Passion or Profit?

It's been awhile since my last blog post so I wanted to start the new year letting you know why I started LuluBee Essentials and why I continue to promote my little business with passion.  I spent a year working on my Aromatherapist Certification, graduating from Aromahead Institute which consists of 230+ hours of instruction, including an Anatomy and Physiology course, two exams, 25 case studies, and a research paper ( I did mine on the benefits of beeswax). Once I graduated, I had a few options for my career path at this point. I could take clients, one on one, and make customized blends based on need and assessment (probably the most profitable option), or start a product line. Initially my beeswax obsession and brought me to making candles, I had eliminated candles from my home many years prior due to scent sensitivities, allergies, headaches, and asthma triggers. My ailments opened up a world from there knowing I could create products using chemical free ingredients eliminating toxins from everyday products like lip balm, room deodorizers, etc. It forced me to expand my product offerings and to this day I'm still trying to create an environmentally friendly atmosphere for everyone. 

That being said, there are no knowledge or training requirements for me (or anybody else) to make and sell these types of products. I choose to learn as much as possible about what I'm making, how it's packaged, and how you receive it. It's very "on trend" to sell these types of products, do your homework when buying, ask the following:

"What are your qualifications? How did you learn how to make it?"

Where do your ingredients come from? Where do you purchase your essential oils?"

"Are you a small batch maker?"

"Why do you do this?"

For example: I use dark glass containers (usually cobalt blue) not clear, for my oils and I do not include glitter, crystals (btw I love crystals by themselves), or dried flowers in my blends. Why? Because dark glass bottles provide light protection, preserve potency, prevent oxidation, and helps maintain their quality. I also keep my oils either refrigerated or in my cool office out of sunlight. As far as adding in crystals, dried flowers, or glitter, if it doesn't benefit or enhance the product, don't use it. Most folks wouldn't know that information but the people selling these products to you should.  If they don't, shame on them. 

Now to answer the questions above:

I'm a Certified Aromatherapist/Essential Oil Specialist and graduate of Aromahead Institute. I'm also a NAHA member (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) which holds me to learning about my craft regularly by earning credits. I have my Holistic Nutrition Certification from AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates), completed the Traditional Incense Crafting Course from The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine, and recently completed my Natural Perfumery course at The Herbal Academy. I need to learn and understand not only the "how", but the "why" about everything I make. In addition to my coursework I have many books for inspiration and ongoing learning. Listing my qualifications is simply for transparency and to create trust in me and my knowledge of the products I'm creating. 

My ingredients are sourced from several places and I do not get paid for promoting them. All of my essential oils and most of my carrier oils come from either Plant Therapy or Aromatics International. My beeswax is local from Crystals Honey in Billerica, Massachusetts. Crystal's is also where I get my raw honey (personal use), it's fantastic. My Organic Coconut Oil is Viva Naturals, and my Organic Mango Butter currently used in my Lola Balm varies based on availability. The beads for my Aromatherapy Bracelets come from Lima Beads. Not only are Lima Beads gemstones stunning, they started as a tiny business out of Michigan and give a portion of their sales to charity. I do not buy my oils or carriers in bulk for quality purposes and most of my labels are made by Avery. Due to the complexity and colors of my labels, the quality of my labels would not be up to my standard if I printed them at home. My profit margins are very small but my desire to provide quality, chemical free products packaged tastefully is my priority.

Everything is made in very small batches. When adding essential oils to a carrier, they separate, the only way to promise quality is to make sure each and every bottle made is equal to the other. As someone who prides herself on efficiency, some of my small batch methods are more time consuming than they need to be, I'm sure. 

Why do I do this? As I've mentioned before, I went down the wellness path while I was still working in banking. Dealing with vertigo, headaches, allergies, scent sensitivities and just not feeling very well for a very long time I was looking for solutions. Working from home for the past several years has improved my health by leaps and bounds. Do I still get sinus infections, yes, but maybe once a year vs. five times a year. I'm not a medical professional, but controlling what's in our air, what we put in and on our bodies, eliminating toxins from what we can will absolutely make a difference. I saw a study several years ago the Environmental Working Group that showed that each day American women use an average of 12 personal care products containing 168 different chemicals a day on their skin. For men, 6 personal care products containing 85 different chemicals. If I can provide a natural lip balm, or beard oil that eliminates some of the daily chemicals,  I've done my job. That's why I do this. I hope that those who have purchased from me and my little online store feel the amount of love, attention, and intention that goes into each and every product I make. I love my LuluBee family. To those who browse my site and aren't sure of what to buy or have questions or feedback, please message me or email me at kim@lulubeeessentials.com. I'd love to answer any questions.