Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Jenkins.
Ty, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I stumbled into the green beauty arena after making soap for my husband’s eczema. I began learning about more and more ingredients and what these ingredients can do. This prompted my green beauty journey. While on this journey, I thought to myself, it would be so great if there was a marketplace where you could find all of these vegan/ organic brands. Then I thought, “Hey, that should me, I should create that place!” So I did just that.
I used my savings and stumbled across this cute little space in Downtown Decatur Square. I knew it was the perfect fit and it’s exactly what this area needs.
Great, 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?
The road has been far from smooth. I decided to take this business venture on with no loan. That’s right! Zero safety net. It seemed like a great idea at the time but it absolutely was not a good idea. Everyday is filled with the pressure to perform well and sell well. When I have a bad sales day, it feels like the end of the world lol. It also makes it harder to keep up with inventory.
I’m currently working a second job to make sure the store has everything it needs. I literally work from 12-7pm at my store and then 9pm- 3am at my second job. I don’t really have the means to have a team of employees yet so everything is on me and my amazing husband when he can help. Its a lot to deal with but it’s what drives me. I know that it will all be worth it in the long run.
However, it is not all bad. I meet amazing people everyday that fill me with encouraging words and motivation. It really keeps me going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Olive Branch Wellness Boutique – what should we know?
Olive Branch Wellness Boutique is a clean beauty boutique with a focus on vegan, organic and all-natural skincare and haircare. We also offer an all-natural DIY body care bar and a vegan face bar where you can build custom skincare products tailored to your skincare type.
The thing that sets apart is the fact that everything in the store is all-natural.
Our Face Bar and Salt Soak Bar get lots of attention which we love.
Our Salt Bar boasts over 20 different salts. These salts are great for detoxing the body, inflammation, body aches and hydrating the skin.
Our Face Bar allows our customers to build face masks, scrubs and cleansers tailored to their specific skin type.
We also house quaint Vegan Soap Garden where we “grow” fresh new soaps every two weeks that are full of skin-loving oils and ingredients.
I’m most proud of our skincare line Oliveberry.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel like being positive and staying encouraged are super important characteristics to have. When it gets hard and I want to cry at my desk (sometimes I do lol) encouraging others and motivating others really helps to restore my positive vibes.
The ability to relate to the customer is also important. You have to know what your customer’s needs are and cater them.
Hospitality is also important in this business. I offer complimentary wine while you shop to give my customers a luxury skincare shopping experience.
Contact Info:
- Address: 123 E. Ponce De Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030 - Website: www.shoptheolive.com
- Phone: 404.343.2992
- Email: info@shoptheolive.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/olivebranchgreenbeauty
- Facebook: facebook.com/olivebranchgreenbeauty
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