Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy and Chris Mason, Owners of Bark Soap, located in Crosby, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We believe self-care shouldn't be a luxury but a part of everyone's routine. Body scrubs, bath bombs, salt soaks, specialty moisturizers, and other products have been marketed in the past as "treating yourself to something special." We want to challenge that idea.
Our customers know that self-care and wellness go hand-in-hand. So we provide those "luxury" items - handmade and naturally-based - for everyday people.
Tell us about yourself
We live on a farm, where we raise sheep and pigs (among other animals). Our lives are pretty dirty! Add to that raising two kids, and ... well, you get the picture! We both always felt uncomfortable buying "nicer" products like shower steamers or bath soaks because they really didn't seem targeted to people like us. We wanted items that not only made us feel good but WORKED. Got us clean, or REALLY DID help soften calluses or heels that have been in work boots all day. We don't all live the same sort of life; why should we all buy the same sort of products?
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment has been the loyalty we have earned from our customers. When a customer tells you that your products are the only things they trust on their baby, that's when you know you have made something special. And you have a responsibility to those people to maintain those standards.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Honestly, testing is the hardest. We do a lot of testing of all new products, and sometimes it can be frustrating when you don't get what you want the 5th (or 15th) time. Doubt sets in, and frankly, as a small business owner, there really isn't anyone to help you over that hurdle. All you can do is believe in the product you make, and the belief in yourself eventually comes with that.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be kind to yourself. You're going to make mistakes. It will happen. You just have to learn from them and try to minimize the likelihood of it happening again. But don't beat yourself up.
- Learn from others. Rarely you are doing something so revolutionary that you can't ask for advice. No need to reinvent the wheel.
- Don't be afraid to change the plan. Sometimes, as the COVID epidemic has shown us, it is necessary to change the plan. Don't be so focused on your original plan that you are too rigid to alter it when necessary.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.barksoap.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarkSoapCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bark_soap_co/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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