Welcome to the Personality Spotlight, Pennie! Please tell us about yourself, and how your interest in taking an all-natural path began.
Natural living has always suited me and the influences that are part of my life have evolved and strengthened with time. Even when I was little, I was always intrigued by nature, I believe that is what has driven and lead me to live the lifestyle which I enjoy so much today.
The foundation for my present career has taken shape and formed throughout many years and jobs. I began working in healthcare when I was 27, shortly after being married. Before that, I worked as a Concierge in an upscale hotel, a job that carried the responsibility of catering exclusively to a particular group of clientele, all staying on what was called the VIP floor, mainly business executives and their families. A multitude of last minute favors from housekeepers, bartenders, chefs and other staff within the hotel were always in need, so it was vitally important that I retain good relations with everyone. All that really means is being kind and courteous, in most instances, you get what you give. Following that job, I worked at a children’s hospital in human resources, by this time, my people skills were well polished. Since relating to people is a big part of what I do now, I feel that these two positions gave me a good understanding of human relations and exposed me to an array of diverse personalities.
While working at the children’s hospital, I became interested in massage therapy, attended and then graduated from a local school, followed by licensure in 1993. Shortly after graduating, I attended numerous local herb courses and completed herbal studies for medicinal botanicals. This tied in nicely with my beliefs and strengthened my commitment to natural healing.
Eventually, I had my own private practice and several years after that I started another business for handmade bath and body products. It was during this time that I really delved into the healthful benefits for each of the ingredients. My findings led me to re-evaluate my bath and body products business, which I viewed as yet another, natural progression.
Your company, Ladies Blend, is so special. You really have such a personal touch with your customers. Please tell us about your concept for your on-line store, and what makes it different from the rest.
I am attracted to a simple, fresh, clean palette and a friendly atmosphere, which is what I would like to convey through my website. It is a little tricky doing this online, thus it is always a work in progress. I sell what I like and what I use and therefore am closely connected to each product.
My former belief was to have some sort of product for everyone. That mindset in the long run became a burden, left me feeling less creative and put me in the category with the majority of similar businesses. Selling fewer, unique items that are all used on my sensitive skin gives the extra time that each product deserves to not only be evaluated, but also re-evaluated every so often.
I like to use simple formulations, with ingredients that have meaningful properties. Our products are packaged to protect the integrity of each one, a solid package that holds quality ingredients and presents itself well is important to the product as a whole. We want women and girls to have a nice container to use that does not have a label where the ink ends up on their hands. We keep a consistent look throughout our line, which is appealing and easy on the eye.
You also have the most tempting products! Which are your own personal favorites, and which ones are the most popular?
One of the perks with having this type of business is that I have all the delicious ingredients at my fingertips. Since the humidity has dropped, I have been enjoying the Vanilla Bliss Body Butter Whip almost daily. I made this butter for my mom, who surprised me last Valentines Day with a new KitchenAid mixer. She loves body butter, so I spent the summer breaking in the new mixer and working with assorted ingredients to obtain the texture and feel that I thought she would like. Another one of her favorites is the Eye Elixir, which sells very well and is always good for re-orders, I use that product on a weekly basis.
Right now, the winter bath soaks are quite popular and the herbal products consistently sell well. My love of herbs is quite evident on the Ladies Blend website and I use them in our products every chance I get. Our herbal pedicure, manicure, facial and hair teas include fresh, vibrant, aromatic herbs that are suited for each type of application. They are gentle, effective and my preferred form for many beauty care needs. There is just something so luscious to treating your skin with pure water/steam and beautiful fragrant organic herbs. Many of our herbal products contain no essential oils, but their aroma is so profound that when you open up the jar you would think that EO’s were added. I very often receive compliments on my complexion, that strengthens the fact that my regimen works.
Three of our Soy Bliss Candle blends scents turned out to be such good sellers that we decided to introduce three massage and body oils in the same matching scents, which really are quite irresistible. A basic pure body oil is a must have, there are so many uses for them.
We also have consistent sales with our Beauty Kits that are designed and packaged in such a way that there is no need for preservatives to be added. It is pure skin care and gives each user the chance to become more involved in their beauty regimen.
You are a massage therapist as well. What insight have you gained from this profession and the clients that you serve?
Though I am not practicing at this time, it was my massage therapy clients that inspired me to make and sell bottles of the massage oil that I used during their treatments. That was in 1998 and I have been making products ever since then.
I think that most people would be surprised to hear the amount of pain and its many forms that the average person endures on a daily basis. Not only was I the massage therapist, but I was also a confidential soundboard that learned about the personal lives of what we call ordinary people. No one is ordinary; I try to remember this when dealing with less than cordial people. Since one of my pet peeves is rudeness, it can be taxing at times.
After I started my second business, I decided to take some time off from my massage therapy practice. I keep my licensure requirements up to date, so that I may resume at any time, right now though, I prefer to receive massages.
What are your favorite books on the subject of aromatherapy, all-natural beauty and health?
I am currently studying Clinical Aromatherapy & Aromatic Medicine; R.J. Buckle presents this course. Susan Weed and Jeanne Rose write the herbal reference books that I use most often. I also subscribe to Organic Spa Magazine.
What advice would you give to someone that wants to start an on-line beauty business?
Intuition is a powerful tool, it has allowed me to do things that were not part of the business plan, but ended up being very rewarding and in some instances changed my life. Surround yourself with like-minded people that will support you and your ideals.
What do you do for fun, besides making your products and creating and maintaining your beautiful website?
My kind of fun is really quite basic. I love to garden and each year; I pick an area of the property to focus on. This year it was the back porch garden and it absolutely flourished. Next year, it will most likely be an area out front; I am imagining some extensive landscaping out there. I do enjoy cooking and dining al fresco. When time permits, I like to sew and make things for our home and family. I like to decorate, design and craft all sorts of things, go to the spa and play with our three beautiful kitty cats.
Balance is key, I work hard and love my business, but adequate time off is essential for a clear mind and a refreshed body and soul.
What would your perfect pampering session consist of?
When I visit the spa, I always try to make a day of it. Not the entire day at the spa, but much of the day to lounge around and take care of my whole self. I have a light breakfast, take a nice walk outside, and then enjoy a warm bath. When I go to the spa, I am “spa ready”, no jewelry, comfortable clothes and in my spa bag is a magazine, water and a lavender eye pillow. I always have a massage at the spa and at least one or two other treatments, like a facial steam with hydrosols and massage, I have never had a chemical facial or peel. I also like to have basic mani and pedi treatments, which for me includes the jet baths, massage and natural maintenance, no polishes or artificial nails, just a light nail buffing to finish it off. Then I either eat a light lunch at the spa or return home, have a salad and take a siesta. After that I’ll sit out on the porch and read a book or just do whatever I feel like doing, take another bath, rest again, prepare a healthy fresh dinner and relax. You get the picture, it does not happen often so I take full advantage of it and drink several glassfuls of lemon water throughout the entire day. While I am faced with deadlines on a daily basis, this is a slice of heaven and something that I really look forward to.
For those times when going to the spa is not possible, I just turn my bathroom into a nice quiet retreat, with beautiful music, candles and a warm bath. Instead of using prepared products, I’ll make something special ala carte from essential oils, hydrosols (another one of my very favorite things), assorted salts, clays and other ingredients. I’ll prepare an herbal facial steam and maybe one or two other treatments if I have the time. It is so easy to put ourselves off, but if we feel refreshed, everyone benefits.
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