Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Victoria Carpenter, Founder of Happy Carrot Skincare, located in London, England, United Kingdom.

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

Happy Carrot Skincare is all about skincare made with vegan and planet-friendly ingredients for people with combination or troubled skin. Our customers are mostly women who have tried all sorts of skincare products before getting real results with ours. Not many of our customers are actually vegan, but many of them care about environmental issues and love good quality plant-based ingredients.

Tell us about yourself

I started happy Carrot Skincare after my own problems with hormonal acne, sensitivities, and extreme combination skin. I realized that these products were really improving my skin, and after a while, I decided to share them and help other people with similar problematic skin.

I'm really passionate about the environment and veganism, so of course, my business has to reflect those values and work towards the goal of a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. When I get feedback from a customer that their skin has improved and their confidence too, that makes me do a little happy dance and keeps me going. If I can also encourage people to try a vegan diet to help their health, their skin, and their wellbeing, then that motivates me too!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'd say my biggest accomplishment is winning awards both as a formulator and for my products. Having recognition within the world of skin care products is huge because there are so many great products out there, and it's difficult to shine. I also think that surviving in business right now is an achievement, and I'm grateful to still be here to grow my passion project after nearly 4 years!

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

The hardest thing for me has always been finding the time to do everything I want to do to grow my business! Without a lot of funding behind the business, I have to invest more time. But, whilst I'm still working, it always comes down to prioritizing the real essentials, not always what I'd love to do the most.

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

  1. Definitely, the first thing that I'd advise is to really think about what you want from your business. Finding a higher level of motivation than money reminds you of why you're putting in the time and effort. Having that clear and visual reminder of it is really powerful.
  2. Next, connect with other people on a similar journey. Growing a network of people who understand what you're going through is really important to keep you going when things get tough.
  3. My last tip would be to accept the ups with the downs! It's a bit of a rollercoaster and some days are tougher than others, but also, some days are brighter than others, so just accept that that's what running a business is all about.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://happycarrotskincare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happycarrotskincare
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happycarrotskincare/


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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