We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiara Hardison. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiara below.

Tiara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

It was a sunny summer day when I decided to embark on my entrepreneurial journey by starting my own soap business. I had always been fascinated by the art of soap-making and wanted to share my creations with others. Little did I know that my first customer would be none other than my beloved sister, Tiana.

Tiana had always been supportive of my endeavors, and she was excited to see what I had created. She had a passion for natural products and loved trying out new things, so she was the perfect candidate for my first sale. I remember nervously approaching her with a tray filled with beautifully crafted soaps, each one unique in its design and scent.

She could visibly see the splotches on my face completely evened out and I smelled like her favorite scent but for half the price minus the chemical, a win win!

As I presented the soaps to Tiana, her eyes lit up with curiosity and anticipation. She carefully examined each one, taking in the vibrant colors and delicate fragrances. I explained the ingredients I had used – organic oils, essential oils, and natural additives – emphasizing their benefits for the skin.

Tiana’s enthusiasm grew as she listened attentively to my explanations. She asked questions about the soap-making process, showing genuine interest in every detail. It was clear that she appreciated the effort and thought I had put into creating these handmade soaps.

After much deliberation, Tiana finally made her selection. She chose a lavender-scented soap with swirls of purple and white, reminiscent of a tranquil garden. It was a fitting choice for her, as lavender was her favorite scent.

As Tiana handed me the money for the soap, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not only had I made my first sale, but I had also shared a special moment with my sister. It was a small victory, but one that held immense significance for me.

Over the following weeks and months, my soap business began to grow. I expanded my product range, experimented with new scents and designs, and gained more customers. Tiana continued to support me every step of the way, always eager to try out my latest creations and provide valuable feedback.

Sadly, Tiana’s life was cut short far too soon. Her passing left a void in my heart that can never be filled. But the memory of that first soap sale to her remains etched in my mind, serving as a reminder of our bond and the joy we shared.

Tiara, 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?

My name is Tiara Hardison, and I am the founder and owner of a TYInstinct Spa & Beauty Bar based in Atlanta, G.A. I am a Georgia Notary and have a background in Art and Public Relations.

My journey into the soap-making industry began as a personal passion for creating natural and handmade products. I have always been interested in skincare and the benefits of using natural ingredients. After extensive research and experimentation, I decided to turn my hobby into a business.

At my soap company, we specialize in creating high-quality, handcrafted soaps using only the finest natural ingredients. We believe that what you put on your skin is just as important as what you put in your body, which is why we are committed to using only pure, nourishing ingredients that are gentle on the skin.

Our range of products includes a variety of soaps, each formulated to address specific skincare needs. We offer moisturizing soaps for dry skin, clarifying soaps for oily or acne-prone skin, soothing soaps for sensitive skin, and exfoliating soaps for gentle scrubbing. Additionally, we also create specialty soaps such as herbal-infused soaps, aromatherapy soaps, and seasonal limited-edition soaps.

One of the main problems we aim to solve for our clients is providing them with a natural alternative to commercial soaps that often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Our handmade soaps are free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and other harmful additives commonly found in mass-produced products. By using our soaps, our clients can enjoy clean and healthy skin without compromising their well-being or the environment.

What sets us apart from others in the industry is our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each bar of soap is meticulously handcrafted in small batches to ensure consistency and attention to detail. We take pride in sourcing the best ingredients, including organic oils, botanical extracts, and essential oils, to create a luxurious and nourishing experience for our customers. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in the positive feedback we receive from our satisfied clients.

I am most proud of the positive impact our products have on people’s lives. Many of our customers have shared their stories of how our soaps have helped improve their skin conditions, such as eczema or acne. Knowing that we are making a difference in someone’s life through our natural skincare products brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

In terms of what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my brand, I want them to understand that we prioritize their well-being and strive to provide them with the best possible skincare solutions. Our commitment to using natural ingredients and avoiding harmful additives is at the core of everything we do. We value transparency and believe in educating our customers about the benefits of natural skincare. We also aim to create a sense of community by engaging with our customers through social media platforms and providing them with valuable content related to skincare tips and self-care routines

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I was able to start my business with little to no funds as Preorder soap sales can be a highly effective strategy for boosting revenue and helping a company grow. By allowing customers to purchase products before they are officially released, I generated early sales, gathered valuable customer data, and created buzz and anticipation around my brand on socials media.

1. Generating Early Sales:
One of the primary advantages of offering preorder soap sales is the ability to generate early revenue. By allowing customers to purchase products before they are available for general sale, I secured a significant number of orders in advance. This not only provides an immediate boost to cash flow but also helps gauge the demand for the product and adjust production accordingly.

2. Gathering Customer Data:
Another advantage of implementing preorder soap sales is the opportunity to gather valuable customer data. When customers place preorders, they typically provide their contact information, including email addresses and shipping details. This data can be used to build a customer database, which can then be leveraged for future marketing campaigns and targeted promotions. Additionally, by analyzing preorder patterns and customer preferences, companies can gain insights into consumer behavior and tailor their product offerings accordingly.

3. Creating Buzz and Anticipation:
Preorder soap sales can also help create buzz and anticipation around a company’s brand and products. By offering exclusive access to new or limited-edition soaps through preorders, businesses can generate excitement among their target audience. This anticipation often leads to increased social media engagement, word-of-mouth referrals, and overall brand awareness. Moreover, by effectively marketing the benefits of preordering (such as receiving the product before others or gaining access to special discounts), companies can incentivize customers to participate in the preorder process.

4. Building Customer Loyalty:
Implementing preorder soap sales can also contribute to building customer loyalty. When customers have the opportunity to be among the first to try a new soap or receive exclusive perks through preordering, they feel valued and appreciated by the company. This positive experience can foster a sense of loyalty and encourage repeat purchases in the future. By consistently delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service, we further solidified our relationship with customers and established a loyal customer base.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience is innovation. As one of many small soap businesses I have to continuously innovate in order to stay relevant and competitive. This involves developing new product lines, exploring unique packaging designs, and implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. By embracing innovation, we will be able to differentiate ourselves from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tyinstinct.com
• Instagram: Tyinstincts
• Facebook: Tyinstinct

Image Credits
Photography: Southern Magnolia Photography Makeup: Mor Beauty Studios Models: Tiara Hardison, Kyrie Hamilton, Shawntania Fears & Nadia Venice