Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sofia Petty, owner of Sofia Petty Beauty, located in Riverview, Florida, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I sell artisan beauty and skincare products. I hand make each of the products I sell. Soaps, body butters, bath salts, and bath bombs are my main products. I am in the process of expanding my business and will soon sell lip scrubs, lotions, sugar scrubs, and lip glosses as well. I source the highest quality and most luxurious ingredients for the skin. I want my customers to feel the difference in their skin after each use of my products. I want them to know that the ingredients found in nature are the best for them. I always throw in a twist! I like to make my products fun and vibrant, using unique designs and colors. I try to come up with festive designs and even have fun coming up with creative names for each one!
Tell us about yourself
I graduated with my degree in business management in 2020. At the time, I had a toddler and was pregnant with my second child, yet I felt the need to stay busier. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. After finishing my degree, I decided that starting a small business was the right time. I grew up loving makeup, cosmetics, and all things beauty-related. I toyed with the idea of creating makeup, but I happened upon a book on how to make cold process soap. I became hooked on the benefits for the skin. After all, in order to have beautiful makeup, there needs to be beautiful skin to work with! I researched for a few months and eventually made my first few batches of soap. Despite the time that my two lovely kids take, I decided to go for it and started making more batches. I put a unique spin on each one to try and offer something that would catch a buyer’s eye. My husband is a software developer, and with his help, I created a website and voilà! I was off the ground and started selling my products. It is an amazing business that combines my passions and my knowledge.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far has been when I got my first online order from a stranger. It seems like such a small thing, but usually, you get a lot of orders from family and friends at first with a small business. Even though I am so thankful for them, it was exhilarating to see someone's name I did not recognize in my order list. I still get excited anytime I see a new order come in.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is managing my time. I have to be the owner, chief financial officer, chief marketing officer, etc., all at the same time! It gets tough when the to-do list fills up. Especially being a young mom of two toddlers, I sometimes feel I do not have the energy to keep my business afloat. I try to remember that it is okay if I am not successful overnight. As long as I take steps forward each day and work hard, I will eventually get to where I want to be. I have taken steps to improve my organization, and that has really helped my time management!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, find something that you actually enjoy doing/learning about. If you do not love what you do or what you create, how do you expect other people to love it?
Second, research, research, research! I would recommend doing a lot of research on the type of business/venture you are embarking upon. The research can include market analysis, pricing, competitive analysis, finding target customers, formulations, and so much more. In my case, I had to learn about the safest and best ingredients for the skin and how they chemically work together. It is something that I do not take lightly. Beauty products are a very personal thing. Someone will be applying my product on their skin, face, etc. They may have a different skin type than me. Knowing how the ingredients will affect people was the most important thing for me when creating a great product.
Third, always write down your business plan. Start simple, write what you want to accomplish, what your mission statement is, exactly what type of product you want to create, and work off that list from beginning to end. Cross things off as they get done, and you will see how far you go. You can set big, broad goals and then scope them down to quarters, months, weeks, and even days. For example, at the beginning of each month, I write down each of my goals and each of the products I will be making that month!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you to anyone who has supported me this far! It means so much when someone is willing and trusts me to bring my brand into their home.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sofiapettybeauty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SofiaPettyBeauty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiapettybeauty/
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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