Advice on Making All Natural Products

Hi M.,
I admire your business spirit. There are a lot of start up costs in a traditional business and unfortunately most small business fail within 5 years. I have a business that I own, a Virtual Mall without Walls. I specialize in health and nutrition and I do believe natural is best. You can have a business that you work around your own time, 8-10hrs. per week, have time with your family and still be successful making in a difference in other's lives.
Visit my webportal at www.marketamerica.com/2bewell
Click on ma products, left side
all products are enviormentally safe!
Let me know if you have any questions.
Take care, V.

My advice would be to start small and start making products for your friends and family first. You will need to do some experimenting anyway to perfect recipes and scent combinations. This will also give you time to research containers, labeling, and bulk suppliers for essential oils and natural body care additives and bases. You want to make sure you are making a profit so you have to be able to cost your product accordingly. This will take some time and research. You'll want to be sure you're getting your supplies wholesale and at the best price.

To start a business of this sort, you'd need to research business start up requirements, such as filing for a tax number with your state, registering as a business out of your home, insurance etc. You'll also have to be able to have enough stock on demand to meet orders should they come in. You'd probably have to start out doing craft fairs, cold calling to shops or getting a sales rep in the gift industry.

I tell you this from experience. I started a business 5 years ago (not in body care products but something similar) and the business took off so fast I couldn't meet the demand. I was up until 2am some nights making the products and shipping them out. I started it on very little money and didn't have the money to put back into it for expansion. It was a valuable lesson and one I call a "market analysis." I also worked at a local natural body care manufacturer. She grew her business from her basement into a multi million dollar company.

As for a shop, that would take a Business Plan and more than likely a loan to get it set up. Its certainly an option down the road.

One should never give up on dreams just because it seems impossible at the moment! You just never know. So do start dabbling with it, make some items and from those find the products you or your friends like and go from there.

http://www.soapmakingbusiness.com/
http://artsandcrafts.about.com/od/arti4/a/032307.htm

You could start making the products for your friends and family and see where it takes you from there. Home parties in yours and others can introduce people to your products. You could try to get a space at a local farmers market or craft fair. You might also try to see if any small boutique type shops or the smaller health food stores would take your products either on consignment or just buy them outright. And you have already advertised your intentions on Mamasource. All you have to do is get started and use your intuition to tell you which direction is right for you. Good luck!

M.,
I think it's great you're thinking about what you really want to do. This is a great book to help you refine your thoughts: http://www.daveramsey.com/shop/48_Days_to_the_Work_You_Lo...

My husband is in the process of starting his own company. We have been able to self-fund (not take out a small business loan). When money deicisions come up, we are able to look at them very differently than if we were playing with someone else's money. It's been a blessing and has allowed us to take advantage of some fabulous risks.

I would also suggest that you try to get some experience in this field working for someone who's made a go of it, or in a retail/distribution environment. Seeing other sides of the process will help you when it's all your own!

I wish you all the best!

T.

hello M.,
I am a mother of a three year old boy. I am also a manager, of a boutique (bridal and Children). To start your own business it does take alot of time and money, so what I would do is start by raising money off of friends and family products, also try to see if you can put your products in the stores, or stand a booth outside of one, so if they have questions they can ask you. Also you might try putting them in a gift basket for holidays. There are many options. Like taking phone orders wants you get your name out there. Also you can always throw parties at schools for teachers, offices. Just throw in relaxation with it. most school will do anything for there teachers.

Hope this helps

I love that you want to make your own natural products! It is so expensive running your own business. I own my own business by renting a space at a salon in Westport. I at times have displayed some of the things that my clients make. Mostly jewelery but if one of my clients made products like yours I would for sure display them. If you have a stylist that has a space of her own or a cool boss you could check into that route. You can also check stores like Stuff in Brookside. Just make sample sizes for friends and family to carry in their purses and make sure to give them business cards so if they're out and about they can help you spread the word. Good luck!

M.,
Good for you to want to keep natural products in your house. I might suggest that you check out www.arbonne.com and look at our herbal and botanical products. Arbonne has already done the research and has developed an extensive product line of pure, safe and beneficial product from baby to grandma! Can I tell you more? You can use the products and get a big discount, share the products and earn money as a home based business. The start up cost is only $29! Plus, you won't have to figure out how to manufacture the products, etc. if you decide to sell them. Let me know if you want more information about the ingredients or the business.

Best to you,
L. McDonald
Independent Consultant
District Manager
Arbonne International

Hi M.,
I have often thought about this same thing myself. I try to live naturally and true, although this becomes more expensive all the time. I just recently made with a friend some lip and body balms (and she has made bottom balm for baby bottoms as well as soap bars). I am really intrigued by this and would love to be able to make something organic for the body. My advice would be to seek out the logistics on getting a small business loan especially for mothers who want to start a business. Let me know what you find out, I would be interested in the information as well. Good luck and take care,
K.