Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Brown.
Hi Brenda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started about eight years ago when I began crafting natural body care products. It was my way of reconnecting with the freedom and peace that I felt when I was immersed in play as a child. During that time, I was working through a wave of major depression. Sifting through natural herbs, oils and clays helped to ease the symptoms.
As a child, I always enjoyed creating with my hands and for others. And as an adult most of my full-time jobs didn’t really afford me the type of freedom I needed to relax and heal. So I began slowly carving out the time and space I needed to explore healing. On short lunch breaks, I would read a book I purchased on soap making 101. Excited by the possibilities, I would annotate its margins with variations I’d like to attempt and the equipment needed. I slowly created a space in my home where self-expression, creativity, relaxation and freedom were the priorities. I allowed myself to be expressive through my butters and soaps. If there was a scent, color, or product name I wanted to attempt, I went for it! It was all about innocent play. It was about remembering my true self. Crafting became my self-care in addition to therapy. I realized later that others really enjoyed what I was creating. Not only how it made their skin feel but also how it nourished their spirit. They felt the intention of peace, calm and detail I put into each batch.
Despite the positive encouragement I received, I was still a little doubtful of my capabilities. A deceitful symptom of depression. In addition, I was uncertain about how exactly I’d merge mental wellness and self-care into a marriage that made sense. It took a few more years and a few more jobs for me to make the decision to solely focus on BrendaMade. Since then, it’s all been a learning journey and honestly an impetus for my personal growth. I am where I am today because of the encouragement from the good people around me and God’s grace. Both gave me the courage to launch my website and share my products, stories and resources with others. I’m also where I am today by simply showing up to different opportunities and being open. BrendaMade has been a powerful step in my healing journey and it continues to keep me moving which is pivotal for achieving mental wellness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The evolution of BrendaMade has been a relatively smooth road aside from the expected entrepreneurial hurdles. The challenges that I have experienced are the frustrations of trial and error as related to products, marketing, partnerships and everything else you can expect. I believe one of the greatest hurdles for entrepreneurs is moving forward despite the ambiguity surrounding certain aspects of their business. Entrepreneurs usually carve out their own paths. And with that comes an excitement in this novelty and the freedom to illustrate a blank canvas as we wish. However, on the other side of that may lay a discomfort that stems from not really knowing what to do next or the feeling that things are not going “as they should” despite our efforts. In those moments I consult fellow creatives for a motivational pow wow. I focus on my progress and reconnect with the purpose of my brand which is to heal personally and to provide resources that help others in their healing journey. I also try to cultivate gratitude in those moments and trust that things are working out in my favor despite what I’m able to physically see.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create luxuriously aromatic products from natural herbs, oils, and clays that inspire self-care and create feelings of well-being. I provide nourishing body butters, cold-process cleansing bars, customizable gift sets and an aromatherapy multi-purpose spray. My “Made It” station is a new activation where I provide others the grounding experience of crafting their own product on the spot. My product ingredients are transparent but the great thing about the station is that you see exactly what goes into your body care. It’s a unique and fun experience at special events and can be booked through my website.
I believe that my brand is known for providing tranquil and beautiful self-care experiences. I have truly come to understand the relationship between self-care and healing. Self-care is not only about taking care of our physical health. It’s also about our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Carving out time for self-care is about remembering ourselves and taking ourselves a little more “seriously”. This means that we are worth the investment of time and/or resources. Self-care is remembering you and developing your sense of self-worth.
BrendaMade contributes a portion of each sale to organizations that help individuals afford mental health therapy. In addition, I curate a mental wellness resources blog on my website BrendaMade.com/mental. I also write letters to my email subscribers periodically. I call the monthly issues “Meanwhile at BrendaMade..” and each letter is on a different, usually relatable, life topic (trusting your decisions, fear, being open, etc.). I take this time to share my experiences and connect with others who may share similar stories. I also use this time to notify my subscribers about brand updates, new products and exclusive deals. I was inspired by letters that I enjoyed periodically receiving, a couple of years ago, in my inbox from a Philadelphia-based writer named Sharon Akosua. I highlight her on our Mental blog.
I’m most proud of bringing my ideas to fruition and giving back. The genuine intention and purpose behind my brand, in combination with quality ingredients and creative detail, work symbiotically to create a memorable self-care experience. This experience is rooted in physical and mental wellness. That’s what sets BrendaMade apart.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Visiting my website and signing up for the newsletter is a great place to start! You can learn more about my products and resources there. I ship nationwide but also have an “Events” tab where you can see where in the community I’ll be next. As well as inquire about booking the “Made It” station for your next event. You can support me by attending one of my events or experiencing and sharing my creations.
I also enjoy creating intimate spaces for people to gather, craft, have inspired conversations and learn from one another. It’s a space I wish I had early on in my healing journey. I’m at a place where I can focus more on creating experiences like this through workshop events. Never underestimate the power that can stem from a stranger’s words of wisdom, or from taking the time to pause and practice self-awareness. If you think you have a great space for an experience like this or would like to bring this experience to your next event or workplace, I’d love to connect with you. You can also keep up with me on Instagram (@brenda_madeit). Most importantly, continue working on yourself and growing. When we do this we support each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BrendaMade.com
- Instagram: @brenda_madeit
Image Credits
Instagram: @dual.vizion.photos @nationallanding @j.maclin @brenda_madeit @hustle_dmv
