We’re looking forward to introducing you to Charlea Thomas. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Charlea, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My typical day is a balancing act. I spend my time working from home and taking customer service calls, while also managing the school and therapy runs for my kids. Once the kids are settled for the night, I shift my focus to my business, either working on it or conducting research.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Charlea, the heart behind Growing On You Essentials LLC. My journey started with a simple love for natural remedies and self-care, and it has grown into creating products that truly nurture both skin and spirit. For me, this work is personal—I’ve always believed that when we take time to care for ourselves, we show up stronger in every other part of life.
What makes my brand special is that it’s built from my own experiences, needs, and curiosity. Every product has a story, whether it’s soothing irritation, restoring balance, or creating a moment of calm in a busy day. I love knowing that something I’ve crafted with intention can become part of someone else’s daily ritual of self-love.
Right now, I’m pouring my energy into two collections that I’m really proud of: FEMROOTS, which is all about intimate wellness and empowerment, and SKXNDEW, a skin oil series designed to honor both day and night care. My hope is that people feel cared for, seen, and celebrated every time they use my products.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Without a doubt, my grandmother, Blanche. She saw me clearly long before I could see myself. She carried a wisdom and strength that always reminded me of who I was and who I could become. Even in moments when I doubted myself or couldn’t fully recognize my own potential, she spoke life into me and affirmed that I was capable of more than I imagined. Her belief in me planted seeds that continue to grow through my work and the vision I have for my brand today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I would tell my younger self: Don’t be afraid to speak up and speak loudly for yourself. Don’t be afraid of getting hurt, of failing, or of making mistakes. Life isn’t meant to be neat—it’s okay to get rough and dirty along the way. Every experience, even the hard ones, will shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
A belief I used to hold tightly was that “nice guys always finish last.” I used to think being kind, gentle, or giving meant people would take advantage of you or that you wouldn’t get ahead. But with time, I realized that kindness is actually a strength. It doesn’t mean being weak—it means standing firm in who you are without letting the world harden you. Finishing “first” isn’t about being the loudest or toughest; it’s about living in alignment with your values and finding peace in the process.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I showed up fully for my two autistic children—that I loved them deeply and did what I had to do to make sure they were supported, seen, and celebrated. Beyond that, I’d want to be remembered as a very smart, quiet, and humble woman who may have been shy, but carried strength in her own way. Someone who created with love, lived with intention, and left a mark through the way she cared for others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingonyouessentials
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@growingonyouessentials
