Today we’d like to introduce you to Taila O’Neal.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Taila. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey with eczema is the inspiration behind my brand Taila.Made – Earth Infused Luxuries. I grew up with eczema on my arms and legs. It use to itch like crazy and kill my confidence. My dad also has it, so my parents were always taking me to a dermatologist for steroid creams and lotions. As I got older, my eczema flare-ups calmed, until my senior year of college, out of nowhere my eczema came back with a vengeance on my arms, legs and now hands. My hands would get so dry and inflamed that my skin would crack, peel and then bleed. I would constantly moisturize and wear cotton gloves to work because everything irritated my hands. The skin on my hands got so raw, everyday tasks like driving or washing dishes would bring me to tears.
My dermatologist at the time recommended oral steroids and then some type of procedure that involved radiation – I was 23 and not down for it. I remember going home from that appointment, really sad and frustrated. Days later, I remembered my mom use to give me oatmeal baths for my flare-ups as a kid and decided to research natural remedies. My research leads to soap making, then a diploma in natural skincare, herbalism courses, and in 2015 Taila.Made. My products; soaps, soaks, butters, and salves, are created as a form of self and skincare because eczema is exacerbated by stress. You have to be calm to keep from it, making you crazy.
Living with this skin situation has taught me the power of plants, patience, intuition and simplicity. What works for me may not work for you, so learn what you need and create the appropriate rituals for your lifestyle. Herbs & natural ingredients work for me, so I’ve created a handful of ways to use them. I encourage my clients to educate themselves, then mix & match products for a routine unique to them or we can create a custom product/set that meets their individual needs. Eczema was a real confidence killer and anxiety booster for me, so I created products that were a combination of things that make me feel like a Queen; rich butters, gentle soaps, fragrant bath salts, basically a collection of herb-infused luxuries. It’s my intention to help people relax, both their skin & spirit, because to me, that’s treating yourself Royal.
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?
In the beginning, I was all over the place, without a plan. This led to years of trial and error, which eventually evolved into a better understanding of myself and my business. In this season, I’ve really aligned my mindset and business goals, which is beginning to pay off.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m an herbal soap + skincare developer and wellness writer. I study herbs and energy healing and then package my knowledge into gentle skincare products and content. My relationship with eczema and anxiety make my products personal. I want to help you make space for yourself through personal care products and self-care rituals.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was playing Taila’s boutique with everyone in my house. I was maybe 4 or 5 and had a standing play skool cash register with an attached scanner and safe. You couldn’t tell me anything. I would go from my mom to my dad to my brother, pulling clothes from the closets and scanning them. Look, everyone was buying something, whether they wanted to or not. LOL. When I was over it for the day, I would count my cash & stack it in the safe. I’ve wanted a business of my own ever since.
Pricing:
- Seamoss Soaps are $9.00 for one & 3 for $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tailamade.com
- Email: hello@tailamade.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taila.made/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adoreTaila.Made
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