Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Cade.
Shannon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always loved crafting. I would see something I like and tried to recreate it while putting my own spin on it. That is how I got started making whipped Shea butter. In 2012 my youngest son had eczema on his back and always complained about it itching really bad. Lotion irritated his skin and taking him back and forth to the doctor’s office, testing out which medicines would work became a task. The medicines that were prescribed to him only worked for a little while, the bottle never lasted long, and he was back itching again. Around that same time, I was already making whipped Shea butter as a moisturizer for my hair and scalp. So I decided to try it out on his back to see if it would help. After about a week, I noticed his back clearing up, and he was not complaining as much about it itching. So every night after his bath, I rubbed him down with the Shea butter mixed with peppermint essential oil.
I decided to use it on myself as an everyday moisturizer instead of lotion and loved the way it felt and how long I stayed moisturized. I prefer scented Shea butter over the raw Shea Butter smell, I began mixing with other fragrance oils and made them for my husband Darnell, and our three other children. I gave samples to my friends to show them what I was doing, never intending to sell anything. I received so much positive feedback from them that my husband insisted I start selling them. At first, I told him NO, I’m not doing that, because I am the worst at trying to sell products. After a couple of months, I had a change of heart, decided to come out of my comfort zone, and see if I would be any good at this.
I already knew what I wanted to name my business and the colors I wanted to use, but I called my mom anyway to see if she thought it was a good idea. She advised me to call my cousin Nicole who runs her own non-profit organization and builds websites. She was a good reference point to bounce some ideas off of. I called my cousin, told her my idea, and what I wanted to do, Without hesitation she said, “Let’s do it!”, We figured out the logo, consulted every week from then on, and in 2015 Butter Luv was born.
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?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road. I’ve set up at events where I completely sold out of everything, and I have set up at events where I didn’t sell anything, not one jar. That was rough. My first couple of events I set up for did not go well. I couldn’t sell a jar of Shea Butter to save my life!
Getting your family and friends to go along with your idea is one thing. Of course, they’ll be supportive of your hustle because they want to see your dream become a reality. The real struggle for me was trying to convince strangers to trust in my product when they can easily go to the store and purchase a brand name item that has been around forever. I was really discouraged and started to think that this entrepreneur’s life wasn’t for me. I was going to quit, but an opportunity came along from a friend to setup up at one of the biggest Natural Hair Show’s in Atlanta. That was the best thing to happen to Butter Luv. It turned everything around for me. I sold out of all but 14 jars that day. That became my motivation to try harder and do better to make Butter Luv a success.
Please tell us about your business.
Butter Luv specializes in hand made whipped Shea Butter, made with skin loving oils that hydrate and moisturize your skin, giving it a healthy glow. What I’m most proud of is the growth of my product and Brand. Right now, Butter Luv is a one woman show. I do everything from hand mixing the Shea butter, putting it in jars, down to making the labels to put on the jar.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being honest and genuine. Making quality products that last and keeping my customers happy with their purchases.
Pricing:
- Super 5 pack $35
- 16 oz Whipped Shea Butter $26
- 8 oz Whipped Shea Butter $14.50
- 4 oz Whipped Shea Butter $10
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.butterluvs.com
- Phone: 770-648-3434
- Email: butterluvs@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/thebutter_luv
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/sheabutterluv
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