Today we’d like to introduce you to Barb Diamond.
Hi Barb, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve experimented with making my own skincare products for a long time because I wasn’t happy with what I could find in stores. While I was pursuing my Chemistry degree at Meredith College, my classes included a lab analyzing ingredients of perfumes and a research project on cosmetic ingredients. I really enjoyed those projects! I decided to deepen my knowledge of cosmetics and earned a Master of Science in Cosmetic Science from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati. I launched my business, Allotrope Wellness, in 2021. While at Meredith College, I also discovered my love of teaching. In addition to running my business, I teach high school chemistry and environmental science.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At the beginning, I focused on selling at many local markets and slowly built my online presence. I eventually put more focus in selling online and wholesale. The transition was a bit of a struggle, but I have been building my customer base and sell through multiple platforms. I still do some local markets, just not as regular as I used to.
Another struggle is deciding on the right products to make. I’ve experimented over the years making different products and it’s always interesting learning what people like and don’t like. My most recent products have been bug repellents and since they are regulated through the EPA, not FDA like cosmetics, it took some time to learn the regulations and requirements for those products. I don’t think most people realize the research needed to formulate and sell some of their favorite products, luckily I love research!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Allotrope Wellness is a small batch, natural skincare and soap company. The mission at Allotrope Wellness is environmental sustainability and simple ingredients that benefit the skin and delight the senses. From our packaging to formulas, we take a minimalist approach. Ingredients are all-natural, plant-based, and mostly vegan other than products that contain beeswax or honey. Packaging is recyclable and we minimize the use of plastic.
We have customers that love our face oil because they find it performs better than other brands and has reduced their need for other facial products – it moisturizes, brightens, and removes makeup! We also have our soap customers who love to buy their favorite soaps, like ginger lemongrass, charcoal turmeric, and lavender oatmeal. I have to mention our bug repellents have been selling nonstop and I’ve been busy mixing up fresh batches. I love that I’ve been able to come up with an assortment of products where there is something for everyone.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone just starting out, be patient and research, research, research. Have a plan of what you want your mission to be and who your target customer is. Talk to your customers at markets to find out what they like and are looking for so you can get ideas of what to add to your product line.
It’s a big jump to go from making a couple sugar scrubs for yourself in your kitchen, to making batches in your own lab that are sold in stores, but it’s exciting! Also, not everyone is going to like your favorite products, and that’s ok. Let the journey be fun and educational.
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