Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Pearson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
RachelMade started in my kitchen in 2013. I was seeking organic skincare products and wasn’t really happy with what I was coming across in stores. I sourced ingredients and got to work on creating a balm for my dry, cracked (and super sensitive) skin. It wasn’t perfect, but it was GOOD- and I decided it would make a great little holiday gift for friends and family. I got some rave reviews and in July 2014, RachelMade officially launched.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! There have been many many bumps along the way, starting right after launch, when my startup funds were depleted and I realized, somewhat belatedly, that I was unsure how I was going to distribute my product and generate sales. I pulled it together, got into fall festivals, and hit the ground running trying to figure everything out. I had to learn how to set up a booth display, interact with customers, and figure out what selling points resonated with crowds. Even then, selling product is only a small portion of the battle. I had to learn how to file sales taxes for multiple counties, write invoices, learn what a line sheet is, prepare for and deal with inclement weather at outdoor events, grow stamina for working endless hours outdoors solo, and deal with the physical toll of standing, lifting, and setting up and tearing down an entire shop every weekend. I also went through a divorce and moved houses- all within 12 months of launching RachelMade! I moved RachelMade to her first office location in 2015- and I was nervous to foot a monthly rental fee. I chose Strongbox West, a co-working space in West Midtown that turned out to be the perfect little incubator for my company with a great facility and an even better community of entrepreneurs. RachelMade stayed there until the start of 2018 when I leased a 4000 square foot space to work out of independently.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
RachelMade offers an array of organically crafted skin care products and soaps. I specialize in moisturizing body care products that are gentle enough for sensitive skin but make you feel like you’re at the spa. I am most proud of the quality craftsmanship of my products and how professional each finished product looks and feels. RachelMade started as a skincare company but has evolved into a gift line- something that definitely sets me apart from other handmade skincare lines. My products have a commanding presence on a shelf and they are also crafted with thought to the entire experience- the look of the product and package, the fragrance, and finally the luxurious feel of everything. The overall effect is somewhat magnetic- I watch people follow their eyes or their noses into my booth and it is always a pleasure to watch people interact with my products.
What were you like growing up?
I was a happy-go-lucky, never-met-a-stranger type kid who always wanted to chat with anyone willing to lend an ear (and perhaps even to those who were less than willing). I was fearless and loved the stage, signing myself up for a talent show on a family vacation at ten years old and singing Colors of the Wind acapella in front of some 400 people. I was also a devout reader and a tomboy/girly girl who loved the woods as much as I loved playing with dolls or dancing around.
Pricing:
- Sugar Scrub with Shea Butter $28.50
- Bath Tea $25.50
- 3 item gift sets $18.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachelmadeproducts.com
- Phone: 404-955-8488
- Email: rachel@rachelmadeproducts.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelmadeproducts
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelmade-products-llc
Image Credit:
Tydef Media
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
