Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Head.
Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began exploring alternative or complementary (natural) skincare product options and remedies once I was diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurtiva over ten years ago! This painful and challenging autoimmune disease baffles many, as there is very little known about the skin disease, and there is virtually no cure. It took years of Dermatologist visits, misdiagnoses, scientific trials, steroid creams, harsh antibiotics (causing more discomfort than relief), and aggressive medical procedures to simply be told, we are not sure how to successfully treat your condition and there is no cure.” This was disheartening.
Upon finding no relief behind beauty counters, pharmacies, and doctor’s visits. I took to the internet and began researching an array of scholarly articles and journals discussing my condition and to my discovery, the overarching theme of many of these journals was treated with medications or invasive surgical procedures, with some resulting in the removal of large portions of the skin (Ouch!). I was certain these paths might be of interest to others, but I first wanted to explore to find an alternative solution before committing to taking medications or having procedures. I wondered, “What else can I do?” So, I began reading about the alternative healing practices involving the healing power of plants (Dr. Sebi and other Herbalists) and how they are used to HEAL and CALM the body and so the journey began!
After many years of reading to understand the symptoms and triggers of my condition (triggers: meat, stress, dairy, hormonal changes, etc.) plus the power of essential oils and plants, coupled with a plant-based diet and the loving, powerful remedies my grandmother, Carolyn Y. Bush (whom I affectionately call “Nana”) taught me how to make, Plantbased “Bae” Skin Care LLC was born! We officially launched in June 2020, and it is really amazing to see and feel the healing power of Turmeric, Neem Plant, Burdock Root, Grapeseed Oil, Spirulina, Cilantro, Vitamin E Black Seed Oil and more can do for the skin, especially for skin conditions such as HS, Psoriasis, Eczema, Diaper Rash, Acne and many more forms of Dermatitis! What we do… Our brand is created for all skin types and conditions, as we are a unisex brand. We know what it is like to have skincare challenges and skincare needs but are not able to find products that include or consider everyone and are effective!
We all have skin in common, so our products are crafted with everyone in mind! Yes, you can use our products to soften skin, even skin tone (hyperpigmentation), to hydrate and maintain a healthy skincare regimen during your “At-home” spa days; however, you can also use our products to soothe the symptoms of Eczema, and other conditions, itching, skin inflammation, to calm acne, remedy razor bumps, maintain a healthy and moisturized beard and scalp and more. What we offer… We offer plant-based Hair + Skin Serums made of essential oils, dehydrated flowers, herbs, and infused CBD oil to promote hair growth and maintain hydration and good skin health. We also offer plant-based Masques (masks) that provide IMMEDIATE RESULTS you can see and FEEL! Bae’s Bundle includes 3) 4 oz containers of a Non-GMO, organic Date Sugar Scrub (infused with CBD Oil Turmeric and Essential oils).
The Original All-over Body Masque, infused with CBD Oil, Aloe vera extract Golden Rod and more (paying homage to my grandmother The Original “OG”, whom recently celebrated a birthday!), and The Mighty-Green Masque (one of our most popular masques because of how quickly you can see and feel results! Based on feedback, our customer base really enjoys the naturally occurring green hue the masque produces once mixed with water and applied to the desired areas. Bae’s Bundle includes a sustainable wooden spatula, a separate mixing container, an exfoliating glove, a thank you card, and a special gift with purchase! We take pride in our plant-based, sustainable brand approach; therefore, the items included in the bundle can be reused or repurposed – even the packaging can be reused! We care about the planet, too! We also offer plant-based and herb-infused Double-Whipped Body Butters infused with 100% CBD Oil!
The Whipped Body Butters are lightweight, non-greasy, yet totally absorbent and gently scented, and see for yourself, a dime-sized amount of our luxurious and effective whipped body butter goes a long way! Less is truly more! We offer the following: Lemon Pound Cake (smells just as described), Mighty-Green (complements the Mighty-Green Masque referenced above and is packed with similar ingredients and scented with cooling Peppermint Oil) and FRESH Lavender (infused with Fresh Lavender and CBD oil) are of our staple fragrances. However, we also currently offer “Open Spaces,” a fresh-clean scent of fresh water and subtle Lilac undertones, and White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha (smells just as described), and a scent that smells like fresh, dewy rain, coupled with the aromas of a fresh shave; this fragrance is called “After 5”.
