Today we’d like to introduce you to Candyce Abbott.
Hi Candyce, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Love Bug Luv Products LLC was created in the Spring of 2021. The idea started early 2020 when I was a restaurant general manager and the pandemic forced my restaurant to close. I began to really think about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, what was my legacy, what was I leaving for my children and what was the mark I was leaving on the world. I wanted to start a business, so I chose the skincare industry because I had found that finding affordable, all-natural skincare was almost impossible. I longed for the thing I needed most which was self-care. Working in a restaurant is very mentally and physically challenging and many of the workers do not take the time to really engage in a self-care regimen; myself included.
My mother has always explained that the way to a healthy life starts with self-care and my grandmother was a massage therapist and taught me the many health benefits of essential oils. This is why the focus of my company is on self-care and includes the many benefits of essential oils. The company name was the easiest part, my mother calls me “Love Bug” and I call my children “Love Bugs”. The “LUV” was my way of saying “love yourself, love bug”. I want my company to be relatable and approachable and Love Bug is a very common name of endearment among families. We are a family-based company, so the name was perfect. I reached out to one of my previous bartenders, Lydia Low (a local Artists, as well as an outstanding bartender) to help me design my unique logo.
As I began studying and formatting my ingredient lists and learning the basics of skincare, I was approached by some of my early buyers stating that my soap was helping with their skin complications, such as eczema. With the desire to help others as my focal point, I shifted towards including even more natural products by contributing plant-based additives that would infuse your skin with vitamins and minerals like spinach, beets, clays, activated charcoal, turmeric and more. My company is vegan friendly and performs absolutely no testing on animals. There are so many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and minerals that can be utilized instead. We as a company believe that there isn’t a need to include animal products to achieve amazing skincare.
Starting with only Soap and Clay Facial Masques, I have grown to a full skincare line in a little under 2 years. I am continually growing. My company is all-inclusive as we believe everyone deserves self-care and healthy skin.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I did have a few challenges to overcome. First, I learned that not all essential oils are created equal. I spent many hours searching for reputable vegan vendors, top quality essential oils and dependable companies that were in line with the beliefs of my Love Bug Luv company. Secondly, I searched every essential oil in detail to verify that they would not be harmful when applied to the skin. Thirdly, finding a solid core line of scents and products was challenging. I educated myself about the skincare industry, and through trial and error, I learned which products were desired and which were not. This is an ever-changing industry and we have to evolve each season with it. Fourthly, I am continually learning how to adjust to growth and when to upgrade my equipment to fit my growth. The last challenge has been expanding a growing company while being a mom, wife, and full-time veterinarian technician.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After finishing high school, I went into Culinary Arts. I graduated from Le Corden Bleu in 2008 and I became a Specialty Chef for many restaurants. I moved to Texas from California in 2010 and grew into management positions. My love for food evolved into a love of supporting my employees. I was known for being caring, uplifting, and dedicated to my staff. I loved hiring a first-time restaurant employee and watching them bloom into a management role. This was when I realized that I wanted to change lives. When I stated my business. I had so much support from my manager, coworkers, and employees as I transitioned to a new industry. The cook in me will always be there, I always receive comments that my skincare line looks good enough to eat.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would tell anyone that is looking for a mentor or looking for places to network, the first thing you have to do is get out there and show your craft. I found most of my support and networking through crafting events and farmers markets. Working with reputable companies that are local in your area will place you around so many like-minded individuals that are willing to help you along your journey. The crafting world has some of the most uplifting, motivating, and supportive people that I have ever met.
Pricing:
- Soap Bars $10
- Body Creams $20
- Body Scrubs $15
- Soy Coconut Candles $20
- Detox Facial Scrub $18 … and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lovebugluv.com
- Instagram: @lovebugluv_products
- Facebook: @lovebugluv
- Twitter: @lovebugluv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKFgwDPsBp8K5wh4VR4z3Q
Image Credits
Dawn Thorton
