Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrisitanna Alexander.
Chrisitanna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up with parents as entrepreneurs made me want to open a business at a very early age. Unfortunately, due to my poor performance in school, it was put off and not taking seriously in the beginning. After being diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and ADHA my parents found a school that taught kids as unique as me and I begin to flourish. Originally I wanted to become a baker. I named the business Sweet Christ’s at a Microsoft camp one year, but I found out that I wasn’t that talented in that area. My parents supported the idea but it just didn’t work out.
I was introduced to a lot of DIY health and wellness products at the beginning of my diagnosis because I expressed to my parents that I didn’t want to take the medication prescribed. That was what led me to want to make soaps. Then I had the idea of making them look like the treats that I couldn’t make and Sweet Christi’s was reborn.
Has it been a smooth road?
NO. It was a struggle from the start but I learned very early on to find tools and systems to help me overcome and move on. The very first vending day I was terrified of selling because I didn’t want to deal with the simple math. I knew that I could do the basic math but with nerves adding into the mix I just didn’t want to do it and mess up in front of customers. First, I started with a calculator, then my mom got me the square system and I was able to enter all of my products and use it to ensure I got the correct change every time.
I also got professional lessons in soap making once my parents saw how serious I was. That helped me take things to a new level.
My goal is to inspire people with disabilities to go after their dreams and not let anything stop them. If you are willing to work hard to overcome your disability you can achieve whatever you want in life.
We’d love to hear more about Sweet Christi’s.
I make soaps and other bath products that look and smell like delectable sweet treats. They are plant base and vegan-friendly. My products stand out because they are made for girls ages 4-14. They are also made with natural ingredients so we don’t have to worry about the ick factor. No longer will we have to choose between baby soap or the adult line.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Women may not have the same resources as our male counterparts but we have the ability to view things from a different perspective. I believe that this coupled with our forced slower growth allows us to really focus on our products and process and give us superior results.
Pricing:
- Donut Soap – $ 9
- Candy Bar Soap $ 5
- Popsicle Soap $ 7
- Body Butters $ 15
- Sugar Scrubs $ 15
- Celebration Box $ 45
Contact Info:
- Address: 121 E 8th Street
Suite 12
Jacksonville, Fl 32206 - Website: www.sweetchristis.com
- Phone: 904-878-2532
- Email: info@sweetchristis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetchristis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetchristis/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sweetchristis/
Image Credit:
Mike Jackson
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