Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Mayfield.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Courtney Mayfield. I am the founder and owner of Renew Rx, which is a self-care-inspired beauty and wellness brand that specializes in handcrafted and cruelty-free bath and body products. In addition to being certified in aromatherapy and being a self-care enthusiast, I am also an educator. That is how and why this journey started. In 2018, I started my career as a full-time 8th-grade teacher in Houston at the age of 20 years old. I was excited about the new experience and working with students in an official capacity for the first time. However, soon after I started, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I realized that my anxiety was out of control due to the unimaginable amounts of pressure I was under, in addition to the lack of discipline and lack of support at the school that I was teaching at. I continued to work while trying to find ways to manage my anxiety which included therapy. (Yes, I have a therapist! If you are struggling with your mental health, you should have one too. Therapy does not make you weak!)
In 2019, I reached my breaking point after having a full-blown anxiety attack on campus. This, along with several other incidents, led to my decision to resign from my first teaching assignment. Some of the most memorable incidents include being hit by students and being continuously threatened by students and parents. The situations were not handled correctly, and because of that, I no longer felt safe or supported. After concluding that I needed to focus on myself, my mental health, and my own self-care, I started creating bath and body products that aided in relaxation. I found that the only time I had time for myself or by myself throughout the day was when I was indulging in my routine. This includes skin, hair, nails, and of course, bath time. I created products and formulas that helped relax the mind and body simultaneously. While we have offered several scents, we are going back to the basics this Fall. Simple, quality ingredients infused with 100% pure essential oils that help relax the mind and body simultaneously. The goal of my business is not only to offer quality products that enhance the self-care experience but also to educate those who would not normally even consider their self-care and its importance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has been everything except easy. Because I resigned from my job, I was unemployed when I first started my business, and then the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Since I was certified in several beauty procedures, I planned to open a spa suite. However, once quarantine was in place, I knew that it was not wise to secure a space and open a storefront at that time. I decided to start an e-commerce business instead. I took a huge risk investing my savings into starting Renew Rx. I used the funds for my first branding package, website, inventory, packaging, and other essentials like taking care of all the legal requirements. Everything turned out better than I hoped. I knew I had to work hard and be persistent to ensure that my business grew and was a success.
When I first started making products, it was only for me. I did not care about the label or the jar. I only cared about the benefits that I was receiving from using the product. When I made my business a legal entity and started selling products to the public, I had to ensure that I was following the correct health and safety protocols while making products, testing formulas, acquiring quality bulk ingredients, labeling correctly, determining pricing and shipping rates, and so much more. There were several naysayers and non-supporters in the beginning, but it made me stronger and helped me realize the importance of knowing your target audience and believing in your brand.
We’ve been impressed with Renew RX, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Renew Rx is a self-care-inspired beauty and wellness brand that specializes in handcrafted and cruelty-free bath and body products. Renew Rx provides prescriptions for self-care. We use quality ingredients like unrefined shea butter, mango butter, nutrient-rich oils, and 100% pure essential oils in our products to ensure that they are safe and beneficial for our customers. Our products are made in small batches and most products have a shelf-life of 12 months.
Our collections started with stress-relief fragrances like Eucalyptus Aloe, Oatmeal Milk and Honey, and Lavender. Eventually, we added more fruity scents like Mango Papaya, Vanilla Buttercream, and Pina Colada. While those were a breath of fresh air and perfect for summer, we are excited to introduce our Back to Basics Collection on August 27, 2021, at 9 am. Now, this collection is far from basic. The ingredients are natural and simple, but the benefits are out of this world. This collection will include our new Aromatherapy infused products which will be blended with Lavender, Peppermint, and even Sweet Orange essential oils. Skin-loving oils like Grapeseed oil are used to ensure that the skin stays hydrated and that the essential oils are diluted properly. Our wellness site also offers legal Delta 8 and CBD gummies and lollipops to help reduce stress and anxiety while helping you get a great night’s sleep. Renew Rx understands that everyone’s self-care needs are different, so we pride ourselves on staying up to date with new and beneficial research and products.
After a year in business, we are launching Renew Rx Academy on August 30th. Our customers and even other business owners will be able to take virtual classes that cover how to make your own self-care products or how to start a self-care-inspired beauty and wellness business. We will cover how to make body butters, body scrubs, yoni products, and even aromatherapy products like inhalers and roll-ons. In the future, we plan to add more courses, including body sculpting, yoni steam, and even foot detox and body wraps. In 2021, Renew Rx has committed to help start at least 50 self-care-inspired businesses, and one way we plan to accomplish this is through education.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
So many people deserve credit. First, GOD. Everthing that I do and everything that I have, including Renew Rx, is rooted in faith and prayer. I don’t make a move without consulting him first. Before I quit that horrible job, after I quit that horrible job, starting this business, he has protected me and ensured my safety and prosperity at every turn. Next would have to be my family. We are a close-knit group of loving and passionate people. My parents support every dream and listen to every concern. My siblings keep me on track and encourage me to think outside the box. My family’s support and honesty throughout this process have kept me motivated and not allowed me to stray to fit into other people’s boxes but stay in my lane and create my own. I am not your typical entrepreneur that will do anything for a quick buck. I am looking for results for my customers, longevity, and generational wealth for my family and others.
This business is just the start for me and so many other people. My friends have also been supportive in more ways than one. They have spread the word, participated in photoshoots, and are loyal customers that provide honest feedback. This is helpful because the last thing you need as a business owner is a large group of yes men. I have several business coaches and mentors that hold me accountable and drop constant gems and knowledge that continue to help me and my business evolve. Lastly, my customers. My customers do not only support me by shopping, but they share their stories and experiences. As an anxiety warrior, I know the importance of feeling heard and having solutions. Hearing that they had a better night’s sleep, their skin is no longer dry and itchy, or even that the texture of their skin has improved makes every obstacle worth it.
Pricing:
- Replenish Body Butter- $18.95
- Revive Body Scrub- $16.95
- Aromatherapy Inhalers- $10
- Aromatherapy Roll-Ons- $12
- Pink Infinity Bath Soak- $15.95
Contact Info:
- Email: info@renewrxco.com
- Website: www.renewrxco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therenewrxco/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therenewrxco/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/therenewrxco
- Other: https://in.pinterest.com/therenewrxco/
Image Credits
Photographer is Christa Elyce of Houston Studio Inc.
