Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Irvin.
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
RachelMade started as a quest for natural, nourishing skincare products that my sensitive eczema prone skin needed. I formulated my own recipes and got to work launching my brand. I traveled the country attending up to 45 different craft shows and festivals every year, selling my product, and growing my customer base. We have added candles and aromatherapy roll-ons to our offerings- and our line and offerings continue to grow and change each passing year. In February, we will be opening our first brick-and-mortar location in Brunswick, GA at the Shops at Cypress Mill. We participate in 22 coastal Georgia events per year with Crafts in the Village on St. Simons Island and Crafts on the River in Savannah, GA. Our products are available year-round at The Beehive Atlanta and on our website, rachelmade.com.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to this place has been filled with struggles- and with lessons. I learned which events to attend which locations did best for my brand, and I learned how to sell. I learned how to withstand the weather and the challenges of bringing your shop outside. None of this was easily given. I didn’t have a background in business or accounting, yet I had to learn both while manufacturing handmade items and selling them, and setting up events. It has all been a privilege, and with each passing day, it all gets easier. There is no easy street, no trick. Running a business requires constant adaptability to ever-changing circumstances.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in candles and aromatherapy skincare products like balms and essential oil roll-ons. I am most proud of my balms – they are perfectly smooth, intensively moisturizing, and safe for anywhere you have skin. It is one of my original product lines and one that remains a best seller. My can-do attitude and tireless work ethic set me apart from others. I believe in the strength of positivity and maintaining a sunny disposition, as complaining solves nothing, and suffering makes you think about how to alleviate that suffering and therefore makes you stronger. All things are possible with thought, effort, and time- sprinkle in some positivity and become an unstoppable force.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find happiness in my work- I love making candles and body products. I love talking to customers at markets. I love supporting my life through my craft. I love the flexibility and the freedom this lifestyle, and this work afford me – it took a really long time to find my stride and my balance between work and life, but the arrival to that place has been immensely fulfilling.
Pricing:
- Beeswax Candles $28
- Lip Balm $5
- Gift sets $30-$55
- Aromatherapy Roll-ons $15
- Mineral Soaks $6
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachelmade.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelmadeproductsllc
