We had the good fortune of connecting with Beckah Jackman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Beckah, how have you been keeping yourself busy during quarantine?
In such a grim, unprecedented time thinking of the positives felt somewhat dismissive of the losses of individuals, families, and businesses, including my own. However, I felt it was the question I needed to really dig deep to remind me of the silver linings life has to offer. As a business owner, this quarantine has halted most wholesale orders and reduced retail orders. Yet, it has been amazing to witness what a support community we have when it comes to helping small business whether it be a shout out on social media or a purchase from my store. In March I had several friends and family members ask if we could produce hand sanitizer since at the time it was nowhere to be found in stores. It was a great feeling to be able to work hard to make that happen, while at the same time keeping the price approachable and filling a need in the market. I personally hand wrote little thank you notes to everyone who had ordered and was just overwhelmed with the amount of love that both friends and customers have shown. So businesswise my favorite thing has been connecting on a more personal level with my customers and stockists. On a personal level my favorite thing to do during quarantine has been getting outside (while social distancing and following local guidelines)! Whether it be riding my bike on the Santa Ana River Trail, hiking in Asuza, or summiting Mt. Baldy it has been amazing to take the time to reconnect with nature. While out and about it has been even more incredible to see how many families, couples, and individuals are also doing the same. People who before maybe couldn’t find the time to enjoy their local trails and neighborhoods are getting outside, going for walks, and overall, just enjoying the little things and each other. So, what is my favorite thing about quarantine? The little things; the sunshine, the deep breaths of fresh air, and the smiles (even if they are hidden under masks).
What should our readers know about your business?
Birchrose + Co was born in my Fullerton, Ca kitchen in early 2014 out of my passion for creating effective, truly natural products with recognizable ingredients that still appealed to my admiration for all things minimal and chic. By day I was a Marketing Manager for a commercial printer, by night I was working away in my kitchen developing products that were formulated as a result of experimentation with different organic textures, vibrant colors, unique aromas, and the way the earth’s elements interact with each other to nourish and heal the skin. I first launched my products in the summer of 2014 at the Anaheim Packing District farmers market on Sundays. Being able to launch the brand this way was priceless, having that face to face interaction with customers was a huge learning curve! Fast forward to today, Birchrose + Co is sold in over 700 boutiques/spas/ specialty stores in the US, has partnered with large retailers like Urban Outfitters, Dollskill, and PacSun is sold in Hong Kong and Canada and is proudly handmade in Los Angeles, CA. Like any small business, I have had many hiccups along the way. My biggest one was finding packaging that met my standards for being earth-friendly (Ewww plastic!) and still sealed properly. This was a huge headache when a large order for body scrubs shipped out to a very large retailer and every scrub leaked! Another struggle was learning my boundaries, and that it’s okay to say no. If a partnership or retailer doesn’t feel like a good fit, walkway and ALWAYS trust your gut. Today Birchrose + Co is a recognizable green beauty alternative. We love being able to provide a wide variety of Natural + Cruelty Free, artisan products that not only achieve tangible results, they encourage you to create your elevated beauty ritual and make the luxury spa experience accessible in your own space.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so many amazing destinations in Southern California it’s hard to choose! But ultimately my go to: Hop on a bike on the Santa Ana Rive Trail by Angel Stadium, ride 15 miles to Huntington beach, stop by Charlie’s Gyros on Main Street for the best falafel wraps ever! Then pop into the local market, grab a beer, and watch the sunset.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out my two kids, Charisma & Noel – both of which are in high school, trying to adjust and navigate distance learning for the remainder of the year. And just a huge congratulations to my daughter, Charisma Jackman who is graduating High School. We never imagined her senior prom being canceled, and graduation being done in a car as a drive by through the school but I am so happy regardless of her accomplishment and cant wait to see what her future holds!
Website: www.birchroseco.com
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/birchrosecompany/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birchrosecompany/