The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Running a business is one big challenge. Luckily, I had experience of getting a business off the ground with my husband so had that experience to fall back on. My challenges are entering a big market, but if I think about that too long, I’d never do it. My goal is to get a good product into the hands of those that need it. All the time I’m focused on that, I can overcome everything else. My second challenge was brushing myself off and having the confidence to give this a go after many failed start-ups. When you push hard and don’t get anywhere, it does sting a little. Ironically, SOS balm had been there the whole time I dabbled in other ventures, but I ignored it because my confidence levels around presenting something to the world that I had created were incredibly low. Ultimately, my biggest challenge was overcoming myself. It’s a bit cliché but it never fails to astonish me that a change in focus and choice can turn things around completely.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are always being in full control of decisions and your vision, and sneaking off for an afternoon when you can – oh, and not having to book annual leave! Self-employment was my only choice for a while as I was incredibly ill after my daughter was born and have several chronic conditions. There was no way I could hold down a 9-5 so running a business gave me the flexibility required when I really needed it. That said, there’s no sick pay, benefits, holiday pay, etc., and if the business is having a hard time, your pay packet has a hard time too. In a way, the no sick pay forced me to battle hard to get back on track health wise, knowing there was no fallback, but like I mentioned, it’s a constant battle to push to succeed and not push past my limits.
The cons are that it is stressful! When it’s good, it’s great, but when it’s not, it is really challenging. With a fluctuating economy, it’s a testing time. In our other business, we have been through a rollercoaster this year and many times we have considered quitting it all, but every time we find the strength to pick ourselves up and carry on. You learn a lot about yourself too. You dig deep for tenacity, resilience, adaptability and multiple skills with every challenge the business throws at you. Often, I think, ‘I’ll go and work for someone else then I can just close the door every night and forget about it’, but with all that considered, I still wouldn’t change it, and taking on an exciting launch like SOS balm just gives me a spring back in my step!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My dreams are to walk into high street pharmacies, health shops and supermarkets and see SOS balm right up there next to the well-known names. I want SOS balm to be a natural go-to as a nappy balm and family favourite for every rash, bump, graze, cut or burn. I want SOS balm to continue to help as many eczema and psoriasis flares as possible, bringing relief and soothing skin across the UK and eventually the rest of the world. I want to be part of the movement away from everyday products being laden with chemicals and toxins that are a burden to our bodies and environment. I hope to get SOS balm accredited by the eczema association in the near future and also have it certified as a ‘free from’ and Vegan Society product. My dreams will be fulfilled when it becomes a staple in people’s bathroom cabinets.
Visit the SOS balm website to find out more, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.
