Interview with: Vintage Body Spa

Who is Vintage Body Spa? Where are you located?
Vintage Body Spa handcrafts natural, paraben-free spa products using only the highest quality exotic butters and oils. We’re located in Louisville, Kentucky.


How did you come up with your business name?
I actually cannot take credit for this – I purchased the business in September 2007, and the previous owner chose the name. We’re continuing the tradition of blending classic style with a modern approach to skin care.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
It all fell into place one day while I was searching online for natural products to use on my infant daughter who had just been diagnosed with eczema. I came across Vintage Body Spa and saw that the business was for sale. I’d made bath and body products and soaps before as a hobby, and knew that natural products were much better than the mass-produced, chemical-filled products on the market. So I thought ‘the best way to know what is going onto (and into) her skin is to make it myself!’. From there, it led to ‘Ok, I could run this business as well, I’ve made these types of things before – why not do it to make a profit?’ So I didn’t take the traditional route of thinking about a specific type of business to start and went from there. But the way that everything fell into place so easily tells me that it was a Divine appointment. It blended a passion that I had (but hadn’t taken the time for since my daughter was born) and a practical need to fill to take care of my daughter’s skin along with an opportunity to contribute to the family income while staying at home with my daughter.


How did you get started?
First I dusted off my notes and formulas for products I’d make previously for myself and as gifts for family and friends. Then as I received the formulas to make Vintage Body Spa products, I started making tester batches of everything, experimenting with new scents, etc. Then it was a matter of getting the word out and promoting the business.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
My daughter, for so many different reasons: I want to make natural products that are safe and gentle for her sensitive skin. The eco-friendly approach to our products and the way our business is run will help to preserve the Earth for her children and grandchildren. Working at home allows me to put my family first while still reaching for my goals and contributing to the family income.

Being a mom motivates me to make products to help other moms take some time out for themselves – it can be difficult to do that, but it’s important to nurture yourself so that you can nurture your family. I want to make products that are indulgent, yet affordable.

I’m also really motivated to make Vintage Body Spa my own – to keep the business and products rooted in its history and celebrate the customers who’ve been there from the beginning but to also take it to the next level. We’ve recently updated our packaging and labels and are really excited about the polished, professional look. We’re increasing the number of wholesale accounts and have opened up a private label division as well. We also have a number of new products in the pipeline to be released in the next few months and are excited to be expanding our product line to offer even more products to ‘Indulge Your Body ™’.


Do you have a particular product that you are promoting on your site?
With Summer right around the corner, our products are great for putting the moisture back in your skin and making them ready for summertime fun. Two products especially great for preparing your feet for sandals are our Whipped Shea Butter and Butter Bar.


How do you advertise your business? Which methods have proven successful?
Promo swaps, sending samples for review, word of mouth, press releases, and local trunk shows.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
It can be difficult at times. I am blessed with an extremely supportive husband, and he helps quite a bit, whether it’s helping to cook dinner, clean the house, pack and ship orders or taking our daughter out for a few hours so I can make products, he’s willing to help out however he can. I typically get most of my work done at night after they’ve gone to bed so that I can spend time during the day focusing on my family.


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Follow your heart – don’t let fear hold you back from reaching for your dreams! Network, network, network! Being a WAHM doesn’t need to be a lonely, solitary existence. Find a business mentor and create goals to help keep you on track and evaluate the progress you’ve made.


Current promotions/specials at Vintage Body Spa:
I’m excited to offer a 10% discount to all WAHMSpot readers through the month of May – just enter WAHMSpot in the discount code box at checkout. This is a great way for you to not only save on our incredible products, but help out women in need as well. The entire month of May I’m partnering with Nest (www.buildanest.com) and a percentage of all Vintage Body Spa sales will go towards funding business microloans to help women in developing countries start their own businesses. So stop by today, pick up some great products for yourself or as a gift, and help out other women who also dream of being an entrepreneur!


Visit Vintage Body Spa at: www.vintagebodyspa.com