Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Chartan, founder of Planted, located in Bristol, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We hand make 100% natural and bioavailable skincare products for the conscious consumer that wants holistic self-care with earth-friendly values.
Tell us about yourself
Having grown up suffering from chronically dry skin prone to eczema and psoriasis, I developed an understanding of the toxicity of mass-produced products from a young age. Natural plant oils became my saviour and were the only thing that provided me with enough moisturization and comfort.
Since the age of 15, I'd been researching the properties of natural ingredients and practicing different oil blends, which later evolved to include water-based facial skincare products. The results were so significant that I would share them with friends and family, who would then want to supply their loved ones too. In a natural progression, I decided to bring my products to market. Planted was born in my kitchen in 2016.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our formulas. We're so proud to have recognition through awards we've won and our loyal customer following. Our reviews are heart-warming - with customers that have weaned off prescription creams, healed their eczema, and controlled their acne.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to be all roles for the business - marketing, legal team, customer service, research and development, finances, manufacture.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I truly believe all businesses are individual, and there's no right way or template to do things. Clearly understand what motivates you and your vision of success so you can draw a clear and rewarding path towards that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://plantedskincare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlantedSkincare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantedskincare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plantedskincare
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissachartan/
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.
