Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Lovell, Founder of Sweet Cedar & Co., located in White Sulphur Springs, WV, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We make natural skincare, bath & body, and home fragrance products for the consumer who is interested in keeping things simple and as chemical free as possible.

Tell us about yourself

I am a trained professional chef, but after being in the restaurant business my entire adult life, I was ready for a change. I had made soap and bath products years ago, so I thought I would try my hand at it as a business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Growing our reach to all 50 states within a year of being open. We also have a super high return customer rate which is a wonderful feeling in such a saturated market.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Slow times. Our summer sales are always slow, and I know that. But it still makes me crazy when it happens.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Try to save for your startup costs. Don't borrow unless you absolutely have to!
  2. Utilize social media. It doesn't have to cost money, and it is very effective. We have done really well on Tik Tok for example, and it was very little work to get our name out there.
  3. Read the book Profit First, and follow the rules to a tee. It will make finances so much easier to deal with, and it ensures that you get paid first.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sweetcedarandco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetcedarandco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetcedarandco/

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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