We recently connected with Savannah Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Savannah, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

To be honest, I am incredibly happy to be a business owner and I love the fulfillment it gives me. I always told myself if I can give 40+ hours to a job then why not the same type of energy for my business. I have always worked, and currently still work a full-time job while running my business. Doing that has taught me the importance of time management, flexibility, and adaptability. When I first started my business, I only looked at it like a side hustle and focused mostly on my job duties. But after working from job to job I realized none of these jobs make me happy and my business is what really brings me happiness. From time to time, I wonder what I would be like if I only worked my 8-5 job and focused on climbing the corporate ladder; would I have more money? would focusing on one job be easier? Would I find satisfaction in climbing the corporate ladder? None of that can top the lessons, skill sets, and demanding work I have placed in my business. I have never and will never talk down on anybody who works a job because it is better to wake up with a duty to fulfil then not have a sense of purpose at all. I will keep working my job to support my business until my main source of income is Savannah’s Sweet Spa. The support, love, and feedback I receive from people because I took the time to craft something with my own hands, is one of the best feelings in the world and no type of job can replace that joy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

To give a little background on who I am and how I started my business; I am an entrepreneur who has a black, woman owned natural skin care business. I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC and moved to Louisville, Ky in 2011. Before moving to Louisville my mother was diagnosed with thyroid disease and had her entire thyroid gland removed. Because of that, hypothyroidism causes her to have thick, dry skin. She also has a lot of allergies, so her skin is extremely sensitive. A lot of products my sister and I could use, my mother could not, and I wanted to find a solution for that. I decided to start making my own natural products. She immediately noticed the products caused her no irritation and was able to penetrate through the dry, thick parts of her skin. One day she recommended I start selling my products to the public and I took her advice. Ever since 2017 Savannah’s Sweet Spa has been in business, traveling throughout Kentucky and other states to promote healthy skin care to both sexes, every skin type, and all communities.

And with my business growing I just started a volunteer program. This program is for single father(s) who have son(s) and want them to see how a small business is ran. This program is a wonderful way to keep young men out of trouble and a way for them to travel. Also, this would be a great addition to add to a resume. Volunteers will be picked up, dropped off, and provided lunch. For more information on how to apply you must be subscribed to my emailing list and/or email me at savannahsweetspa@gmail.com.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One thing I learned quickly but did not act on right away was you CAN NOT do everything by yourself. Pride & ego is usually the downfall of the best of us, and I am not exempt to that. When I first started my business, I assumed my business, my responsibility, do not ask for help just get it done. That type of thinking burnt me out very quickly and that is why when I first started out, I managed my business more like a side hustle. It is almost like impossible to have effective growth in your business when every single thing has to be done by you. Between labeling, packaging, shipping, vendor shows etc you are bound to need a helping hand and luckily my sister and mother help me out as much as they can. My brother and dad are huge contributors too. My mom and sister coming to my shows and helping me setup, break down, and sell products makes it feel more like a family affair than just business.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Network, network, network!! Mostly all my followers on social media are people who have purchased or supported my business. Whenever I go to vendor shows, I have a clipboard with a customer log in it, so people can print their name, email address, and phone number. This way I can add them to my newsletter and keep them up to date on any current information. One thing I recently started doing with my business is I release a new product every month. Not only does this keep me on my toes but it keeps my supporters & competitors wondering what I will be coming out with next. Each product is based off a theme and brings out all my creativity. Also, my favorite thing to do with my clients is take pictures with them and post them on my website and social medias. This way both of our followings grow. When somebody supports my business and enjoys their products, I love to show them off! I come in contact with so many people from various backgrounds I want to show the world no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like Savannah’s Sweet Spa is here to help you with your skin care journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.savannahstore.org
• Instagram: @savannahsglow
• Facebook: Savannah’s Sweet Spa