Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Teria Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Teria, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Body Harmony & Co. was founded by me, Teria Smith in October of 2021. I am from Detroit, MI but have been a resident of Atlanta, GA for the past 12 years. I attended Clark Atlanta University where I obtained my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. I have always had a love for math and science which comes full circle in the skin and body care industry. Although I have always gone an extra step to make sure my skin was clean and radiant, my true passion came when I had her first child in 2020. I wanted to give him the best and healthiest life possible and that began with not placing harsh chemicals on his skin. Instead, developing the perfect, non-toxic products for both moms and babies.
I wanted everyone to experience the purity of the natural products that make you feel great both inside and out. I specifically use ingredients that contain properties that are known to heal the skin. These butters and oils have been shown to produce a myriad of results from reducing stretch marks down and eczema to healing dry and cracked parts of the body, or even just to use as a supple moisturizer, Body Harmony & Co. will have you and your child feeling and looking brand new.
Our entire catalog contains organic, non-toxic ingredients creating the perfect products for your body. We strongly believe that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put into your body. Therefore, our products are pure, handmade, and formulated to perfection. Body Harmony & Co. is intended to provide a form of self-care in the healthiest way possible. Not just for you, but for your babies too. We provide butters, washes, and creams specifically geared toward your little ones. From the consistency of the products to the progression in the way your skin will feel and look, Body Harmony & Co. is the right place for you.
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.
As previously mentioned, I got into the skin and body care industry for my child who did not deserve to have toxic chemicals placed on his skin right after being born. I believe that if I am intentional about what I put on his skin, it will become a habit for him as he gets older to really pay attention to the ingredients in many products and foods that can cause harm.
My products include The Triple Fluff whipped body butter which I created to a an everyday moisturizer to replace your daily lotions. This butter truly radiates the skin. What I did not know was that people would use it for other purposes such as dry, cracked feet and eczema and it also worked for them. I quickly began to notice that my products were multipurpose. I also created the Mama Mia whipped body butter which was intended on reducing or preventing stretch marks for pregnant and postpartum women. I used myself as a test and the results speak for themselves. This butter has also been used for aiding dry parts of the skin and tightening looser areas of the body.
Body Harmony & Co. offers a trio bundle specifically for the babies and children called The Baby Bundle Deal. This includes The Baby Baby Baby whipped body butter, Baby Smooth body wash, and Baby Herbal bath soak. This trio is guaranteed to leave your babies skin feeling soft, smelling good, and free of skin disorders.
2 products that were later added to the site were the Honey Dip body oil and Ecz-Factor whipped body butter. The body oil was created as an alternative option for people who wanted the same or similar benefits as the butters but prefer oils. It still produces an illuminating shine and tackles rough areas of the skin. Although most of my products help with eczema, I did want to provide a butter that was exclusively made for that condition. This has easily come in and become one of my best sellers. There are so many recipes that I have in the vault such as nipple cream for breastfeeding moms, teething oil for the babies, body scrubs, soaps, balms, and so much more.
What sets me apart from others in this industry is that my products are 100% natural with no underlying ingredients that aren’t listed. All of my ingredients can be easily looked up and a lot of them you could probably find around your home. I am most proud of the reviews, pictures, and feedback from my customers that show improvement of the skin for areas and conditions that they were not even designed for. It shows how natural products can help and alleviate more things than it’s original purpose.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I started Body Harmony & Co., I was working full time in the medical field as well. I have worked in the medical field since graduating college in 2015 and always believed that this was my path. Starting Body Harmony & Co. was a passion of mine, but naturally working a full time job I was unable to give truly give 100% to my business. It was not until November of 2022 when my company had lay-offs and I was a part of that list. This would be the first time since I started working that I would be left with no plan B because this news was so unexpected.
I immediately decided that it was time for me to take a break from corporate and dedicate all of my time and energy into Body Harmony & Co. and I have been doing just that for the last 8 months. It has felt amazing to focus on my business. I have attended many events, networked with some amazing people, gained new customers, got a handle on my social media postings, and so much more. It was just what I needed, although I could not recognize that at the time. Now that I have a pretty good grasp on my business, I believe that I am ready to start back working and implement a balance where I can devote the necessary amount of time to both working and my business. One day, Body Harmony & Co. will be a household name.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Yes, throughout this entire journey from being laid off to where I am now, I had no other choice but to be resilient. It felt like I was starting at the bottom although my business was 1 years old. I had not dedicated the necessary time and energy into my brand to be let go from a steady job and still be okay financially. I had to work hard every single day to make sure my brand would be noticed and not fall in the shadows of how I was truly feeling inside (which was a little down). I was more active with my postings, sending out email campaigns, carrying business cards wherever I went (until I decided to get a Dot on the back of my phone), and just mentioning Body Harmony & Co. in every room that I stepped in. The great thing about my products is that once I get a customer they are a forever customer. People truly fall in love with my products and once they run out, they notice the difference that my products provided to their skin and can’t help but to reorder. There are many people who have shopped with me from when I first opened to this day and that makes me feel empowered to keep going. I have a million dollar brand on my hands and I will continue to be resilient until we get to where we deserve to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bodyharmonyandco.com
- Instagram: @bodyharmonyandco
- Facebook: Body Harmony & Co.