Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skin care and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sophie Oliver, Founder of Baie Botanique, located in London, United Kingdom.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I started my skincare brand in 2015; it's called Baie Botanique and is now a multi-award-winning brand. I have always had a passion for luxury skincare. My goal was to create formulations that are luxurious and effective while being vegan, natural, organic, and cruelty-free to empower more women to make the change to a natural lifestyle, promote self-love, and for them to feel confident in their skin. Our customers are passionate about leading healthier lifestyles and taking care of themselves using natural ingredients.

Tell us about yourself

From a young age, I had a love of beauty. My father worked for several well-known beauty brands in directorial roles, and I got to play shop with all the products in our garage and went to many industry shows. I trained as an esthetician back in 1993 and later went on to train and work as a make-up artist for many years. I became increasingly passionate about health and wellness and became fully plant-based in 2012. I struggled to find luxurious, affordable products that met my requirements, so I launched Baie Botanique. My kids are what motivates me each day, and hearing from customers who tell me how using our products has made a positive impact on their lives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We won Best Small Beauty Brand back in 2019 for the Natural Health Beauty Awards at the Hilton Hotel in London, which is a very prestigious award in the British world of natural beauty products.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Knowing when to switch off. I often work late and find it really hard to stop when the end of the week rolls around; it's like a race to finish and get as much done as possible and whilst I always wish I had longer, it does force me to stop somewhat.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Start by coming up with a product or service with a strong, clear, and unique point of difference.
  2. Focus on how to best serve your customers.
  3. It sounds simple, but be sure to keep a monthly check on your profit and loss

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.baiebotanique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baiebotanique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baiebotanique/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/baiebotanique
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baie-botanique/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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