Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Mendez.
Alyssa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Bare Skin Bare Beauty started in 2017 when I finally found skincare products that worked for me. I was dealing with hormonal and cystic acne at the time, and no products were helping my skin. I did some research and came across a product called African Black Soap. I ordered a bar, and my life was forever changed. My skin cleared up in as little as a month. Ever since that day, I knew I needed to share this with everyone I knew. I started working on finding a distributor who could sell me the soap in bulk. I knew I wanted to purchase my product from a family who made it. I decided to do this because I knew there are big corporations who do not follow fair trade guidelines. I ended up finding a family in Lagos Nigeria who could ship me shea butter and organic African Black Soap. I wanted to give everyone in the USA the opportunity to experience true organic skincare products.
Once I was able to get my distributor, the next step was finding packaging. I always told myself that one of my biggest goals was to reduce plastic packaging as much as possible. I found a company that creates food containers, cups, plates, etc. out of plant fibers. Because of this amazing company, I was able to package my bars of soap in biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging! Bare Skin Bare Beauty took a few years to get going. We finally launched September 1, 2019! We have accomplished so many goals as well; providing organic products at an affordable price, eco-friendly packaging, eco-friendly shipping materials, and getting positive feedback! We have had so many customers who have messaged us about how their skin has cleared up and has given them a confidence boost. That is exactly what we wanted from all of this. For people to experience what I personally experienced.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was definitely not easy getting started. It was very hard to find product, packaging, advertising, believers, etc. Any person who has a dream of starting a business should definitely go for it! My biggest piece of advice is do not quit when it gets hard, start small, use social media as much as possible, tell anyone and everyone about what you are doing, and always believe in yourself.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bare Skin Bare Beauty – what should we know?
Bare Skin Bare Beauty is an all natural and organic skincare brand! It is ran by a 22 years old Latina Woman whose goal is to help others with their skin and confidence. We offer a wide range of products for all skin types, and soon Pets as well! I am most proud of the amount of people we have helped! So many people who were dealing with acne no longer have to cover up when they go out. We have so many Bare Skin men and women showing off their skin now! What sets us apart is our packaging and our drive to want to help people. Starting this was never about how much we can make, it was always about how many people we could help along the way!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Create a business plan. What is your goal? Find your distributors. Have a support system!!!!! I am very lucky to have an extremely supportive family and fiancé. They have supported me like no other! If anyone mentions acne around them, they immediately start talking about my business. ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND KEEP GOING!!
Pricing:
- AFRICAN BLACK SOAP BAR $8
- 8oz WHIPPED SHEA BUTTER $10
- BUNDLE $25
Contact Info:
- Website: BareSkinBareBeauty.Com
- Email: Sales@BareSkinBareBeauty.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/BareSkinBareBeauty
- Twitter: Twitter.Com/BskinBbeauty
Image Credit:
Bare Skin Bare Beauty
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