Meet Dana Sue Miller | Founder on a Vegan Body Care Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Sue Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana Sue, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started making plant based, vegan body care in 2000 out of necessity. At that time, I was not able to find beautiful smelling products with simple and clean ingredients that performed well for my dry skin without giving me an asthma attack and for my sister who suffered terribly with eczema. My initial thought was to create a collection of premium products that we loved for our family. I did this for a while until friends, guests and extended family members began noticing a difference in our skin, the way we smelled and that we never joined in on discussions about where to find the next best soap or moisturizer, etc. They noticed a difference in the products we had around our homes. They loved the unique, natural aromas of our soap bars and creams, and everyone began asking where we got them and how they can get some. I realized then that these types of products were needed by other families as well and was encouraged by my father to extend my reach of these skin and aroma-therapeutic products to the world, started making small batches for people I knew and within a few months I had a company name a logo and was selling to crowds at street festivals and farmers markets.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an Industrial Designer with a Degree from Cal State Northridge, I found myself wanting to make everything custom and unique from the formulas, product names, containers, labels shapes and designs, displays and show presentations and so much more. The creative side of my brain was very much alive, but I was not quite sure how to balance that with a business mindset. I realized my skills were a major asset and could be used to set me apart from other brands entering the natural world of beauty, so I continued doing business my way and it all paid off.

I don’t think any venture you truly have passion for is a smooth one. The beauty of the journey are all the obstacles and challenges that we face and overcome. I was very early in the game of vegan and natural body care products that had real therapeutic aromatherapy and skin benefits. This is all I knew how to do, and it was difficult at first finding the customer who also understood the products and how special they were……. not just another bar of soap.

Sometimes it has been challenging to get the larger accounts due to us growing mainly via word of mouth. I do not use celebrity endorsements, big name magazines, name dropping, etc. to gain status and recognition. Although we have several celebrities who use our products on a regular basis and high-end hotels that carry our soap in their guest rooms, I like our customers to buy from us because of pure personal interest in our products.

We specialize in creating essential oil-infused body, face and home care products that elevate the mind, body and soul during daily personal wellness regimens. Our products are vegan, handmade, plant-based and actually work, while smelling absolutely amazing. Our aromas and product textures are quite phenomenal. I personally created all the formulas and aroma blends for wellness.

I am known mostly for my amazing nutrient-rich, humectant soap formula that has a creamy coconut butter lather that smells fantastic while using it and leaves your skin moisturized after use. I am most proud of the history that we have built and the experiences of opening stores and pop ups, as well as working with non-profit organizations to help raise funds by selling my soap that helps people’s skin and moods……quite a creative way of doing business.

What sets Herban Body Care and me apart from others is the integrity behind the products. When our customers use Herban Body Care they can tell that we worked hard on our in-house formulations and appreciate the products deliver results the natural way. Everyone needs a little bit of joy and happiness infused into some part of their day. I believe that Herban has a way of delivering that during a shower, a quick bath, in traffic while moisturizing the hands without shae butter moisturizer, while doing laundry with our laundry soap, etc. What also sets us apart is the fact that we make plant-based products that are packed in 98% plastic free packaging and are constantly striving for that last 2%!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here in Los Angeles, since the weather is so beautiful, I like spending plenty of time outdoors, enjoying the sun, cool breeze and eclectic personalities around town. My food stops would be All day Baby, Home Restaurant, Home State Tacos and OEB Breakfast Co. where we would find a lovely table outside to chat and enjoy some fabulous food. My entertainment spots would be the Hollywood Bowl and Thornton Winery Concert and Dinner Night which are both beautiful outdoor venues with great ambiance and entertainers. My relaxing spots would be the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, Burke Williams Spa and a Griffith Park hike. My fun adventures would be the Long Beach guided night, themed mural tour via bike and the Hatch Escape Room Game.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
From the very beginning, my father, Edward R. Miller was instrumental in me starting and navigating through business. He taught me how to adopt a business mindset while maintaining my creativity and infusing that into my business. Throughout my journey, the rest of my family heavily supported me in my growth. My Mother, Rose M. Miller helped with organization and large piece work projects. My sister, Andrea M. Miller helped with production, financial management, and operations. My sister, Tiffany C. Miller was my sensitive skin text subject and my emotional support during the good times and the not so good times. My nephew Jordan E. Miller-Lulla helped with creative ideas and production. As you can see, I have quite an amazing family!

Website: www.herban.net

Instagram: instagram.com/herbanbodycare

Twitter: twitter.com/herbanbodycare

Facebook: facebook.com/herban.inc

Image Credits
Wilbert Bazille Suzie Kim Melissa Graves