We recently connected with Tina Browne and have shared our conversation below.

Tina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Natural Products by TMB Refill Shop was born in June of 2019, while watching Youtube. I have always wanted to do videos on Youtube. I still haven’t. But while watching, I started watching my favorite content creators RefilleryLA and I loved the concept of mobile deliveries. It wasn’t so much of the refill aspect but the convenience of delivering to customers. I started to really research and think about how I would implement this concept into my business model and get my products into the hands of my customers without them coming out to the shop. After much thought and prayers, I changed my business model to a sustainable Refill shop. This was perfect because my business was already Vegan and Plastic Free. Now I just needed the final component a Refillery. The idea was simple for me after some serious thought because there was nothing like it in the area and I believed the concept would be amazing for the community to shop sustainably and in small batches. I love the idea of creating products with plants and in small batches to ensure that each item it made with mindful ingredients. What got me the most excited was the fact that I could eliminate my bulk purchases for glass bottles and jars and purchase single use items and use reusable containers for my customers to refill their items with. I thought that this was an concept so I ran with it. But then COVID-19 happened to the world. But not without a fight and that’s were the mobile delivery for my refillery made the biggest change in the way that we do business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi Refillers, my name is Tina and I am the creator and owner of Natural Products by TMB, we are a vegan and plastic free refill shop located in Daytona Beach, Florida. My business is in a shared space with a beautiful organic market and cafe. Which works hand in hand with my business. One day, I look forward to having my own shop as I do need the space. For now, I am grateful for this stepping stone. I began my journey with making products for family and friends and it escalated to what is happening today. My product line is refillable items of bath, beauty, shampoo bars, tooth powder, mouthwash, home, soy candles, laundry, aromatherapy and saleable accessory items. We have also just started doing “Let’s Make Stuff” classes. These classes teach you how to make candles properly, make basic skincare products with items that’s available in your own home. The goal is to educated and help our customers see that you don’t have to purchase large bottles of products that you may never use again after the first use. Keeping plastic out of our oceans and beaches is something that I have been passionate about for years. Animals are my life and I want what I do to benefit them as well. The most important aspect of my business is that our products are 100% vegan and handmade. Each item that you touch has been touched by us and made so that you get to know our small business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

This journey has not been easy, I have met many obstacles that have put a temporary halt on things in my life. My husband has been diagnosed with Kidney failure and that slowed down much of my business growth. I had to step up and take care of all the bills because he could not get any assistance and can no longer work. I had to fight with different agencies to make sure that he would be taken care of. I am working multiple jobs to keep a roof over our heads. This is not done because I have to, it’s because I want to. It is what families do when a partner is done and out of the game. There were times, that no one knew of the struggles that we had to endure but my heavenly father knows and he has helped me through each day because it’s through my faith and love for him that keeps me going. I thought about giving up several times and I’ve cried a lot of days and nights but my customers were always there for me. Customers are so important to a business not just for a sale but for encouragement too. They would stop in the shop and give encouragement and send new customers my way. Not because they had too, but because they know what great products and hard work was into the shop. Can I tell you that helped to keep the lights on and food on the table. When under pressure keep your focus and never give up on your dreams or pursuits in life. I still have obstacles but I take it one day and a time and I know that I have a great community behind me.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Reputation is important. Reputation means: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general. What has helped me build my character and maintain a positive view? Trust from my community. I’m a honest person. I am not trying to sell you something to make a buck. I sincerely want to you love my products because I worked hard to ensure that they are quality and have a high standard which represents me and my brand. My goal is build a product line that uses quality products and trust behind the name. Reputation is important and I truly hold a high standard for myself and my business. If any of my customers are not satisfied, I go out of my way to resolve any problems and many people know me best for that. I am fair and passionate about my work and my Refill community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.naturalproductsbytmb.com
• Instagram: @natural_productsbytmb
• Linkedin: naturalproductsbytmb
• Twitter: @tmbproducts

Image Credits
All images are provided by Natural Products by TMB, LLC