Meet SKYE BANKS | Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with SKYE BANKS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SKYE, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always hated working for others. How I see it is, if you aren’t working for yourself or pursuing your passion, you are helping someone build theirs. Although its been a struggle over the years working a corporate job, I never had the guts to take the risk of starting my own business. I took a trip to Atlanta and I got to see all of these beautiful successful people of color running their own businesses and pursuing their passions, all the way from nail salons, beauty shops and even skincare. It was so inspiring!

I had already had love for creating things, but when covid hit, I began creating organic skincare products with my oldest daughter as a hobby, using some of my favorite ingredients (shea butter, cocoa butter, etc.). I started sharing them with family members and once I saw how positive the results were, I thought “Hey, I might have something here”. Not only that, but I genuinely enjoyed creating the body butters.

The day I got back from Atlanta, I filed for my LLC. It was a ton of work in the beginning because I was unfamiliar with starting or running a business, but my passion has kept me going, learning and we’re still creating!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very picky about what I use on my skin so I keep the same integrity when choosing what I use to make my products. All of my products are derived from pure, organic ingredients. I make sure that I only buy from trusted vendors and I do not deviate or cut any corners when I comes to making my products. As a new business owner, I learned that it takes a lot of patience and consistency. Some weeks we have a ton of orders, and some weeks we have none. I’ve learned not to get discouraged during the slow times. Also, most of the money made goes right back into the business so it isn’t very much profit in the beginning. I follow professional entrepreneurs who specialize in helping others grow their business, as well as a lot of successful business owners in my field which has been a tremendous help. I’m also a mom to three beautiful princesses and it is very important to me that I teach and display the value of integrity, honesty and hard work. I take a lot of pride in my business and I believe if we remain consistent and honest with our customers, we’ll surely go the distance.

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?
I am an avid beach goer so I would definitely hit every beach! Venice Beach is probably my fave, but I am a frequent at Redondo Beach because its closer to home. Hermosa and Manhattan Beach are great at night and for having a drinks at anytime of the day. We’d definitely have to hit a Korean BBQ spot (I personally enjoy Yellow Cow in Gardena), Pho at least once (Pho Daily in Gardena is my fave) and at least once nice dinner at Flemings, Mastros or Il Fornaio (I love Italian food).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my friends and family as they have been my BIGGEST supporters and are still consistent users of my products.

I would also like to dedicate my shoutout to my dear friend Davon Mcdonald for always encouraging me to keep going and thinking of my business when opportunities arise, my brother Eric Banks for buying my products and introducing them to others across the states while he travels, and to my eldest daughter Asiah for being my business partner, working late hours with me to get orders out and for helping me come up with new ideas for products.

Website: www.mommysbodybutter.com

Instagram: @mommys_body_butter

Facebook: Mommy’s Body Butter (@mommysbodybutter)