Discover the inner workings of Eliobe‘s triumph as we bring you an exclusive interview. Gain a unique perspective on the secrets fueling their success and immerse yourself in the ever-changing realm of online entrepreneurship.
1. Can you introduce yourself and Eliobe?
My name is Jen Griffith. I live in Echo Park in Los Angeles with my husband Travis and 11 month old daughter Beatrice. I run a small lotion-making business named Eliobe which I operate right out of our home.
2. How was Eliobe born? How did you start?
For most of my adult life, I have worked in sustainable agriculture, growing vegetables and raising livestock. Working outside in the sun all day really did a number on my skin but I could not find a skin cream I felt good about using. I worked so hard to grow high-quality, natural, non-toxic food and so I wanted to put the same quality of product on my skin. I started to apply my food motto of “only eat ingredients you understand and can pronounce” to my body products. All the high quality, natural products were out of my price range. So I started buying oils and beeswax and making my own. I was so happy with the product, I gave it away as gifts to fellow farmers and friends. Soon, people started emailing me asking if they could buy Eliobe anywhere, and so I started selling to friends. Along the way, I developed a few wholesale accounts, and that’s when the business was really born.
3. What makes Eliobe different? Can you explain your products with details?
Eliobe is made from just waters, oils, and beeswax. Any of the ingredients I use to make the lotion I would feel fine with putting in my mouth (lavender oil very very sparingly, of course). The simple ingredients create a very natural product that is non-toxic, good for the environment, and easy on the skin. It is a thicker lotion that can be used on the face, body and hands.
One of my goals has always been to keep Eliobe affordable. I work hard to source in bulk and work efficiently to keep prices down. Compared to similar products, Eliobe is quite affordable. I believe everyone has the right to clean body products!
4. What reactions do you get from your clients? Do they love your products?
This business has really been pushed forward by clients. I never set out to create a lotion business. But demand for the product is what drove the creation of Eliobe. When I get an email from a customer telling me the lotion has made their eczema go away or soothed a sunburn or healed my farmer-friends’ cracked hands, I feel so good. Customers who have sensitive skin and cannot use most products have sent me a note, letting me know how gentle the lotion has been.
My most surprising feedback has come from all of the parents and grandparents out there buying Eliobe for their little ones. Customers have had success getting rid of diaper rash and other rashes that babies get. Caretakers feel safe putting such a simple products on their baby’s skin. I feel proud to say in her first year of life, my daughter Beatrice has never had a diaper rash with regular application of her mama’s lotion.
5. What are the advantages of Eliobe?
Eliobe is a clean, simple, affordable, natural body product that is safe for both humans and for the environment. It works well at soothing skin of all ages from newborns to seniors. I am trying my hardest to grow a business that leaves a small footprint on our planet. I keep our packaging simple, and any plastics that are used in shipping have been upcycled.
During this time of Covid, we are all doing a lot of hand washing. It is great to treat yourself to a nice lotion right now for those hard-working hands!
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