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Conversations with Karen Denise

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Denise

Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began with personal challenges in 2007 and 2016, which led me to explore skincare as a hobby. As I experimented with natural ingredients, I discovered not only their effectiveness but also a deep passion for creating products that offered real alternatives for those seeking safer solutions. What started as a personal pursuit soon evolved into something greater, and in 2017, I transformed my hobby into a thriving business. Since then, I have meticulously crafted over 200 unique products, each infused with botanical extracts and natural fragrances, designed to nourish the skin and enhance well-being.

As my brand grew, I relished the opportunity to introduce my creations to local communities through vendor markets, where I connected with customers who appreciated the quality and thoughtfulness behind my products. It became clear that the time had come to take the next step and establish a permanent space of my own, a place where I could continue to expand my offerings and bring even more people the healing benefits of natural skincare.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been far from easy, with plenty of obstacles and setbacks to overcome. Through it all, I’ve come to see each challenge as a valuable lesson rather than a failure. There have been significant struggles along the way, such as not having a reliable team of mentors, advisors, or fellow entrepreneurs to guide me toward excellence and push me to reach my full potential. I’ve also faced issues like overlooking critical legal matters, which can be costly, and underpricing products, which affected my margins. Another hurdle has been trying to do everything myself—without delegating tasks effectively, leading to burnout and imbalance. Not having a solid business plan or a clear strategy for managing cash flow has also made it difficult to plan for long-term growth. These challenges have all taught me lessons of entrepreneurship, having a strategy is key, and surrounding myself with the right support system to help my business thrive.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Along with other items, I focus on body scrubs, lotions, soaps, and shea butter balms because I believe in the power of skincare to do more than just nourish the skin—it has the ability to uplift emotions and promote a sense of well-being. My focus is on exfoliating body scrubs, as I personally struggle with dry skin that requires careful sloughing to remove dead skin cells and restore softness. I take great pride in meticulously selecting and perfecting every ingredient to ensure each product delivers the best possible results. What I’m most proud of, however, is my resilience. Despite moments of doubt and the temptation to give up, I’ve kept going, and that perseverance is something I truly cherish.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
A key strength I possess is the ability to build genuine connections with others, which allows me to provide a personalized and meaningful experience. People appreciate knowing the story behind the brand, and by engaging directly with them, I’ve been able to create lasting relationships. This connection not only fosters trust but also cultivates customer loyalty, leading to repeat business and strong word-of-mouth referrals.

Pricing:

  • Body Scrub $18
  • Body Lotion $20
  • Face Care $35
  • Beard Oil $17.95
  • Room Mist $12.50

Contact Info:

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