From Baby Steps to Big Wins: Crafting Tiny Human Skincare
Embarking on my entrepreneurship journey during an unforeseen global pandemic was a challenge. I recall the sleepless nights and moments of self-doubt, but I also remember the thrill of each small victory.
As COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the world, my son faced the daily battle of living with eczema and autism. Each day, for eight long hours, he donned a mask while undergoing therapy. As a mother, I couldn’t bear for him to sacrifice his physical health at the expense of his mental well-being. As a licensed aesthetician, I had a pivotal realization: skincare isn’t a luxury to be explored in puberty—it’s a necessity that should begin at birth. But as I scanned the shelves, I found nothing gentle enough for my little one to use independently. I decided to find a solution.
Deciphering the complexities of creating a viable product was not a solitary quest—assistance came from a few prestigious programs. Target's "Building Blocks for Better Products," in partnership with Novi Connect, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Chem Forward, played a crucial role in shaping my formulation philosophies and grounding my scaling ambitions in reality. Here, I evolved—recognizing that careful planning and patience are key to sustainability and growth. As I began formulation, I unearthed some jarring statistics and numbers. Did you know skincare ingredients and packaging could contain chemicals that genetically alter and affect a child's development? When rinsed off in the skin, those chemicals contaminate our water and land, affecting animals and food sources. Clean and natural products are more than just skincare; it’s environmental and social justice!
April 2022 was a milestone, as Tiny Human Skincare was embraced by Goldman Sachs’ One Million Businesses Strong program and Operation Hope. This acceptance provided us with an impressive network to tap into, including mentors, potential investors, and other entrepreneurs. With this support, my once-kitchen-based operation was ready to take significant strides forward to seeing the hands of patrons we affectionately call Glow Guardians. It took 2 years to find a factory and ingredient sources willing to adhere to our stringent chemical management protocol. And to be honest, I didn’t mind the wait. It was crucial to get everything right the first time. My goal was to give our consumers confidence in their purchases and foster optimism toward investing in the company’s future growth. The only way to ensure this was by owning the formulation ourselves.
Financial empowerment enabled us to hire a chemist and establish a dedicated manufacturing pipeline by December 2022. This was not merely growth but a testament to the unyielding faith in my vision and the power of the right alliances. The value of these alliances cannot be overstated, as they have been instrumental in our journey, demonstrating the power of collaboration and partnership in achieving our goals.
With over 1,000 orders later, I can reflect. Each challenge became a stepping stone throughout this journey, shaping my story as an entrepreneur and a life coach. It taught me invaluable lessons: the importance of informed decisions, the art of asking the right questions, and the wisdom of learning from every misstep. But most importantly, it showed me the power of personal growth and how it can transform not just your business, but your entire life.
In 2024, I realized that Tiny Human Skincare is more than a business venture; it epitomizes my dedication to nurturing dreams, upholding values, and inspiring resilience. As I reflect on this journey, I embrace the future with humility and excitement, eager to empower others in their dreams. My story, like many, is a testament that from the hardest of times, we have the power to create something beautiful, impactful, and enduring.