Tell us a little bit about LB Love Organics
I use all organic oils and butters, I source by beeswax from a local beekeeper, I infuse oils myself with organic flowers, and i use essential oils (many of them organic) to scent my products; never artificial flavorings, parabens, flavor oils, or icky stuff like that..
How did you first get into making your amazing salves, balms and scrubs?
Well, it started by happenstance, really. I'm a teacher by trade, and currently dedicating myself to being a mama and a foster mama. But my two older sons have mild eczema, and three or four years ago I wanted to find a way to treat their skin without using chemicals or steroids. Plus I'm a closet hippie and I dislike going to the doctor for things I think I may be able to treat myself (which can be a problem, but that's a story for another interview). A friend told me about something called hard lotion, and so I set out to make it myself. I combined shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in the right amounts, rubbed it on my kids and HOORAY it healed the eczema flare ups and they could actually use it on themselves! I made some for a few friends whose kids had similar issues, and after a while an acquaintance asked "Do you sell your hard lotion?' So I answered "Uhhhh, Yes! Yes I do." And so the business began.
How do you balance motherhood and running a small business?
Bahahahahahahahaha!!!! (wipes tears of laughter)
Honestly I'm not sure I do balance it. It's a constant teeter totter. But my overarching goal is to be present in the moment: whether it's pouring lotion, making a meal, playing with the kids, doing homework, formulating a new product, and so on. But it can be a challenge to give myself permission to do that.
What is your favorite thing about owning a small business?
Creating products that nurture and improve skin. Hands down. I love that the work of my hands- something that I have made out of love (and often necessity)- is put into the world and *hopefully* improves another's life in some way. Skin problems can be very troubling, and I love hearing feedback from customers on how one of my products has helped them.
Your Summer Wardrobe is Here... l MAKE is featured in this article in a special collaboration with local Long Beach magazine LB Home + Living and our dear friend Rachel of Rachel Off Duty