Debra Myers shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Debra, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
It may seem odd to anyone who sees the outward appearance, but I’ve been working on my self worth. My “self” is valuable and worth protecting. I do that by saying no to the things and people that I don’t align with. I wish I had done this sooner or earlier in my life, I would have saved a lot of money on therapy!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In the last two decades I’ve built 3 brands. I’m proud to say we started in my kitchen and have grown to an FDA registered manufacturing facility in The Woodlands, TX. We manufacture everything you need to relax in water. Bath Soaks, Bath Bombs, Soaps and now Shower Steamers. The 3 brands Enfusia, Muscle Rehab and Pure CBD, all have very unique customers and passions. We manufacture everything in house so as we’ve grown, we’ve had to be very strategic about what we say yes to.
Companies can grown themselves out of business and its a struggle but so far, we are still standing. One of the interesting things in our company is that I can still make every item we sell. If I need to jump into any team that needs help, they all appreciate the fact I know how to do the work.
A think so many bosses or leaders forget there is real work going on and some of it is not only physically difficult, it can be mentally challenging doing repetitive work also.
There is a level of mutual respect that comes from diving in and doing the work right alongside the team.
I’m not just barking out orders and walking off. That’s not how we roll around here!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Both of my parents taught me how to work. They modeled for my sister and I, you show up (on time), you do your job and you don’t complain about things that don’t matter.
I say all the time to young people, if you show up 4 days in a row on time with a great attitude, before long you will be the boss. I see this time and time again. Too many people complain about things that don’t matter and they call off work when its not important. Then when it is important you’ve already used all your good will (or PTO).
Make good choices, it will pay dividends in the future. Be the person that’s dependable!
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
We are in a products business and people always want something new. Its nearly impossible to keep coming up with new ideas and products. It takes resources away from keeping strong products in stock because you are tying up capital. My husband (our CFO) and the smartest person I know always says that we have to make hard decisions about what we are going to invest in or we won’t survive. Debra, it’s not YOU I’m pushing back on, it’s all these sku’s that don’t sell enough to justify the expense. Once you realize NOT everything has to match I.e. bath bomb, salt, soap, perfume, it gives you freedom to invest in the strong sellers and don’t die on a hill for nothing.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I personally believe the biggest lies in the industry are around pricing. They say the consumer won’t pay X or Y for a product if we use the best ingredients. The lie isn’t the cost, the lie is that the cheap ingredients actually cause harm. When I see little girls with urinary tract infections as early as age 2 from cheap sulfates and surfactants in children’s bubble bath and body wash, shouldn’t the industry say…let’s not do that. Lets find someplace else to cut costs that don’t impact the health of young children.
The beauty industry is ugly at it’s core mainly because its so price focused. It’s up to me to decide what I’m going to do with my brands. We don’t use sulfates, phthalates, dyes, FD&C Colorants even though it costs more not to do so. Ultimately I answer to my customers.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Everyone who knows me, knows I live my life for those who will be at my funeral. My hope is that each person there felt my love for them. I want to be remembered as the person who showed up without being asked. In fact, did I show up when you said I didn’t need to? Remember me for encouraging you to be your best self. Not comparing yourself to some social media person who isn’t authentic themselves. I also want to be remembered for giving the best hugs and being the person they could call for any reason at all.
If it was to celebrate, hallelujah, if it was a problem, lets solve it.
I want to be remembered as one of the few people they could count on. No questions asked!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.enfusia.com, www.musclerehab.biz
- Instagram: @musclerehabteam @enfusia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-myers-76676914
- Facebook: @enfusia @musclerehabteam
