Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dennis Hicks, Founder of Blaq Star Soaps, located in Maynard, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Blaq Star Soaps is a business centered around handmade bath products. My business merges many of the things I love: being creative, entrepreneurship, people, and music. My customers are people who enjoy using handmade soaps, smelling and feeling good, and who love music. All of my products are named after songs that I grew up listening to as a kid.
Tell us about yourself
While in my high school Chemistry class, I remember the lesson we had on making soap. I also recall how I failed miserably at following directions as a 10th grader and not being successful with that "experiment." Fast-forward to 2019, when the idea of making soap came back to mind. I think I made soap at least once a week. I learned so much in my attempts.
Soapmaking is really fun, and I'm motivated daily to improve my craft. Whether it's trying a new soap recipe, making bath bombs (which I'm still perfecting!), coming up with fun names for products, selling at the farmers market, or creating TikTok videos, it's all just really fun to me. I get excited to try new things and meet new people. Having an opportunity to be creative every day is a major motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Since I opened my business in 2020, I would consider my biggest accomplishment is that I still love what I'm doing. That love carries over into the products I create, how I package items, what I name them, etc. The love that I put into my work and the love that is given back to me by customers is pretty amazing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say the hardest thing is the administrative side. Everything you do can't be the "fun stuff." Keeping up with inventory and taxes isn't super hard, but it's definitely not my favorite part.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Check in with your local municipality about starting a business.
- Stay true to who YOU are.
- Share your business with people. You never know where the next opportunity for growth may come from.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Have fun with whatever you're doing, and do it while listening to good music!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://blaqstarsoaps.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlaqStarSoaps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blaqstarsoaps/
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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