Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samantha Strom, Founder of Chasin' Unicorns, located in Costa Mesa, CA, USA.

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

We are a #1 selling self-love subscription box that puts God first, designed for customers who prioritize their mental wellness, self-care, and self-love journey while saving money. We provide the best organic bath, body, and beauty products at a fraction of the cost, making them accessible to our customers and supporting local small businesses. Our target customers are individuals who value self-love, faith, and non-toxic products and want to invest in their personal growth and well-being. Our subscription box delivers high-quality products that cater to our customers' self-care needs and supports their journey toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Tell us about yourself

Hi there, I'm Samantha Strom, and I'm excited to tell you my story! Initially, I had a keen interest in spreading knowledge about holistic health, new agism, and spiritual wokeness. Which eventually transformed into a lifestyle brand that included my unique line of bath and body products, which I shared with my followers on social media. Due to my genuine posts on spirituality, astrology, moon rituals, crystals, and similar topics, my brand rapidly gained popularity on social media. However, flash forward to 2020; I realized that I no longer aligned with the new age teachings or my own brand at that point, which had generated sales of 1.8 million. My sales took a significant hit since then, and I felt like a fraud as I made the decision to return to my faith and God. I even contemplated quitting my business altogether for several months.

After two years of extreme challenges, completely starting over, and realizing that I might lose some of my followers and subscribers, I have embraced the idea of targeting a new audience. I can no longer pretend to be someone I'm not. My business and subscription box has always represented my core values. I am now going through another light re-brand and taking a new risk to align with my life purpose and dream of being a successful entrepreneur. I am ready for this new Era. I am committed to inclusivity, showing compassion for our neighbors, and practicing unconditional self-love, no matter where we are in life or our beliefs. What motivates me every day is the ability to create and connect with our community, all while trying and formulating the best self-care products in the game!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We're proud to say that our biggest accomplishment as a business has been hitting 2 million in sales, gaining over 60k social media following organically, and staying true to ourselves throughout our journey. We've turned our dreams into a reality, and it's been an incredible journey so far. We've worked hard to create a strong and authentic brand that resonates with our audience, and we're grateful to see that our efforts have paid off. It's been challenging at times, but we're proud of our resilience and commitment to our vision. We're excited to continue growing and providing our customers with the best products and services that align with our values.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the constant need to wear many hats and learn new things. As a small business owner, you're often responsible for various tasks, including marketing, sales, customer service, finance, and more. The work never stops, and there's always something that needs to be done. On top of that, the financial stresses of COVID-19 and the Biden administration's policies have made it even more challenging for small businesses to thrive. Inflation and large taxes have put an enormous strain on small businesses, making it hard to keep up with the ever-increasing costs of running a business. Despite these challenges, we've worked hard to overcome these obstacles and find creative solutions to keep our business afloat. It's been tough, but our perseverance and dedication to our business and customers have helped us navigate these difficult times.

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

If you're looking to start a business, here are my top three tips:

  1. Be passionate about your product or service. Starting a business is not easy, and it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. If you're not passionate about what you're doing, it will be tough to stay motivated and committed to your business.
  2. Focus on building a social media audience and even generating sales before investing in the logistics of everything. Many people make the mistake of spending a lot of money on websites, LLCs, and inventory without generating any sales. It's crucial to have a clear idea of your target audience and create a social media strategy to reach them before investing too much money.
  3. Don't be afraid to ask for help and seek advice from experts in your industry. Starting a business can be overwhelming, and having a mentor or a support system can make a significant difference in your success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://chasinunicorns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasinunicorns/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasinunicorns/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthastrom1/

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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