Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tatiyana Sinkfield, Owner of feelluved, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
feelluved is a lifestyle and holistic wellness brand that specializes in organic, vegan, and artisan body butters made with time, care, and love.
Our mission:
feelluved aims to provide relief to dry skin, even skin tone, remedy minor skin issues, and promote healthy, moisturized skin without the use of harmful chemicals, fragrances, or fillers (no parabens, sulfates, BPA, or phthalates). Our non-greasy, non-irritating formula contains vitamins A, E, and F, which are all essential vitamins for healing and hydrating the skin.
Our products have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to:
• anti-aging: fighting off the damaging free radicals that age the skin prematurely, boosting collagen for plump skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• anti-inflammatory: soothing muscle soreness and arthritis
• antibacterial: healing cuts, scrapes, and insect bites, fighting breakouts
• anti-fungal: treating dandruff, eczema, and dermatitis
• making the scalp healthy and hair strong
• soothing sunburn and softens dry skin
• fading blemishes/dark spots, reducing stretch marks and scarring
• removing makeup on all skin types
• Provide added sun protection (SPF 3-4)
We are a black-owned, woman-owned brand.
Tell us about yourself
In my youth, I battled with bout after bout of severe acne scarring and eczema. In my quest for a remedy, I was led to Shea butter as a natural agent; however, most commercial products were too harsh and packed with fillers and chemicals. Other natural products seemed to always lack something. Eventually, I decided to make my own Shea butter that would satisfy all my wants and needs. After a thorough research and development process, I had fine-tuned what I felt was a perfect recipe. I began making it regularly for myself and for my family and friends as gifts or just because they wanted it. What began as a personal passion project grew into something more, and at the behest of my family and friends who genuinely loved the butters, I decided to officially start the business and make my products available to the public. Making a product that I use myself every day and that I have seen work for others around me motivates me to keep going. I love hearing testimonials from my customers about how feelluved whipped shea butter has helped with their eczema, dry skin, and rashes. feelluved has been more than a business; it’s been a deep-rooted passion come to life, something I take great pride and joy when sharing with those who’ve chosen to give my products a try.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner so far has been cultivating genuine relationships with my customers. I have been able to watch my customer’s progress and results over the years with consistent use of feelluved whipped shea butter. It brings me joy to see that the product has a positive impact on their skin and, ultimately, their lives.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding balance is the hardest part of being a business owner. I am also a full-time graduate student, and it can get a little difficult to put the time into my business that it deserves. The effort, dedication, trial, and error that comes with owning a business can get overwhelming, but it is so worth it. There are many ways that I could “cut corners” as an entrepreneur, but staying true to my vision and mission for feelluved keeps me motivated despite the extra work and time that it may entail.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do something you are passionate about!
- Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable. You make have to step out of your comfort zone.
- Stick with it. You get out what you put in.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.feelluved.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feelluved
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelluved/
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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