We will change out (3) fragrances on a 60 – 90 day cycle to allow the opportunity for new fragrances to explore enjoy, but the essence and efficiency of the products will not change. See, we keep it fresh, too! You can use the whipped body butters on your scalp, beard, and all over the external areas of the body, as our products as specifically designed to address concerns in the more intimate areas of the body (i.e. armpit, inner thigh, back of thigh, buttocks, elbows, back, feet, etc.) Do not let dark spots on these areas make you feel bad! We can help! We currently offer our whipped body butters in 8 oz. wide-mouth containers; 4 oz. containers coming soon! We are also releasing a few new products, bar soap is of the most requested and anticipated, and we are working behind the scenes on this, as there is so much more to come, stay tuned!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Lol I often take “the road less traveled by,” and it makes a world of difference, however, it is not without a few bumps in the road along the way. Let’s discuss funding and marketing activities as key areas of opportunity and improvement to ensure the success of the brand! Funding is always at the epic center of any entrepreneur’s plight! I began this journey with my savings and funds earned from my corporate day job in investment banking operations; however, starting a business, funding everything myself is not as ideal as I projected, but it is attractive to potential investors to see how invested I am into my own brand and success. It is also very attractive to see how my business plan coincides with projected success and revenue forecasts!
Another struggle along the way, is, unfortunately, I am not the Vitruvian woman – as I wish I had a few additional hands so I could take on more; rather, I take pride in the fact I am able to find balance and maintain viable time management harmony even when performing many day-to-day tasks for the business, alone. I manage the accounting, product production, marketing, website creation, customer service, and more; of all of the mentioned activities, Marketing is definitely an area where I could use some additional support and insights! My struggles will be the pedestal to my successes!
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?
I have a very diverse background. Prior to entering the workforce, I was known an Alto Saxophone female prodigy, a competing pageant queen, Miss Tennessee in the Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen’s International Pageant, as a competing Alto Saxophonist, I have played the Apollo Theatre in New York and even ventured to LA with Kemet Productions to audition for Baby Face, and work with Jamie Foxx, and even auditioning and progressing for a spot in Beyoncé’s all-female instrumental band in prior years, leading to my collegiate years and experiences at FAMU, in the Marching 100 Band and TSU (Tennessee State University), where obtained my BS in Criminal Justice/Pre-Law. Yes, I still gig and play many saxes, professionally and as a hobby, as my interests are not limited to one space. I am definitely multifaceted in my skill set and abilities for sure!
I am also a songwriter (as I am from Nashville, Tennessee and attended Nashville School of the Arts Magnet under the tutelage of Mr. Richard Griffin, who taught me all things MUSIC and introduced me to Coltrane, talk about “Giant Steps” lol), and only a few people know I REALLY HAVE BARS (but I do not claim to be a rapper or artist, just a VERY talented Lady, attempting to make her mark on the world!) During my collegiate matriculation, I wholeheartedly believed LAW was my calling so I pursued employment that would lead me closer to the courtroom; however, it all resulted in me working in the Law Department with the City of Atlanta in Atlanta and working with many non-profit organizations. After this experience, I knew there were more callings on my life and career that would produce better environments and opportunities for me to thrive.
So, entrepreneurship was the road less traveled by in this scenario and I am glad I made the decision! I am happy to say, now I am a successful entrepreneur, I have also found another solid area of interest which I pursue professionally. I work in Investment Banking, Operations for a leading traditional Bank located vastly throughout the United States. Yes, Accounting and Finance to many people is not fun, but it is a skill set that is valuable and helps me to thrive in many areas of interest. I absolutely love it! I am most proud of my ability to thrive, to bounce back, to champion challenges, to break glass ceilings, because, in the words of Langston Hughes in the poem “Mother to Son”, life for me certainly ‘ain’t been no crystal stair: It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards were torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare.
But all the time I’ve been a-climbin’ on and reachin’ landings, and turnin’ corners, and sometimes goin’ in the dark Where there ain’t been no light. So boy {girl}, don’t you turn back. Don’t you set down on the steps ’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard? Don’t you fall now— For I’ve still goin’, honey, I’ve still climbin’, and life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. I will NEVER succumb to any challenges I face. Plantbased Bae Skin Care LLC will thrive and will be successful, I am a success, I am built for this! I affirm this and this is what sets me apart from others. My life will be a movie one day! My name will sparkle in lights, people will know me for many positive reasons, but most importantly, they will know me by how good I make people feel, the kind acts I do for others, and my many ongoing successes, through the grace and humility and belief in God.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The beauty industry will ALWAYS thrive and continue to thrive over the next 5 -10 to include Plantbasedbae Skin Care LLC as a top-performing and leading plant-based alternative skincare solution to the needs and concerns of many of it’s users. I see the brand opening many flagship stores while expanding our online presence to accommodate a larger global market. Based on our business structure and model, I see our product offerings expanding to include more individual products and product lines, also and an array of services to include online “How to” classes and more! We are here for the long run-no quick gimmicks here!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@plantbasedbae-skincare.com
- Website: www.plantbasedbae-skincare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_plantbasedbaeskincare_/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/pages/category/Skin-Care-Service/PlantbasedBae-Skin-Care-100294585058591
