Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chelsea Long, Founder and CEO of Milk Yourself LLC., located in Reno, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Milk Yourself was founded on the basic principle of creating a product that promoted relaxation. As a teenager, I started developing my own milk bath recipe to help me unwind after a long day at school. I was severely bullied growing up, and my milk baths were a way to help me feel good. Later in life, I began creating gift baskets for my family, friends, and coworkers for birthdays, holidays, and special events. After receiving amazing feedback, I realized I could create a business making the same milk bath products I found joy in using and creating. Not only do milk baths encourage relaxation, but it also provides benefits for the body/skin.
Today, Milk Yourself has expanded its product line to include milk baths, soaps, scrubs, and lotions, available in multiple serene scents or what we like to call flavors.
Tell us about yourself
Milk Yourself is proud to handcraft our milk baths and soaps together as a family. Yes, even the kids are included. The first step of our process is to gather ingredients from local stores. Since our products only contain six ingredients, this part doesn't take too long. Once we have all that we need, I take the lead on measuring the ingredients to ensure the milk bath recipe is perfected. This is where the whole family joins in. We create an assembly line in our kitchen and work as a team to fill all of the bottles.
You may notice that our stickers are not always just right, that's because putting on the stickers is the kids' favorite part! What could be better than making something as a family for others to enjoy? My family and my happiness are what motivate me each and every day to keep pushing my dreams into my reality.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting a company from scratch from just an idea bootstrapping it all the way to now being able to work side by side with my daughter at events, in the office, and making products. She's young, she's only six years old, and I love that I'm showing, teaching, and watching her grow into a strong, creative, confident, funny, caring, entrepreneurial mindset.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is overcoming my battle with depression and anxiety. I have bad days and bad moments that are hard for me to keep moving forward. I have to look deep down within my soul and remember my WHY. You have to truly love what you are doing because when those hard times creep up, your why and what makes you happy is what is going to keep that fire lit for you to keep pushing, keep moving forward. It's not easy being a business owner, but it's worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up, don't listen to others who aren't able to see your vision. Watch, read, or listen to "The Secret by Rhonda Byrne," then create a wish board. After that, read "Ask and it is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks" You have to make goals and go after them, day by day, know matter how long it takes you, keep pushing towards that goal.
- Join a local Entrepreneurs Assembly or Biz Assembly with various training classes, events, and workshops providing you a confidential, integrated, systemic plan and path toward your successful business launch like SCORE, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Entrepreneurs Assembly Startup Incubator (EASI). They will help provide you with the best practices for navigating the hurdles in creating a successful business.
- Say positive affirmations daily to yourself. Network, Network, Network. Find a mentor or business coach, listen to them, and make sure it's someone with the credentials you want or are similar in what you're trying to achieve. Start pushing after that goal, and don't stop until you get there as long as it brings you happiness! Don't chase after money; chase after your happiness!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Do what makes you happy, and you will never feel like you're working; the money will follow. And please don't forget to check out our website and social media pages.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://milkyourself.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milkyourself
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milk_yourself/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseabrookelong/
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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