways to stay busy. I also have to thank all my customers, and thanks to you for also giving me the opportunity to show my products on your website, thank you.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I have samples of my soap and ill walk around and hand them out with my cards ( kinda like selling mix tape back in the day :) ). I get a lot of customers this way. Plus my existing customers tell a lot of their friends and so word of mouth.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Honestly I had a cartier watch that I took to the pawn shop after rejected for a loan, I felt sad seen it was a gift from my dad.. I felt better knowing I didn’t really owe anyone really ( I got my watch back its in my safe and im happy that even though my dad is no longer here, he’s still helping me. now its 6 years later, have 3 wholesale accounts and over 90 customers. and growing, I have my soaps in a few local hair shops. and the flea market as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cressesnaturalskincare.com
- Instagram: #347cnsk
- Facebook: 347cnsk
Image Credits
Kalani