We recently connected with SHARHONDA BEASLEY-CROSBY and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, SHARHONDA thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Purpose Balms was inspired by my late grandmother and her experience with breast cancer. In 2020, I witnessed the debilitating effects of cancer on her. It was heartbreaking to witness the pain she endured physically and mentally. Dry skin was my grandmother’s chief complaint during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Due to harsh chemicals found in most lotions and moisturizers, selections were very slim for her.
Because of this, Purpose Balms skincare products were created that are free from toxic ingredients unlike many lotions that often contains Oxybenzone, Parabens, Retinyl Palmitate and Synthetic Fragrances, often linked to cancer. Purpose Balms products (body balms and body butters) can be used by many including cancer patients.
I often think about my grandmother and the impact she had in my life and others. She was known for encouraging and helping others in their greatest time of need. My grandmother’s legacy lives on through me and Purpose Balms.
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
Greetings, I am Sharhonda Beasley-Crosby, owner of Purpose Balms, LLC. I am a wife, mother and Human Resources Professional.
Purpose Balms is a line of natural skincare products, handcrafted in small batches and free from toxic ingredients unlike most lotions that often contains Oxybenzone, Parabens, Retinyl Palmitate and Synthetic Fragrances, often linked to cancer. Our current line includes beard butter, body balm and body butter.
Purpose Balms is set apart from other businesses because all of our products are created with natural and toxic free ingredients. Additionally, we use our platform to educate and give back to the community. A portion of our proceeds are donated to local organizations that make a direct impact and are focused on the fight against Breast Cancer in underserved communities.
I am most proud of being able to assist individuals that are impacted by cancer. As many may know, cancer disparities are very present in underserved communities. The poor and the impoverished lack access to quality health care and are more likely than others to die of cancer. They endure greater pain and suffering from cancer than the affluent members of society.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I faced many challenges when birthing Purpose Balms. Everything is just an idea until it becomes a reality. It took time and dedication to prepare and launch my business. I must give a lot of credit to my husband, daughter, and mother for being with me every step of the way.
I spent many late nights researching, creating and testing my products. After reaching a point I was comfortable with my products, I contacted family and friends to test and provide candid feedback. I tweaked my products many times after receiving feedback. How fun! LOL
Next, I faced challenges of figuring out laws related to selling products, purchasing inventory, creating product labels ensuring they were FDA complaint, registering the business, obtaining the LLC and last but not least, creating my website with NO assistance. The list goes on and on! These are just a few to name.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Participating in craft/vendor events, posting on social media and word of mouth by family and friends have been my strategy to grow Purpose Balms clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.purposebalms.com
- Instagram: @purposebalms
- Facebook: @purposebalms
- Other: [email protected] Belleville, IL 618-213-6707