We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Susan Swederski. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Susan below.
Susan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.
I basically wanted clean ingredients in my skincare. We have an interesting family dynamic with three special needs living with my husband and I, whom are all sensitive to skincare products.
I wanted to create skincare that we all could use. I love essential oils and wanted to incorporate those into my creations. I started experimenting with different butters and bases, which were very good but then I discovered Beef Tallow! I found an excellent source of Grass-fed & Finished Tallow that I could buy in bulk. I had my friends try it and the healing of cystic acne, redness, dark spots and wrinkles began!
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?
First and foremost I am a follower of Jesus. I was inspired by my family and friends to start a business through their experiences with my products.
We are about three years into the business and we are prospering. I say we because I have a wonderful husband and a group of friends that are my biggest cheerleaders.
My background is Speech Therapy so I love to inspire special needs people. I have some work with me in the store to encourage them that they can do anything through encouragement and guidance.
My brand is Sue’s Botanical’s, Tallow Skincare. I use a tag line “Why Tallow” “Skin Food” because Beef Tallow is a nutrient dense product that mimics our own skin and heals many conditions.
I physically work six days a week and serve and attend church on Sunday. I don’t really turn off because there is always something to do on the website or social media.
I make many Tallow products: Face oil cleansers, Hyaluronic Acid face lotions, Bakuchiol Face cream, Body butters & lotions, hair care, baby care, Arthritis cream, muscle rub, sunscreen. Serums all using essential oils or unscented.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I was 59 years old when I started Sue’s Botanical’s, I thought to myself “what am I thinking starting a business at 59 years old”. Three years later and we are going strong. My husband is my biggest supporter, without him this would not have been possible. I have a physical store so he fills in when I am not able to do that. I do my best to keep healthy and strong. I give all the glory to God!
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I started out in my home making products. I continued to work with my speech therapy clients to be able to buy the supplies I need to continue making products. I still have a few clients I see because I love it! Through sales and still working I was able to obtain a small space where I could make products and sell products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.suesbotanicals.com
- Instagram: @suesbotanicals.com
- Facebook: Suesbotanicals.com
