Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Crystal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve struggled with dry skin for most of my life. No matter which products I used, dry skin remained the result. In 2011, I was officially diagnosed with dermatitis, commonly known as Eczema. After growing tired of using prescription creams loaded with steroids, I decided to create my own natural solution.
For two years, I tested countless recipes until I finally developed a body balm, with a combination of natural ingredients, that successfully calmed and moisturized my dry, itchy skin. In 2014, I shared my balm with family and friends and I launched into business full-time in 2017.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road as an entrepreneur and indie beauty brand has been an incredible ride, mostly because it did not happen at all according to plan. My original plan was to slowly build the business and brand over time, make everything perfect and then, retire from corporate life.
Instead, after working for nearly 15 years as a PR generalist in the healthcare industry, I was thrust into my beauty biz full-time due to a corporate re-org. I did not feel ready, but I had to be ready. I only had one product that sold and a dream. Today, after three years and a great deal of hard work as a self-taught businesswoman, I have a thriving beauty line with more 20 products and retail partners throughout the US.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Balm Shop & Co. – what should we know?
The Balm Shop & Co. is an Indie-beauty company with humanitarian heart. Our mission is to create clean and conscious skincare products that promote whole beauty and encourages individuals to pamper themselves daily. Our roots stem from the simple, yet profound premise that the Earth contains everything needed to obtain and maintain healthy, beautiful skin. There are three core values that round out our clean and conscious beauty philosophy: 1) Our promise to keep our products naturally free of harmful chemicals, parabens, paraffins and to also remain cruelty-free. 2) Our commitment to the use of low-waste packaging and minimal plastic to protect the environment, and 3) Our pledge to care for our community through the L.O.V.E. Works project, which has been able to provide general and feminine hygiene supplies to help prevent the spread of disease.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest cheerleaders are my family, especially my mom and dad. My good friends who are always ready to try out my new creations before they hit the market and my BFF, Aja Harris for encouraging me to be more active on social media. They are such a wonderful support system. I am also extremely thankful to Yumiko Whitaker, owner of Hummingbird PR. She is a true Godsend who has helped me brave the marketplace, secured my first news stories, and taught me the importance of the personal touch. She has indeed been an incredible mentor through the years, for which I am very grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebalmshopco.com/
- Phone: 424-265-2256
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebalmshopco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebalmshopco
Image Credit:
Darren Williams on headshot. Crystal Williams on product photos.
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