Name of your website?LifeTree Botanicals - natural soaps and soap favors
Your name?
Elizabeth
Your Location (city, etc)
Fresh Meadows
Please give us a short summary of your website?
LifeTree Botanicals is a family business based in Fresh Meadows, New York. Our cold-processed soaps are created using the centuries-old method of saponifying vegetable oils and pure botanical extracts. Our soaps are scented with natural essential oils, and pre-tested fragrance oils, and the only colorants used are teas, herbs or clays- all mineral and plant-based materials. Unlike most commercial products, you will never find strange chemicals, dyes, or words you can't pronounce listed on our label- just the oils, water, and a unique blend of natural and beneficial emollients to hydrate, protect and soothe your skin.
Commercially produced soaps are processed using chemicals and unnecessary additives which can irritate and even harm sensitive skin. In addition to this, some of these commercial companies purposely remove the nourishing and natural by-product, Glycerin, and sell it to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. LifeTree handmade soaps are made to retain its Glycerin. Why don't these large companies make soap the natural way? They wouldn't be able to mass produce their products for pennies a piece - and in turn sell it to consumers at a tremendous markup.
Our soaps are free of all animal products, and are processed on equipment that has never been exposed to animal products. What's more, our homemade soaps are created, packaged and delivered locally, with the owner of the company being directly involved in the production of every batch. Our packaging is of recycled paper, and our facility is run with a conscience mind towards conservation and zero waste. We feel that this stays true to the organic lifestyle.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I had such a great reaction to my handcrafted soaps, after I began selling them, I decided to post all of my information onto a website for retailers to refer to. I have not yet added a storefront yet, but plan on expanding options to anyone interested in my event favors.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
Officially in January of 2007
How did you decide on a name for your website?
I wanted a name that would conjure up images of nature, and being a nordic mythology enthusiast, the Life Tree symbol was the first to pop into my mind, and it stuck!
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
I offer completely natural, animal and chemical free, vegetable based handcrafted soaps. There are no artificial dyes or synthetic oils added, and we ship and process our products locally. We have a conscience mind towards the environment and strive to produce zero waste. We use only recycled material to package and advertise our soaps. Whats more- everything is done by ME, in my home, and our business is still 100% professional.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
I would like to expand my services to the event favor industry, as well as find my soaps in all health food and retail stores nationwide. Right now, we can be found in local health food stores in Queens and Long Island.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
Staying home with my 3 year old daughter ambitious 5 year old son keeps me pretty busy these days. Once Emma is in school full time, I'll be able to dedicate more time and money to marketing my soaps further.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would spend more on having our soaps packaged professionally, although I would have to do some research to find a way of keeping local and eco- friendly.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Probably not! That would take me by surprise! I would need a few months to build up my stock. As of now, I keep my stock at a supply rate of "as I need it". Which allows me to make sure everything I sell is fresh.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Not much, this is a low resource and easy to maintain business.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Research. Everything I use in the production of my soap must be of high quality and of natural origin. It's so hard to sort through all the "organic" claims out there.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
I've networked through several wedding websites, such as WeddingWire.com, and bridalPros.com. I definitely need to work on getting more hits, though.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It takes a lot more networking that I thought to get your website at a viewable margin.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I haven't generated much business through my site. It serves mostly as an informational tool to my retailers. If I add a "searchlight" and set up my storefront, I'm sure it will generate more sales.
Where can we find your products sold?
In many health food and organic markets in the Queens and Long Island area of New York. Visit my website at www.LifeTree-Botanicals.com to view a list of retailers.
What is your website address?
LifeTree Botanicals - natural soaps and soap favors
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