Life & Work with Donna Metz of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Metz.

Hi Donna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Caledonia Chic Designs & Comforts was born 16 years ago. As a stay at home mum, who not only wanted and needed to earn an income, but who also needed a creative outlet I began researching jewelry design and began my self taught journey.
Jewelry design let me on a path I could never have imagined from featuring in New York at New York Fashion week as well as amazing collabarations and very many publications!
At the time statement jewelry was a consistent trend. It was a wonderful era and hugely inspiring for me as a new and enthusiastic designer.
When Covid happened and most people were not wearing jewelry or going out, I knew I had to dig deep into my creative resources and keep my small business alive. This meant more than an income.
I begun researching clean bath and beauty and skin care products. I also began creating organic wax products initially for use in my own home. I spent months creating formulas of different skin care products and bath and shower products. I wasted so much money and spent countless days trying to perfect these new formulas. It was 6 months before they were to my liking and truly developed to a standard I was proud of and CLEAN!
I since have created a subscription box service that encompasses my skincare, bath and body products, wax products and of course jewelry. I’m so proud of these products. They truly keep their promises and are not only long lasting and effective but very affordable too.
Being self-employed is not for the faint of heart. Consistently marketing, developing and researching, investing in your business and product lines is no easy feat. While creating and trying to maintain an income and grow a customer base. I’ve learned so much about my own skillset, my own abilities and I’ve grown so many friendships too. I call many of my customers “frustomers”, because they’re more than just customers, they’re friends too!
Many of my friends have been hugely supportive for years and those who haven’t I hope will try the products and fall in love!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely not a smooth road especially in this current economy. Many people do not have disposable income and some are cutting back on luxuries. Self-care is being put on the back burner for many women and this is terribly detrimental to their well-being and mental health.
You think when you begin a business that everyone closest to you will support you and that’s not the case. Business owners will experience some hurt feelings along the way but ultimately any negativity just spurs me on further to continue my calling and business journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create clean beauty products for the everyday woman who loves to take care of her skin and body, who understands the importance of taking a moment for self-care, who loves to adorn in one of a kind jewelry pieces and who loves the clean smelling home!
Unlike many other companies my products are small batches infused with love and light, My products are as clean as I can possibly create them. Free from phlalates, parabens, sulphates and endocrine disruptors. Nothing is mass produced. I’m so proud of hand made!
I feel what sets me apart from others is that I have a nursing background. I believe in holistic care and didn’t just begin throwing products out there to make money. I truly researched and with care, developed each formula to truly be effective and affordable.I ensured each was made to meet each clients expectations and my clients love them!

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am so grateful to my clients whether they spend $2 a month or invest in their self-care and purchase my subscription box. I see many of the same faces every time I have a vendor event or open house and I truly would love to see some new ones too!
I think a lot of men believe these products are solely targeted for women but they are genuinely for everyone. I would love more men to tap into self-care. And I urge those who have not yet tried the products to give me a chance!

Pricing:

• My beauty products range from $2-24
• My body products range from $4-18
• My jewelry designs are $10 and up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caledoniachic?stkn=MW44c2ZwOTBtbTFrag==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17Zs6vn9H4/