Community Highlights: Meet Esther Salata of Benesafe® Solutions LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Salata.

Hi Esther, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Esther Salata, and I am the owner and founder of Benesafe® Solutions LLC. My business is a plant-based pesticide manufacturing business, focusing on creating an environmentally friendly way to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas away while not harming people, pets, and the planet. I created this business and products to solve the problem of mosquitoes in my backyard. I was fed up with personal sprays and other devices that did not solve the problem of annoying mosquitoes long-term. I wanted to treat my property for the biting insects; however, the products I found locally had ingredients and warning labels that concerned me. When looking at existing products, I thought, “How are ingredients that I could not pronounce, and how can warning labels that claimed to kill more than what targeted pests were sold in these stores?” I wanted to find a way to treat my property for the problem while using a safe product around my dog Benny; when I could not find such a product in the market, I created one, hence the name Benesafe® Solutions LLC.

My educational experience is in conservation and environmental science. I’m passionate about sustainability, and my career has focused on environmental education. My life goal is to teach the public why conserving and protecting the environment is necessary. The reason I started the business was to solve a problem. I created a product that was in line with my values. Benesafe® products are made from plant-based ingredients that effectively treat mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Our product is tested to be as effective as the leading synthetic brand in the market. We aim to be the following household backyard bug spray brand people turn to when treating their property.

I’m proud to be a minority-woman business owner in pesticide manufacturing. I hope to continue to bring change to this industry and positively impact the lives of those who use our products. If you are looking for a safe alternative to treat your property for mosquitoes, consider using Benesafe® Solutions. Learn more at www.benesafesolutions.com. Be sure to follow us on social media!
We hope you join us in our commitment to using eco-friendly products.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Starting a business is a rocky road; I tell everyone to buckle up and enjoy the bumpy ride! I started my small business in the chemical manufacturing industry during COVID. As we all know, besides COVID being a global healthcare crisis, it also affected many businesses. Even though all of the components of Benesafe® are sourced within the USA, there were delays in getting materials on time. Going through COVID while starting the business helped me gain a different perspective on timelines, it made me realize that some things are out of our control and we have to do the best we can with what we have. Patience is key! Once the product was created, the next biggest challenge was “How do we sell it?” It has taken me over three years of networking, presenting, pitching, making phone calls, sending out information, and much more effort to get Benesafe® in front of target customers. This is something that is a continuous challenge for any small business. Personal struggles with every business owner include work-life balance. When you own a business, you can put in 12+ hours a day to do the business and do the same thing every day for weeks, months, and years. You have to realize when to do “all of the work” and when you can seek others to help you with your workload. Making time for your personal life when starting and launching a business is essential, as getting engrossed in everything that needs to be done is easy. Remember: some things can wait! Owning a business is challenging; as long as you seek out help, continue to network, and take time to live your life, you will be successful!

We’ve been impressed with Benesafe® Solutions LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Columbus Based Female Owned Company Launches Plant-Based Pesticide Product Line

Benesafe® Solutions Founder Esther Salata wanted to eliminate the mosquito problem in her backyard while keeping her dog, Benny, safe from harsh chemical pesticides. After difficulty finding a safe, effective, and affordable solution, Esther developed her own company, Benesafe Solutions.

“Watching my dog eat grass and roll around in our yard, I could not get myself to buy a product with warning labels and ingredients that I could not pronounce,” stated Salata. “Those products could harm him, my family, and wildlife around my house, so I created a safer solution. That led me to develop a safe and free product from harmful pesticides,” she added.

Benesafe® Solutions is a proud Columbus, OH business that is minority- and female-owned and manufactures and sells the line to eliminate pesky insects. This insect control yard spray is easy for homeowners who want a safe alternative to using chemicals on their lawns and gardens. The eco-friendly Backyard Bug Barrier keeps your yard free of mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks without harsh chemicals, making it safe for families, pets, and the environment.

Benesafe®’s mission is to develop products that align with their environmentally conscious and impact-driven values. The company is determined to make a positive impact by supporting organizations that focus on animal welfare, conservation, and sustainability. The Ready to Use Backyard Bug Barrier is ideal for homeowners, pet owners, families, and those who care about using alternatives to toxic chemicals. Enjoy your outdoor space worry-free with Benesafe! To learn more, visit www.benesafesolutions.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So many people deserve credit for helping me create and support the business. I have had many business mentors who have helped me throughout this journey. The two most influential are James Polak from John Carroll University- LaunchNET Program and Rob Maccabee from Naventive Digital Marketing. Both have spent countless hours mentoring me about bettering my business and focusing on a sound strategy. With their support, I am where I am with my business! My family has been continuous supporters, wearing Benesafe® t-shirts wherever they go, buying the product, and pitching it to local stores and their network of friends! Friends who I have met through having the business have been amazing! They are my most prominent advocates, and I continue to share the business with their network! The small business community is selfless. Paying it forward is just something that we do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://benesafesolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benesafesolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benesafesolutions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/benesafesolutions/