Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rob and Leah Ward, Founders of Osprey Village Soap Company, located in Pitt Meadows, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is a soap and cosmetic-making company focused on natural ingredients.
Tell us about yourself
It started with a health scare in our family, which led to us putting an emphasis on what we put in and on our bodies. When we learned we could make quality products that we could substitute with things were purchasing in stores; it transitioned from a hobby to a passion. Being business-minded people, every product we sell has been derived from one or both of our personal needs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Launching the website and seeing our first sales by far. A huge amount of work went into designing each product, from the package, the label, and the ingredients. Seeing everything grow and evolve, then to accumulate all that into a functioning website was an incredible accomplishment for us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Absolutely the business aspect. It was one thing to make products for our own personal use, but managing the purchasing of raw materials, packaging and labels, accounting, shipping, manufacturing, and marketing all had to be delegated between us. The larger the business grows, the thinner we both get stretched. We both truly enjoy making and consuming our products, but seeing sales flow in makes all the struggles worthwhile.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Let your business grow organically, focus on your passion, and know that there will be struggles and difficult times. Being patient and growing with the struggles will help drive your business in the right direction.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Just to expand, sometimes, we got super excited with the business's success and tried to move things along too quickly. You end up taking one step forward and two steps back. Allowing things to grow organically will help you learn from your mistakes, stay true to your mission, and continue moving forward.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ospreyvillagesoapcompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ospreyvillagesoapco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ospreyvillagesoapco/
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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