We were lucky to catch up with Robbin Turner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Robbin, appreciate you joining 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 2014, driven by a deep desire to find natural solutions for her husband’s and son’s eczema, I began a captivating journey of discovery. Determined to avoid the perils of slathering their skin with steroid creams, an alternative path beckoned me.

I thought about all the times my grandmother made homemade remedies. I immersed myself in books about African herbalism, ancient Egyptian aromatherapy, Southern folk herbalism, and modern-day herbalism.

I was surprised to find out that a lot of the remedies my grandmother used to prepare for minor illnesses, which we jokingly called, ‘old wives remedies,’ were found amongst the textbooks I read.

Eureka! “So that’s what that stuff was called that she gave us.” It all made sense now. These were herbal remedies passed down through generations from oral history.

Guided by these time-honored African formulations and centuries-old ingredients like Shea butter, nutrient-rich oils and essential oils, I handcrafted my first body butter.

Robbin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into the skincare industry due to a desire for a deeper understanding of ingredients and how they affect your skin. It led me on a path of self research, formal education, and hands-on training in the fields of botanical formulating and herbalism.

These skills allow me to provide solutions for people suffering with dry, sensitive skin, but cannot find products that won’t irritate it. As I sprinkle my expertise into every bottle of Violet Botanical Skincare, I’m on a mission to help harmonize African ancestral plant wisdom with modern skincare rituals for healthy skin.

I’m most proud of the feedback I receive from community members. Hearing about their positive experiences is rewarding, but the best reward is when they first sample the products and they cannot stop rubbing their skin because it immediately feels silky smooth.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn, and I’m still unlearning, is not to conform to the box we’re told to reside. My husband and son tease me about being a strict “rule follower.” They’re both creative artists who march to their own beat. They don’t get bogged down in “this is how everyone [in your industry] does it.”

When I finally acquiesced to their rationale, it really makes sense. If industry/subject-matter experts tell everyone how something should be done, how are you different? You’re crowded in a box with everyone else fighting for people’s limited time and attention.

Whoever said, “Learn all rules so you know how to break them,” must have been an artist. We all should have a little rebel artist inside of us.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my transparency and ethos has helped build my reputation within body care. I’m an advocate for plant-based ingredients, responsible sourcing, sustainability, and most importantly education.

I’m not about smoke and mirrors. I use my research training in every aspect of formulating, manufacturing my products, and sharing skincare information with others. If I don’t know something, I’m upfront about it, and I will research it. That’s the research nerd in me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.violetbody.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetbodyme
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violetbodyme
• Linkedin: https;//www.likedin.com/company/violet-botanical-skincare
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VioletBotanicalSkincareLLC

Image Credits
Dwayne Turner