Meet the maker: Lavender in Lavender Hill
Lavender in Lavender Hill products are high quality, health beneficial, all natural lavender body and food products. These special products were designed to have a social conscience while making you feel loved and pampered. All products contain essential lavender oil, leaves or flowers.
Their products are crafted with the highest quality natural and organic ingredients. They are free from petrochemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals. These products are not tested on animals, nor are any of our source products tested on animals. Marcell , the maker, tells us a little bit more about her journey.
Where did your journey with your business start?
After studying and graduating from BAS Bachelor in Architectural Science at UCT I decided to change my route and move to entrepreneurship. I have always wanted to own my own company. I am an extremely creative person and the business of doing business is an extremely creative process. I did a post graduate degree in Management in Entrepreneurship at UCT. This, combined with my compassionate heart and creativity, launched me into starting Lavender in Lavender Hill.
To sustain myself financially I managed an NPO in Lavender Hill for two years while starting businesses on the side. During this time I saw that there were many good people in the community and became aware of their struggles and need for assistance. Lavender in Lavender Hill was started specifically to improve the quality of life of the community members on a part time basis.
Two years later I left the NPO and started Lavender in Lavender Hill products. The products were created having the upliftment of the Lavender Hill community members in mind. This community is rife with gangs, drugs, crime and joblessness. As such, 15% of our net profit is also ploughed back into the Lavender Hill community through education sessions, skills training, donation of plants and business opportunity creation.
Where do you get your inspiration from for all your amazing designs and products?
Most South Africans are very aware of the poverty and suffering in many of our communities. Unfortunately the general public has had its fill of these problems and tend to not want to get involved. South African history and politics have contributed a lot to these attitudes. Lavender in Lavender Hill encourages involvement indirectly by producing lavender products for sale and by simply buying one or more of these products people get involved. From the purchase of these products funds are created to assist in relieving suffering and poverty.
Our products are also all natural. There is a large moving trend towards natural ingredient products due to the damages chemicals are causing in our bodies. I also have a huge love for animals and my two dogs Baloo and Maddie saved my life numerous times. I therefore have a strong stance against testing on animals and as such, our products are not tested on animals.
What has been the biggest obstacle you had to face?
When you are a one woman show, things can become extremely overwhelming. I am really good at being an entrepreneur and being creative, but I am not good at everything. My specific lacking areas are sales and bookkeeping. Doing everything is very difficult. I am now at the point where I cannot grow more unless I start outsourcing different sections of the company. As such I am starting to outsource my distribution and accounts management.
What does an ordinary day look like for you?
It really depends on the day but a range of things that happen including:
Lots and lots of emails
Communicating with suppliers and community based suppliers on product orders needed
Improving on our products and labeling
Packaging & delivering orders
Marketing
Finding and increasing sales opportunities and outlets
Education sessions in the Lavender Hill Community
Finding more community members to educate and train to produce products
Do you have any advice for aspiring designers and creatives?
Don't start anything if you are no completely passionate about it. Business can be difficult and the passion is what will keep you going. Choose your team wisely as your staff and team members can be your biggest downfall or asset.
Outsource things that you are not good at and don't be afraid to ask for help. We are all human, we all need help and emotional outlets. If it isn't fun anymore, stop doing it! Only if you are having fun will you be successful.
http://www.mzansistore.com/maker-meet-lavender-hill/
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