Who is Facial Care Boutique? Where are you located?
My name is Karley Ziegler Mott, and I am the "kzm Facial Care Boutique", an internet-based business. My hubby and I have been together for 11 years and we have two adorable boys. I am located in Irondequoit, NY, which is a few short miles from Rochester right up by Lake Ontario.
How did you come up with your business name?
In June 2007, I closed Flour City Bakery, which was a busy bath, body, and candle shop with an emphasis on bakery-inspired scents. I wanted to test out a little facial shop on Etsy, still have FCB as a possible acronym, and have "boutique" in the name. Since I was offering facial care, it was a natural choice. I just added my initials in front, and that's house I chose kzm Facial Care Boutique.
When and why did you decide to start your own business?
When I was in my early 20s, I had a very tiny business called Karley's Gourmet Skin Care. I offered less than 5 scents, and it was solely a word of mouth business. It was truly just a hobby. Making things is relaxing for me, and once my kids were born, that hobby was gone. I simply had no time.
My father died in 2005 while I was pregnant with my youngest. He always LOVED what he did. He told me to always make sure that no matter what I did to use my talents and actually enjoy going to work and I would be happy. It was a combination of his motivation, my husband's support, and my own unhappiness with what was being offered in retail shops that ultimately resulted in my decision. Once my baby was walking and I was sleeping better, I decided to take the plunge and I opened my first online shop the summer of 2006.
Once it all became too much for one person, I had to decide what one niche I wanted to specialize in. It took a while, but being that I spent over a third of my life in the cosmetics and skin care industry (as a makeup artist, aesthetician and in management), it was a natural choice for me to do the facial care. My shop kzm Facial Care Boutique celebrated its official grand opening on April 4th of this year.
How did you get started?
I am a very self-motivated person. I spend as much time researching ingredients as I do formulating my line. I have always been intrigued by ingredients, how they work together, fragrances, skin composition, and more. I learned a great deal while I was working in the cosmetics field. I was always asking questions, though. I wanted to know HOW a product would work (or not) so I could thoroughly explain it to my customers. I remember pulling out a $24 toner for a client with sensitive skin and just said, "You know what, mix together some witch hazel distillate, green tea, rosewater and aloe juice. You'll spend half the cost of this toner in my hand and have enough to make your own for months and months."
Expensive doesn't mean better when it comes to skincare and cosmetics, and as someone who made my own facial items for a very long time, I decided to create a line, which is all-natural or at nearly all-natural (my moisturizer contains a paraben-free preservative), has the benefits of aromatherapy, and doesn't cost a fortune.
I asked for my husband's support in this dream of mine, and without a doubt he has been there.
What motivates you to keep your business going?
I love what I do. It is as simple as that. I enjoy talking with my customers. I give them individual attention. I want them to feel as if I am standing beside them in a brick and mortar boutique offering them skin care advice. I believe in what I make and in what I sell.
I want my children to know that they are number 1. My husband and kids are #1 in my life, and it is possible to achieve your dreams and do what you enjoy without being gone 60 hours a week. It takes hard work and discipline, but it can be done!
Do you have a particular product that's unique and a best seller on your site?
My number one selling product is my Vitamin E & Carrot Seed Eye Serum. It is unique because it is in a roll-on container and you gently glide on just enough under the eyes. It is so gentle, 100% natural, and ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes. I sell at least one a day of this.
How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective? I rely greatly on word of mouth. I sell a great deal locally. I love my local customers because I am actually able to meet them face to face and deliver them, allowing that extra personal customer service experience. I am also part of Indie Public and Marmalade Pink, two great forums for independent businesses. Being featured in Wickedly Chic magazine, and having a product raved about in Canvas, a green living magazine, have both helped me. I talk to people. My customers indirectly advertise as well. When they're asked what they use that makes their skin look good, they tell them. Referrals are big online. I believe that networking is important as well. I also blog.
How do you juggle family and work at home?
This was the hardest thing to do. I have a rule I refuse to break. The only work I do during the day since my sons are so little (Nicholas will be 5 in September and begin kindergarten; Benjamin will be 3 at the end of June) is answer emails. I set a timer. Emails and other computer-related stuff needs to be done before the timer goes off, or else I have to finish it later.
I make my products a couple nights a week. My husband does most of my mailing for me at night. It can be hectic at times, but it works for us.
What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Advice: Estimate how many hours you think your business will take each week and then double it. Life happens. Your kids need you. There will be interruptions. Kids will get colds. You'll have one of those days when you cannot get anything done. Plan on spending more time than you envisioned.
Also, plan on it costing 2 to 3 times for than you estimate your business costing you. It will cost more. You will save money by not driving to the office, but if you have supplies delivered, costs are increasing due to the gas prices in terms of delivery.
Stay business-minded. People think because you work from home that you can sit in your pjs daily. This is such a myth! I get made up and dressed every morning. If you own a business, you are your best method of advertising. When you're at the grocery store, the bank, the post office, the mall, you are your own marketing firm. You need to be in the working frame of mind when you are working. Even in the day when I am out with the boys, I have a chance to promote my business and my products. You have to mix aggressiveness with kindess and being true to yourself as a WAHM.
Most importantly, remember what WAHM stands for. The M is for MOM, and you have to put your children first always. Life is fleeting and kids grow up way too fast. If you are lucky enough to be able to stay at home and work AND be with your kids, it is a true gift. Cherish it--and make your kids your 1st priority.
Current promotions/specials at kzm Facial Care Boutique:
Receive a FREE 1 ounce Goat's Milk Face Cream with any purchase. Enter WAHM spot in the checkout comments to receive this offer through August 31st, 2008.Valid both onsite and Etsy.
Anything else you'd like to add about Facial Care Boutique or about being a WAHM in general?
I believe my products are truly unique. They are also safe and have the highest quality of ingredients. My business is approved by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and is free of nasty chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and more. We have enough to worry about with the environment, potential toxins, etc. without having to worry that we're putting something classified as a pesticide on our skin. I don't want to panic if the boys or the dog get one of my products on their skin that it could harm them. No one should have to worry about that.
Visit kzm Facial Care Boutique at: www.facialcareboutique.com/ and www.facialcareboutique.etsy.com. Beginning June 1st, I will be on eCrater and Etsy exclusively.
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