Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Broussard.
Hi Danielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started making body butter in July of 2019. I worked as a mail carrier for about eight years when I finally realized that’s not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Here in Houston, working for the postal service is considered a “big deal.” When I told a few close friends I wanted to start my own business and eventually leave the post office, they looked at me like I had gone crazy.
I had to decide at that moment that I wouldn’t let other people’s opinions stop me from pursuing my dreams. Once I decided to do it, I had to find something to do. One day my husband came across this Instagram page and sent it to me. It had a list of businesses to start and how to get started. I went through the list, and I felt like I could make body butter, and the rest was history.
I started my small business with nothing but prayer and an IG post. I’m thrilled that I stepped out on faith and went for what I wanted. My business is doing well and still expanding. When I started my business, I only made body butter and recently expanded to body sprays, scrubs with soaps coming soon. I’m so blessed to be where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to being a small business owner has not always been easy. When I first started, I had a tough time with my body butter melting during shipping. My body butter consistently melting was a brutal setback because I was starting out and already losing money. I almost gave up on my business, but I would often wonder how can I stop this body butter from melting. I had to do a lot of research and go thru many trials and errors before coming up with a formula that could sustain this Houston Heat. Once I was able to figure it out, I was so happy that I kept moving forward.
Going through that experience prepared me for the one I’m going through now. My business Instagram page was recently hacked, so I feel like I had to start all over since Instagram is where I started. Starting over is hard for me because most of my business comes from Instagram. I have since created a new page, and some of my followers have come over to my new page, but I know a lot of them I won’t get back.
I try to find the positive in every situation, so even though my page was hacked, it gave me a chance to rebrand. I am using the past two years’ knowledge to create a better shopping experience for my new and returning customers. Now I look at every setback as a setup to make my business better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Most people know us from our body butter. My body butter was created to leave your skin feeling smooth and free of lines. We have multiple fragrances that smell and feel amazing. Body butter has so many health benefits for your skin. It doesn’t leave a greasy residue once applied. It is a hydrant to feed and nourish the skin. Once applied, it seeps in to form a protective barrier over the skin. This protective barrier helps to lock in moisture and protects the skin from harmful bacteria and UV radiation damage.
My body butter keeps your skin cells tight, helping with the appearance of wounds and scars. I have recently added all-natural body mist and body scrubs to my collection as well. We have a variety of body scrubs for cracked feet to dehydrated skin. We pride ourselves on exceptional quality, from mixing enriched oils to the final product, packaging, and labeling. Our attention to detail is second to none, and I believe this sets us apart from others in the industry.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The most valuable advice I can give to someone just starting is not focusing on who’s not supporting you. When you first start a business, you automatically assume everyone you know is going to support you. While this could be amazing, most of your supporters will be from people all over the world who have no idea who you are but love what you do.
Just keep going, keep promoting, and keep producing. I would also say please don’t worry about the likes, comments, or shares. Just because you don’t see engagement with your post does not mean no one is watching. Keep perfecting your products; the Likes, Shares, Comments, and Customers will come.
Pricing:
- Body Scrubs $8.00
- Body Butters $15.00 – 20.00
- Body Mist $10.00
Contact Info:
- Email: cocomelaninmousse@gmail/com
- Website: www.moussemecoco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/moussemecoco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CocosMelaninEmpire
- Address: Coco’s Melanin Empire Po Box 90292 Houston, Texas 77290
Image Credits:
Danielle Brousssard
Navodney Broussard
