At Wild Bluebell Homestead Blog, we cherish the talent and creativity of our local business owners and crafters. By shining a spotlight on these gems, we not only support their endeavors but also foster a close-knit community spirit. Today, we dive deep into the world of AloeTerra, a thriving home-based business, and discover the passion that drives its founders, Michelle McKinnon and Phil Smith.
Let’s find out more about this wonderful enterprise:
Who are you, where do you live and what do you like about operating your home business?
We are Michelle McKinnon and Phil Smith, founders of AloeTerra, located in Langley British Columbia Canada. Operating our home business allows us the freedom to set our own pace, work flexible hours, and spend quality time with our family. This autonomy fuels our creativity and innovation, enabling us to explore new horizons.
How did you get started with your company and what are some useful tips for those who want to get started?
Our journey began with a small purchase of soap supplies and months of research. We learned that self-care is a continuous learning process. A valuable tip we’d offer is to seek inspiration from various sources that align with your vision. Crafting unique recipes and staying committed to learning have been key for us.
What are the products that you offer and where can people buy them?
We offer a diverse range of products, including lip balms, lip glosses, lip oils, bar soaps, whipped soap, shampoo bars, bath fizzies, candles, and more. You can find our products at makers/farmers markets, on our website for online purchases, and through Facebook Messenger or Instagram for local pick-up options.
What are the benefits of working with you and buying your crafts?
Working with AloeTerra means you’re supporting a boutique business that crafts products in small batches with love and attention to detail. Our products are infused with the skin-healing properties of hemp seed oil and aloe vera extract, setting them apart from mass-produced alternatives.
How are they different from other soaps and self-care products that people might be buying?
What sets us apart is our commitment to crafting in small batches and our use of hemp seed oil and aloe vera extract. These elements provide remarkable skin-healing properties. Our products are made with love and authenticity, offering a unique experience compared to mass-produced alternatives.
What are they made of?
Our products are crafted with a blend of natural ingredients. Our body butter base consists of shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado butter, while our candle base is a combination of coconut, soy, and beeswax.
What are the benefits of operating a small business for yourself and/or your family?
Operating a small business allows us to set our own schedule, prioritize family time, and infuse our brand with authenticity. It fosters creativity and innovation, enabling us to create products with a personal touch.
Who are some other people, craft businesses, or designers who inspire you to get better and try new things?
We draw inspiration from accomplished vloggers and small business champions like TaraLee Skincare, Soap and Clay, and Quench Bear. Their guides and insights have been invaluable to our journey.
What is the one main life lesson that running your own business has taught you about yourself?
Running our own business has taught us the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. The journey of self-care is ongoing, and embracing new ideas and perspectives is crucial for growth.
Outside of your business, what do you get up to for fun in your personal time?
Outside of business, we enjoy activities that connect us with nature, such as hikes, geocaching, and disc golf. Indoor pastimes like painting, clay modeling, board games, and movie nights also bring us joy.
Lastly, is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your home-based business?
We take immense pride in the unique and authentic nature of AloeTerra. Our commitment to crafting products with love, natural goodness, and healing properties sets us apart. We’re grateful to our customers for their support and invite everyone to experience the blend of nature’s healing and handcrafted care with AloeTerra.
Nurturing Connections Through Crafting
AloeTerra stands as a testament to the power of passion and the joy of crafting. Here at Wild Bluebell Homestead Blog, we’re dedicated to celebrating businesses like these that not only offer unique products but also strengthen our community bonds. Let’s continue to encourage, support, and uplift each other as we create deeper connections with one another.