Today we’d like to introduce you to Recha Bullock.
Hi Recha , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
YOLO Health and Wellness was founded on the belief that cleaning and skincare products shouldn’t compromise your health. The average household cleaner has more than 10 toxic chemicals, which means the more we clean our homes, the more we are exposed to toxic ingredients including volatile organic compounds or VOC’s. Ingredients Matter and so does transparency! My mission is clear; I want to position YOLO Health and Wellness as a brand that challenges industries that have normalized harmful ingredients in their cleaning and personal care products. I get angry when I read articles that highlight how some Fortune 500 businesses specifically target minority populations with some of the most toxic ingredients in their products for our hair, skin, and makeup. Too often African American needs are overlooked in so many industries, until we take it upon ourselves to solve problems that are important to us!
Our customer’s health, safety, and well-being is my top priority! My plant-based products are good for people and better for the planet. I use organic ingredients and organic cold-pressed essential oils to make my products!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been plenty of struggles along the way as a small business owner. I started my plant-based business during the pandemic, when so many of us were at home. Some of the most significant obstacles that I have encountered as a small business owner include supply chain woes, tariff pricing, how to incorporate emerging technologies (artificial intelligence), increased operating costs, rising shipping costs, and an uncertain economy. I am mindful about passing on increased costs to my customers. However, like many businesses, this tactic will not be sustainable if prices continue to increase due to global trade tensions and bi-annual increases in shipping costs.
We’ve been impressed with YOLO Health and Wellness, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I make and sell organic shea body butters, an intensive foot butter balm, sugar scrubs, handcrafted soaps, shower steamers, and a gel body wash, which are handmade in small batches with pure botanical and organic ingredients. I also make and sell a line of Coconut and soy-blend candles. I believe that everyone should be able to clean their homes and nourish their skin without compromising their health. I am proud to offer safer alternatives to conventional cleaning and skincare products by harnessing the power of plants. My mission is to replace harsh chemicals with botanical solutions that help protect health, honor the environment, and deliver real results. Finally, one thing that sets YOLO Health and Wellness apart from some other small businesses, is my commitment to environmental sustainability. I carefully partner with companies that embrace my mission of using responsible forms of packaging and other sustainable methods, which helps to reduce the the reliance on single-use plastic packaging. My products are packaged in reusable tins, glass jars, metal spray bottles, and our cleaning products are made with PPE plastic, which can be reused and recycled.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I highly recommend anyone starting a business to surround themselves with a group of like-minded individuals, who share their business goals and dreams. I believe COMMUNITY is important because owning and operating a small business can be very challenging, time-consuming, and demanding of your time. When I show up as a vendor at a local farmer’s market or trade show, people get to see the finished product and learn about my passion for using plant-based products. However, what they don’t see are the late nights fulfilling online orders, juggling multiple email accounts, inventory management between multiple e-commerce sites, or the mounting pressure to show up at trade shows with a smile on my face when I am exhausted and overwhelmed. Owning and operating a small business is a calling that demands your time, your creativity, your resilience, and your heart. Finally, what has worked for me is being extremely organized, using project management skills, lists, apps, and calendars to stay on top of the demands required to run my small business.
Pricing:
- $6.00 to $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yolohealthwellness.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yolohealthwellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YOLOHealthWell
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolo-health-and-wellness-llc
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/yolohw/?etsrc=sdt
