Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Manning
Hi Pamela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started with a random video that popped up one day, showing how to make lotion. I thought, Why not give it a try? So, I made a batch, and to my surprise, my roommates loved it! One of them playfully coined the name “Pamalotion,” and it just stuck. It was catchy, fun, and it had my name in it—perfect!
From that moment, I was hooked. Making that first lotion opened up a whole new world for me—my own Pandora’s box. I became fascinated by the endless possibilities of creating my own formulations. I started learning about different plants, their healing properties, unique scents, and vibrant colors. The more I explored, the more I realized how powerful and exciting it was to work with these natural ingredients. It was like discovering a secret garden of knowledge, and I couldn’t get enough.
What began as a fun experiment turned into a passion for crafting skincare products that celebrate the beauty of nature. The journey has been an incredible blend of creativity, learning, and discovery—and it all started with a simple idea and a bottle of homemade lotion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, it’s been a pretty smooth road, but I definitely faced some challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles was my sensitivity to essential oils and strong scents. When I first started experimenting, I quickly realized that working with essential oils is a lot like handling medicine—you need the right “prescription” or formulation. If used improperly or in excess, essential oils can cause issues, much like taking the wrong dosage of medication. It took time, research, and plenty of trial and error to understand how to use them safely and effectively. Every plant has its own unique properties, and each essential oil can impact people differently. Learning to balance these elements was a crucial part of my journey.
Another challenge was finding my focus within the vast world of skincare. When I first dove into formulation, I wanted to do it all—soaps, bubble baths, bath bombs, body care, and skincare. I ended up creating over 300 different products! At one point, I had to ask myself, Are you crazy? I realized I needed to streamline my offerings and focus on a core product line. Deciding what to keep and what to let go of was tough, but it was an essential step in shaping the brand.
In hindsight, those challenges were also the most rewarding part of the journey. They pushed me to learn, adapt, and ultimately discover what Pamalotion would become. It’s been an incredible experience of growth and creativity, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When it comes to Pamalotion, what I’m most proud of is how the products have turned out and the incredible response they’ve received from customers. It’s been especially surprising and delightful to see that about 45% of my customers are men! This has been a unique aspect of Pamalotion’s journey—men discovering and loving the brand as much as women do. It shows that our products aren’t just skincare; they offer something more universal that appeals to everyone.
But what truly sets Pamalotion apart is the inspiration behind it. My past experiences, especially my love for music, have had a significant influence on the brand. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I’ve woven that into the essence of Pamalotion. It’s all about the vibes—the energy, the rhythm, and the feel-good moments that music brings. This is my secret ingredient, so to speak—a different approach to skincare that goes beyond the surface.
I’ve even created fun routines for customers to enjoy while using our products, helping them de-stress, relax, and find joy in self-care. It’s about making skincare a moment to savor, not just another step in your day. By infusing this playful, positive energy into the products, Pamalotion offers more than just lotion; it delivers an experience that feels good for both the skin and the soul.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that taking risks is an essential part of growth, both in business and in life. When I started Pamalotion, it was a leap into the unknown—I didn’t have a formal background in skincare formulation, but my curiosity and passion pushed me to explore it anyway. One of the biggest risks I took was deciding to expand beyond making lotion. I experimented with different products like soaps, scrubs, and serums, and at one point, I had over 300 formulations! It was a risk because I could have spread myself too thin, but it also gave me the chance to discover what worked best and refine my product line.
Another significant risk I took was in choosing how and where to sell Pamalotion. Instead of trying to get the products everywhere, I made the deliberate decision to position the brand in a more exclusive way. I wanted Pamalotion to feel special, not something you could just pick up anywhere. I’ve focused on placing it in select, more upscale stores where people know they’re buying a high-quality, unique product. It’s not about chasing every sale; it’s about creating a sense of rarity and value. This choice has set Pamalotion apart, and while it may limit exposure in the short term, it builds a stronger, more loyal customer base in the long run.
For me, risk-taking isn’t about being reckless; it’s about following your gut, embracing uncertainty, and staying true to your vision, even when it’s unconventional. It’s about having the courage to try new things, learn from the process, and keep moving forward. I see risks as opportunities for discovery, and they’ve been a big part of shaping Pamalotion into what it is today.
Pricing:
- Serum samples only $3.99
- Lotion Samples $1.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pamalotion.com
Image Credits
DigitalPam Photography, Pete Hopkins, Model, Pamela Manning Model
