Stacey Davis started making natural cold processed soap after she became a certified aromatherapist, and launched her company, LOVEFRESH, shortly after. What advice does she have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the Owner/Founder of a Canadian beauty line that works hard to give women (and some men) healthy, glowing skin.
Why did you start working at your company?
I started LOVEFRESH because I felt there was a real disconnect between fabulous natural products and gorgeous packaging. It didn’t make sense to me and I felt as though I could marry the two and make something special. Although I had no formal education in design, I have a definite eye for what I like and a sense of what others may like as well.
What was the inspiration for this career route?
I became a certified aromatherapist and had no idea what to do with this new found information…so I started to make natural cold processed soap. I am a great cook so it came fairly natural to me.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
I love to make product, getting my hands into new formulations and experimenting on what does and doesn’t work. I have a ton of recipes that I do not sell to the public (but I can assure you, my family and friends are stockpiled with all sorts of interesting bath products).
The most challenging part?
I struggle with the business aspect of it. It’s difficult when you make all the decisions. I don’t have anyone to bounce off ideas to (I tend to go with what my gut tells me) and I have been very lucky in that department; I guess I have a “sensible” gut.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t like to live five years down the road, I am really enjoying the space I am in right now.
What does success look like to you?
Success has always been freedom to me. The freedom to make your own choices and not live with regrets. I am living a successful life right now as I am able to do exactly what I want and feel completely full.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I first started selling to the public five summers ago, I worked down at the St. Lawrence Market. It was a tough crowd. Every Saturday I would pack up my bestsellers and head down there. By the end of the summer, a customer told me that she loved my body butter so much, she felt it was just as good as the body butters at the Stillwater Spa. My goal from that moment on was to see LOVEFRESH at Stillwater Spa. It took me 2 years, but we got there and now sell a tremendous amount of product to them.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
It takes a tremendous amount of sweat to make something successful and profitable.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes. I have been a big supporter of breast cancer research and treatment this year. It hit very close to home recently
What to you is notable?
Looking at the big picture. I hope we can all step out of our busy lives and think about how we can make a positive impact on the time we spend on earth.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
None of the above, I am old school (no cell phone for me).