Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care & cosmetics, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Peggy Parsai, founder of Lily Organic, in Calgary AB, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
Natural & organic skincare is built on natural ingredients, plant-based preservatives, sustainability, and consumer transparency.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
My daughter was born in 2006 with skin issues. As time went on, it became worse. Around the same time, my husband was also suffering from a skin rash and sensitivity. If it wasn't bad enough, my asthma was affecting the family and me. So we took the initiative to switch to natural and organic products over the shelf, thinking this would solve all of our problems. I'll be honest; it helped a little; however, with time, the effects wore off, and the product wasn't working for us. The cost wasn't worth it either. So in 2010, I decided to educate myself further by taking courses regarding the use of natural and organic ingredients and how they affect one's body, mood, soul, and skin.
Over five years of working with organic ingredients, I started seeing excellent results with skincare and overall health. I learned that when you feed the skin, it's like feeding and nourishing one's body. Providing your body with fresh, healthy, and simple food is not a one-time thing. It is something we should continually do. When we do this for ourselves, it helps us sleep better and have more energy throughout the day. Hey, we all have a cheat day, but if we do it more often, we notice a change in our body chemistry, and it's not always for the best. The same goes for our skincare regimen too. In 2015 I decided to market the line.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Running a business can be like a punch to the stomach every single day. However, there are some days every entrepreneur experiences where they feel over the moon. For me, one of those days was the day I received Health Canada Approval for Sunscreen SPF30. I was crying and laughing at the same time; the never-ending process was worth it. Also, the most exciting days for me are when we donate part of our income. It feels like I’m supporting my community and am part of them.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
The public always assumes that pricey products work better! The hardest part is to convince consumers to try our products, and so far, 95% are hooked to our whole line! However, The challenge I have to go through is to find the effective ingredients, the ingredients’ effect on each other when combined, find suitable and environment-friendly packaging, and make all of the work as price-friendly as possible!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You have to be dedicated. Be willing to work nonstop, ready to miss big days in your kids' lives and work. You can invest a couple of years into the business without taking an income, and you're willing to educate yourself and avoid those second thoughts. You're eager to learn from your mistakes several times, and if you're okay to knock on doors and never hear back, you're ready to run your dream business!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I believe in a natural and organic approach to the skin; my face massage can do all skin needs for blood-boosting and relaxation, eventually disappearing light brown spots and fine lines. I work two days at Kane Medical Aesthetics Clinic in 17 Ave.; as an Aesthetician, I would love to ask everybody to try my signature facial; it is for your benefit! We tend to miss the basics in life regularly; our skin makes us different from everybody else, and my massage can maintain healthy skin!
Where can people find you?
Website for the organic skincare: https://lilyorganic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyorganic_/
Website for my signature facial: https://kane.janeapp.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/peggy_parsai
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.
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