Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Basile, Owner of Mojave Moon Apothecary, located in Twentynine Palms, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mojave Moon Apothecary is a line of self-care products that cater to the free spirit. We are based in Twentynine Palms, CA, just outside the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.
Tell us about yourself
I first fell in love with scent in the 90s. As a teenager, I loved visiting local, new-age shops, head shops, Catholic supply houses, and botanicas. There was something magical about the smell the moment you walked through the beaded curtain at the door, and everything seemed to be covered with dust and mystery. With Mojave Moon Apothecary, I wanted to take these sacred materials out of these dusty rooms, out of the shrink wrap and plastic, and create something not only elevated and beautiful but also ethical, sustainable, and accessible.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Mojave Moon has seen unprecedented growth since we first launched in 2020. I am extremely proud that I was able to bootstrap an idea into a full-fledged and thriving business while maintaining my core values. You can now find us at over 20 retail locations across the United States, and the number keeps growing. It gives me so much pleasure to walk into one of these stores and see a customer sampling something I have created.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Like many entrepreneurs, having a personal life outside of the business is always challenging. I'm not always good at it, but I believe it's incredibly important to take time for oneself, too.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Try not to do too much at once. Bootstrap everything, start small and grow from there.
- Do not be rigidly stuck to what your business "is" or who you think your customer is. You may find that it changes over time. Don't be afraid to adapt and pivot.
- Push out all the "what ifs." You will either succeed or you won't, and you'll never know until you try.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mojavemoon.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MojaveMoonApothecary/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojavemoonapothecary/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.