Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramona Turner.
Ramona, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins with me as a teenager. My mom always instilled in me the importance of healthy skin. She taught me how to properly clean and moisturize my skin, making sure it was always healthy looking.
When I became a parent and watched my daughter deal with teenage acne, (something that I never dealt with), I was torn with how to help her, even though, I taught her how to care for her skin as my mother had taught me. I would take her to see a dermatologist on several occasions, all while watching her become emotional about her skin. I was sad for her, and I knew I needed to figure out a way for her to be “okay” with her skin issues.
I was looking forward to the day it would no longer be an issue for her, and she could embrace her healthy skin. Later, I watched my mother struggle with her own skin issues as she endured chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. I found myself again struggling with how to help with this issue. I would constantly go to various stores, trying to find her some relief for the skin issues she had developed. Her skin changed and it was hard for her because my mom always had beautiful glowing dark skin. It got to a point when I realized, I needed to be more in control of what we all were putting on our skin.
Prescription medicines helped, but the side effects were awful. Over-the-counter face creams, ointments, and face washes had so many bad ingredients. I decided to experiment with various organic oils and butters, trying to determine what would work best. I would make sugar scrubs to help exfoliate my skin. I also began making oils to help with soothing and moisturizing my skin. My goal with the oils was to have it help with minor blemishes, itching, dryness and dehydration of my skin.
I began watching various YouTube channels on natural skincare remedies. I did a great amount of research trying to determine what oils would work well together and achieve what I wanted. I wanted to make skincare products that produced healthy skin, and products that could be incorporated with other natural skincare products I was already using. I intended to never expand beyond my family. I just wanted us all to be comfortable in our skincare.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Unfortunately, my mom passed away and she was not able to fully experience my homemade products in a way that I would have liked, but she was part of the reason why I began initially.
My daughter and I continued to use my sugar scrub and oils. I would also give my products as gifts to a select few of my friends and eventually, very much later my husband suggested I go beyond friends and family and think about having my own business.
That was the farthest thing from my mind. I didn’t have the money or the desire to go beyond making products for myself. Getting all the legal aspects of a business was a challenge. Making more than a few jars of sugar scrub and oil was hard. Just trying to figure out how I was going to accomplish having my own business was intimidating and the thought of it gave me anxiety.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is an organic skincare business that I launched in 2022. I make a sugar scrub, body and face oils, and body butter. I was initially known for my sugar scrub. Which I call “Suga Scrub”. Then I branched out to oils infused with rose petals and then later I added a body butter. I think what sets my products apart from others is my target audience.
My products have a few good ingredients in them, and no added scents or fragrances. Many of my customers like the fact that my products don’t have any fragrances because they have sensitive skin. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that I chose to work with a professional to help get me started. If I was going to do this, I wanted to do it right. I wanted people to take me seriously. I wanted my brand to look professional, and I wanted my brand to be a representation of me.
Working with a professional is expensive, but I think for me, it was the best choice. I would like your readers to know, that although I’m still a new business, I believe my products speak for themselves. I don’t offer a lot of various products because I decided I’m slowly going to add to my line at my own pace, but I do have various “feature” products that consist of lip scrubs, bath salts, potpourri sachets and lip oils that I offer when I’m vending and doing pop-ups.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned since being on the journey is to stop listening to others. Especially, if I have not asked. I decided I was going on this journey at a pace that made sense for me. I get a lot of feedback from some who say I need to offer a wider selection. Or I need to have more options with scents and fragrances. Some will also add how I will make more money and get more customers if I offer online options as well. Eventually, I will begin to expand and think about how I best want to proceed, but in the meantime, I want to continue to work on what I offer now. Do more vending and pop-ups, and at some point, I will offer online services to help my business to grow more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ramonadorganics.com
- Instagram: @ramonadorganics
