Conversations with Natasha Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Johnson.

Hi Natasha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began making shea butter as a hobby for myself. My friends and co-workers would always ask me what I was wearing because I always smelled good.  Soon, I was making shea butter for people regularly in various scents. In 2016, I decided to start selling it to make some extra income and that’s how Mama Aswan Butters & Oils was born.

I started doing craft fairs in the Dayton area to get my brand out in front of more potential customers. Customers began asking me how they can order more products from me in the future. I started selling on Etsy so customers that have purchased from me before wouldn’t have to travel all over the city to find me at various craft fairs. They could simply order online on a platform that was familiar to many and have their purchases delivered right to their door. Once I joined Etsy, my sales increased tremendously. I was able to reach customers, not just in the Dayton area but all across the country.  About a year later, I added more products to my brand…handmade soaps, bath salts, bath bombs, Sapo sponges, lotions, as well as Kaolin clay.  Now, 6 years later, I have even more products to offer my customers…hair oils, co-wash, sugar scrubs plus much more.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been an easy road for me or my business. I was a teen mom who had to struggle to make ends meet. Being a single mom is not an easy task.  While raising my sons, I have worked several dead-end jobs that didn’t pay much.  I’ve worked for people who definitely did not have my best interest at heart.  One day, I realized that I am going to have to find a way to supplement my income and save some money for retirement.  Going into business for myself seemed to be the best way to go.  So many people didn’t believe I could do it.  There were people who wouldn’t even tried to talk me out of entrepreneurship altogether.  Luckily, I had more support than naysayers.  On the road to owning and running my own business, I’ve run into many scammers, fraudsters, bad business owners, and countless opportunists.  You’d be surprised at how many people out there try to take advantage of small business owners. I’ve learned to ask questions and pay close attention to what you sign.  You have to fully understand what you’re being told and don’t be afraid to question things if something doesn’t sound right. Being too eager can cost you in the end.  Patience is necessary for any business owner.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Mama Aswan Butters & Oils sells handmade beauty and hygiene products made from natural products that are mostly vegan.  I specialize in making products that are natural, paraben-free, and made with simple ingredients.

I am most proud of my best-selling product, the Sapo sponge.  Also known as the Exfoliating African Bath Sponge,  it has been used in Africa for centuries for bathing.  The stretchy material helps reach your entire body with ease! It’s long enough to reach across your back as well as the soles of your feet! It is a great way to help keep your skin looking fabulous.  It also…

• Effectively clean all areas of the body
• Improves blood circulation
• Reinforce the effectiveness of your body butters or lotions after the bath as the Sapo promotes better absorption
• Fights against ingrown hairs
• Fights against skin conditions such as eczema, “strawberry legs”, oily skin, cracking skin and much more
• Helps eliminate body odor
• Exfoliates skin leaving skin smooth and soft
• Great for adults and children
• Increases the foam and reduces the amount of soap and water needed for a bath or a shower
• Dries faster than the bath sponges or washcloth and prevents the accumulation of germs
• Can easily be washed in a washing machine
• Last for up to 2 years

What sets my company apart from others is my outstanding customer service and my high-quality products.  I do my best to ensure that my customer gets their order quickly.   When a mistake brought to my attention, I correct it immediately.  I own up to it and make it right with no excuses.  I use the best ingredients to ensure that I produce the best products. You can’t skimp on quality.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The advice I’d give to new entrepreneurs is be ok with taking things slowly.  Don’t rush to yourself or your business. You can’t be successful by cutting corners.  Stay diligent and focused on your plan.  Take time out of your day to work solely on your brand as often as possible.

Things I wish I knew when starting out is to not take it personally if you can’t please a customer. The old saying “You can’t please everybody” is true. There are going to be people that love what you do but there are also people who won’t and that’s ok.  Just keep doing your best to provide a great product and outstanding customer service.  Take feedback from your customer if they aren’t happy with your items.  See if there is area from improvement and adjust accordingly is necessary.

Pricing:

• Smooth Body Cream $5
• Sapo Sponges $8
• Handmade Soaps $6
• Loofah Soaps $5
• Bath Bombs $4

Contact Info:

• Website: etsy.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/mamaaswanbutters/
• Other: tiktok.com/@mamaaswanbutters

 

Image Credits
Tom Gilliam

Image Credits
Quiana King (Pics by Q Photography)