Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bethany Forest, owner of Hippie Skin, located in Ogden, Utah, USA.

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

Founded in 2014 by a hippie on a budget with a passion for clean beauty, Hippie Skin offers a wide range of natural skincare and cosmetics designed with integrity, research, and intention. Our customers work hard to be healthy and want a natural brand they can trust, a brand that inspires, and a brand who shows up. Hippie Skin: Love Your Face.

Tell us about yourself

I created my skincare line first and foremost for myself - I was having horrible difficulties with acne and wanted a natural routine. What I created worked so well that I shifted toward turning it into a business, and here we are. The stories from my customers and hearing how it's changed their quality of life and confidence are what inspire me to keep going. Every day I look around and am blown away by what I've built - as a woman who has struggled to find her place in the business world, I'm quite proud of what I've accomplished.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I built my business from the ground up. I designed the brand, the website, the products - everything! It's been amazing to have that sort of creative control and to see what I've been able to build. I've since gone on to open two more businesses, and in 2018 I was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by locals in my community.

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

I think the hardest thing is knowing that you always have to hustle. It's hard work, and it's even harder to get customers in your door, so to speak. The other piece of it for me is being a woman. A lot of times, I'm not taken seriously in what I do in the business world, and it can be very frustrating.

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

  1. Do it. Most people I talk to want to take the step but are afraid. The thing I've learned over and over again throughout my business journey is that yes, it's SO uncomfortable to take the leap - and it doesn't get any easier. But in my experience, it's always been worth it.
  2. Be smart about it - research! Build and use a SWOT analysis before launching and even after! Learn how to find and review analytics and use them regularly. Know your customer - when in doubt, ASK them! They buy from you for a reason - use that reason to build.
  3. Learn to do everything. Even when you hand it off, you'll still know the ins and outs of running your business and feel more comfortable knowing the processes. There are a lot of growing pains, and I've had to go back and forth a few times. I'm always glad I have all the skills required to run my business effectively.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The pandemic has brought an entirely new level of difficulty to small businesses. It's not impossible, but it's harder than ever. We just appreciate the support from networks, businesses, and customers, always!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hippieskin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HippieSkinCare
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hippie.skin/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-tracy/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.