We had the good fortune of connecting with SHARI AUSTIN and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi SHARI, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The important factor behind the success of my brand is God who will always be first, and my amazing team, family, and friends who have supported me since the initial launch of Honey Scrubbed in 2015.
What should our readers know about your business?
Honey Scrubbed LLC is a face and body scrub company. All scrubs are handcrafted as orders are placed. While also being employed full-time, I did not want to delay in setting up this business. I have always done things with my hands, including cooking and baking, so this is just another way for me to share with others. What sets our business apart from others is the use of minimal ingredients. This helps the customer know exactly what they are using, with ingredients they can read and understand. I am most proud of the progress we have made over these years. We went from giving our first scrubs away as Christmas gifts to family, to now having 1500 jars in TJ Max, Home Goods, and Marshall stores! Business-wise, Honey Scrubbed LLC has gotten to where it is now with a lot of support from family and friends. Without them placing orders over the years for wedding favors, gifts for others, or for themselves, we would not have continued to develop new fragrances and improve our packaging. Once we filed for our LLC, business seemed to take-off. I was worried about not being able to pay the state taxes, but that has not been a problem. God has definitely allowed our business to be a success. The lessons I have learned along the way are to say “yes” when someone ask if I need help. There have been many late nights, but asking for help is okay! I would like the world to know that you should do exactly what you feel, no matter who is watching. I never thought I would have a body scrub business 10 years ago, but in allowing myself to go outside of my box and create handmade Christmas gifts, it has turned into a business where I have a full team, and more soon to be hired!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If one of my closest friends were visiting, I am a foodie person, so I would take them on a tour of my favorite restaurants. I have a couple of hole-in-the-wall places I absolutely love, such as Havana Mania in Redondo Beach! This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Another is Raul’s Mexican Restaurant in Hawthorne. I have tried so many items on their menu, and I was never disappointed. On a upscale level, I would take my friend to Eddie V’s in Newport Beach. I have frequented this restaurant many times over the years, and have also had takeout during the pandemic. The management and staff there really make this restaurant one to choose over and over. In my view, some of the most interesting and exciting places to check out are trying new food locations. My husband and I find a new restaurant to try every year for our anniversary. It is so fun and allows us to find a new favorite place. That is how we found Eddie V’s a few years back! Just being open to trying new places, including smaller places that everyone does not know much about, is great to bring business in our communities.
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?
There are many people that deserve a shout out who have helped me with my business from day one! My husband, Cornelio, who will always be first has supported me and encouraged my business. My brother, Rob, who was the first to invest in my company and was the one who said I should start the business. My sister, Nicole, who has helped to come up with the majority of the products names. My daughter, Victoria, who I can call to help package orders and who helps with our social media pages. My parents, Robert and Sandra, who are always available to help! And my sister, brothers, nephew, and uncle, Tania, Vanden, Mike, CJ, and Victor, who are ready to jump in whenever help is needed. Without my family and friends support, Honey Scrubbed LLC would not be what it is today!
Website: www.honeyscrubbed.com
Instagram: @honeyscrubbed
Facebook: @honeyscrubbed
Other: Contact us: info@honeyscrubbed.com
Image Credits
@MeganKelleyPhoto