Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Bier.
Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in San Diego, CA with a multicultural Hispanic and Middle Eastern background, I was exposed to so many different smells, colors, spices, and ingredients that inspired me to find a creative outlet for all my ideas and experiences but just wasn’t sure where or how.
I had been struggling with cystic acne from a very young age and was getting frustrated with all of the products in stores that were marketed for acne that only made it worse! Looking for a way out of living with acne, I began experimenting making my own handmade and vegan body care when I was 16. I became obsessed! The process of mixing and making natural soaps and scrubs with different natural ingredients like seeds, clays, exfoliants, and essential oils allowed me to bring my creative juices to life. Day and night, I would stay up late non-stop researching the benefits of natural products and ingredients, the dangers of the harsh chemicals and detergents used in mainstream products, how to make new products, etc. That was when I knew I had found my calling: to create a natural, safe, handmade, cruelty-free, effective, fruity, and fun luxury line of body care with a tropical theme and vibe.
I furthered my skincare education by becoming a Licensed Esthetician to learn about each and every layer of the skin, skin conditions, skin analysis and cosmetic ingredients to accurately create safe and effective products for the public. I am also a certified Eyelash Extension tech which allows me to meet my clients one on one in my shop/salon where they can try out and purchase products after getting a fresh set of lashes!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely had its bumps, winds, and detours! I started my first handmade soap business at 18 and was selling my products at farmer’s markets on the regular. Once I noticed that not every market would bring in the same amount of customers or sales; even at times making just enough to pay my booth fee, I became discouraged. At the time, I was getting so stressed and sad about it that I had actually stopped my whole business to focus on studying business in college and working. After a few years had passed, I knew that I missed running my soap business, creating products, and seeing that happy smile on my customer’s faces. Taking that step to stop studying something I had been working towards for over two years was also a hard pill to swallow, however once I switched to studying esthetics instead, I knew it was the right move and had confidence that I could handle the business side regardless of the degree or license.
The main struggle I’ve had since starting up again is that I’m not someone who likes to ask for help, ever! I had the mentality of “it’s fine, I’m fine, I GOT THIS.” But the more I experienced stress and struggle the second time around doing business, I’ve learned that not only does it not hurt to ask for help, it’s actually very necessary in order to grow. Even if you think you’ve got it handled, it’s always good to get an outside perspective and see what else could be done better, faster, or more efficiently.
We’ve been impressed with Cocomango Beauty Bar, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
All Cocomango products are 100% Handmade, Natural, Vegan, SLS (Sulfate) Free, Paraben Free, Phathalate Free, and made with only the HIGHEST quality ingredients and additives that are safe for you and the environment. After years of researching and experimenting hand-making products, as a Licensed Esthetician, I believe that I’ve sourced top-quality ingredients and created recipes that have not only effectively helped to clear and maintain my own acne-prone skin but many of my customers, family, and friends have raved about their skin improving dramatically as well. Seeing how my products have helped improve struggles with acne, eczema, dryness, and redness is what keeps me passionate and motivated to keep spreading the word of Cocomango products to the world! The most important ingredient, however, is love! Each and every single product that is sold has been handmade in small batches, hand packaged, and triple-checked by yours truly (no factories, no robots) to ensure you receive only the most FRESH and highest quality body and skincare possible!
My top-selling products are my Whipped Scrubs and Soaps! My LEMONGRASS, CHARCOAL, and CITRUS Whipped Face + Body Scrubs and Soaps are made with only the purest essential oils and natural additives such as turmeric, kaolin clay, and charcoal for added benefits and color. On the other hand, my signature COCOMANGO, PASSIONFRUIT + GUAVA, PAPAYA NECTAR, and COFFEE Whipped Body Scrubs and Soaps are made with the highest quality cosmetic grade fragrance oils and natural additives such as coconut milk powder, blueberry seeds, fresh coffee grounds, and more to take your skin and senses to a tropical paradise!
Over five years of experience performing eyelash extension services and three major eyelash extension certification courses, you can rest assured that your eyelashes are in good hands when it comes to services! I have searched far and wide to find the highest quality vegan and cruelty-free lashes and glue, and always take my time to hand make each and every volume lash fan to be properly isolated and placed on each individual natural lash.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have a lot of amazing childhood memories, anywhere from going to the Sanrio (Hello Kitty) store and picking out a “grab bag” with my mom and sister, swimming with dolphins with my cousins in Mazatlan, taking gymnastics classes and practicing new flips around the house (mom hated that) and so many more. However, one memory that always stuck out to me was when my parents took me and my sister to La Bufadora, which is a blowhole and tourist attraction in Ensenada, Mexico. Although I was only maybe three years old when we went, I remembered it so vividly because my parents had bought me a beautifully carved juicy mango on a stick. Ever since that day, I never forgot that mango and have been truly obsessed with fruit ever since. Going to fruterías (fruit and juice shop) is like heaven to me seeing and smelling all the different fruits being chopped up into smoothies, juices, and fruit salads. My family told me that when I was little, I would even try to feed strawberries into everyone’s mouth! Combining my love of fruit and passion for creating natural products, I knew Cocomango Beauty Bar was the most fitting name and theme for my business!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.cocomangobeautybar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocomangobeautybar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocomangobeautybar/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cocomango-beauty-bar-corona
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/cocomangobeautybar
