Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Edwards

Hi Joy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

In 2014, I received a chemical burn on my scalp from a perm left on my hair for too long by my stylist. As a woman of color, perming my hair was part of my beauty ritual, and every once in a while I would get burns, but this time was different.

Previously, if my scalp began burning she would start to rinse the perm out of my hair within a few moments; however, this particular day, she was double-booked as usual, but she couldn’t get to me right away and I suffered what I’m sure were second degree burns.

To this day I have no idea why I never sought the help of a doctor or dermatologist. I guess I just figured it was just one of those things that happens when you get your hair permed, but in hindsight I was wrong.

Fortnuately, my hair didn’t fall out, but my scalp was in need of treatment. I began looking for chemical-free shampoos, conditioners, and ointments to treat it myself without causing further irritation, but I couldn’t find anything I though would work. Frustrated, I took to the internet and began researching natural, home-remedies for burns.

With all the information I gathered about natural oils and butters, I ordered a few samples, and took to my kitchen and began mixing and whipping up different mixes until I found a mix that not only soothed my scalp, but my hands soaked up too.

Having sensitive skin and dermatitis on my hands, was a whole different issue I struggled with, but while applying my mix to my hair and scalp, my hands soaked up the mix like a thirsty plant that hadn’t been watered in weeks! I couldn’t believe how soft and supple my hands were, and the best part of all, the transformation was instant!

After that, I knew I was on to something and had to make more. The more I used the mix oh my hands, the softer they became, the cuts and scabs from scratching were healed and gone, and the darkness and discoloration had faded away.

It was like discovering a miracle treatment that I knew I had to share. I replaced the store bought lotions in my home with my mix and my family’s skin had never been healthier!

I shared it with a few close friends and when they had the same experience with each use, I knew I had to share it with others. That miracle mix is now my whipped body butter and a staple in my home and many others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road to entreprenuership was not easy for me. There was so much I didn’t know, and with every bit of research, I found out there was so much more that I didn’t know.

From marketing, conent creation, to the legalities of forming a business, there’s so much to learn. I was an avid student of Google and YouTube University and I still am; however, there are so many more resources and freelance marketing experts available now, it shortens the learning curve which has been invaluable in my journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I specialize in bath and body care for women of color; however, I specialize in creating opportunties for women to relax and escape their chaotic schedules while maintaining the health and vitality of their skin.

Sweet Surrender is known for my whipped body butter which is my flagship product and the product that I’m most proud of becuase of work and dedication I put into creating my formula at a time when body butters weren’t popular.

Even though I’m most proud of my body butter, I’m proud of every product I make. I never considered myself to be artistic or very creative, and honestly I still don’t, but I can’t help but see a work of love and art every time I make and cut a batch of soap.

I was never “good” in school, but when I took my first soap and cosmetics class, I fell in love within the first five minutes. I was so intrigued at the whole process and I couldn’t learn fast enough. There’s something magical about mixing oils, fragrances, micas, and lye together to get a beautiful bar of soap. What’s more fascinating, no matter how small or large the batch of soap is, no two bars look the same. I just love it!

Sweet Surrender is more than just a bath and body care brand. It’s brand that understands no matter how beautiful a woman appears to others, inside there’s something about herself she’s not happy with. Sweet Surrender is not about covering or hiding self-perceived flaws, my products are designed to help women fall in love with caring for and loving their whole selves.

I strive to make products that look, smell and feel beautiful so that women will embrace and normalize self-care in their daily routines, When your skin is soft, healthy, and glowing, you can’t help but feel confident and beautiful and I believe all women deserve to feel their most beautiful best every day.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

Growing up I was pretty quiet and shy. I went to a private school from kindergarten until the 8th grade so I didn’t grow up knowing or playing with the kids in my neighborhood and was often alone.

I’m the youngest of five older sisters who loved me very much, but the youngest of my older sisters was ten years older than me, so in many ways I grew up like an only child.

My video games, dolls, coloring books, and music, which I absolutely love, were my outlets and comforts. As a teenager, my mom gave me a book by Dean Koontz to read and that sparked my love of reading. She had an extensive library and I would sit and read for hours sometimes reading an entire book in one day. My favorite author was Sidney Sheldon.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweet-surrender.biz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_surrender_co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4sweetsurrender

Image Credits

Joy Edwards