Simplifying Beauty and Business: Lessons from Ouli’s Ointment
Introduction by Erika Hanafin:
The journey of mompreneurship is one of passion, resilience, and ingenuity. This guest article from the founder of Ouli's Ointment shares a deeply inspiring look into the challenges and triumphs of building a business while navigating the demands of motherhood. Discover how embracing flexibility, cultivating community, and leveraging unique strengths can transform obstacles into opportunities.
From simplifying beauty routines with her clean, organic skincare brand to overcoming the hurdles of bootstrapping and sustainable growth, her experience resonates deeply. Her pivotal realization about the importance of delegation and stepping fully into her role as a leader is an inspiring reminder for all moms in business: we don’t have to do it all to achieve success.
Simplifying Beauty and Business: Lessons from Ouli’s Ointment
By: Stephanie Garcia-Malcom
As a mom, the journey of entrepreneurship can feel like a delicate balancing act, with the demands of family life colliding with the ambition to build a thriving business. Although it's not really about balance, for me it's more about flow and allowing the internal growth. For those of us who have taken on the challenge, the rewards can be truly MOMumental!
Take Ouli's Ointment, for example. I started this multi-use skincare brand to answer my need as a makeup artist for a clean, organic balm that would simplify beauty for me on set and in my family life as well as for my clients all while nourishing skin. By focusing on reducing waste and inspiring simplicity, Ouli's Ointment has not only found success in the marketplace, but has also become a beacon of inspiration for other moms in business.
The pivotal moment for me came when I realized that in order to grow Ouli's Ointment, I needed to hire people, even when I thought I couldn't. It was a daunting step, but one that ultimately allowed me to free up time and energy to focus on the strategic direction of the business and my strengths as a creative and people person. Infusing everything with the connection it was built from. As moms, we often feel like we have to do it all, but the truth is, sometimes the best thing we can do is to let go and delegate. Honestly, having grown this business by bootstrapping and slow, sustainable growth, a lot of the time it has just been me. I am finally letting go in new ways this year and bringing on people that are truly excited to help me grow this business and see it succeed. I think a key take away has been the willingness to see myself in a power position and not believing it won't work if I'm not doing it.
The Challenges of Growing a Business as a Mom
Of course, the journey of being a mompreneur is not without its challenges. Time management, work-life balance, and limited resources can all feel like insurmountable obstacles at times. But with the right strategies and mindset, these challenges can be overcome.
One of the keys to success is simplifying your routines, both in your business and in your personal life. By streamlining processes and focusing on multi-use products like Ouli's Ointment, you can free up time and mental space to devote to the most important aspects of your business. And when it comes to self-care, it's crucial to make it a priority – after all, you can't pour from an empty cup.
Strategies for Success
Another important strategy is to leverage your support systems, whether that's your family, your community of fellow mompreneurs, or a trusted mentor. Networking with other mom entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights and inspiration, while seeking out mentorship can help you navigate the unique challenges of growing a business as a mom.
At Ouli's Ointment, we've also found that embracing sustainability and inspiring simplicity in our business and our products has been a key driver of success. By focusing on multi-use, clean, and organic skincare, we've been able to reduce waste and create a loyal customer base that values our commitment to the environment.
Tips for Mompreneurs
Of course, every mom's journey is different, and what works for one business may not work for another. But there are some universal tips that can help mompreneurs find success:
Set realistic goals: Don't try to do it all at once. Break down your big dreams into smaller, achievable steps. I like to set myself 3 things to focus on a day and look at my To Do List as week long task.
Create efficient systems: Automate what you can, and streamline your processes to save time and energy.
Embrace flexibility: Be willing to adapt and pivot as your business and family needs change. After all no one can predict a sick day, but the key is we are doing this so we can be there when they need us, so have gratitude for the flexibility and literally go with the flow even when it's white water rafting!!
The Power of Community
Perhaps one of the most powerful tools in a mompreneur's arsenal is the support of a strong community. By networking with other moms in business, you can learn from their experiences, share best practices, and even collaborate on projects that can help you both grow.
At Ouli's Ointment, we've found that involving our family in the business has been a game-changer. Not only does it help us to balance growth and family life, but it also allows us to celebrate our milestones together, creating a sense of shared purpose and pride. Think about how much more driven you feel when you can see the impact you're making, this goes without saying with family too!
Balancing Growth and Family
Of course, the ultimate goal for many mompreneurs is to find that elusive work-life flow. It's a constant juggling act, but by setting clear boundaries at home and at work, prioritizing self-care, and involving your family in the business, you can create a harmonious rhythm that allows you to thrive in both realms.
As I look back on the journey of building Ouli's Ointment, I'm filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. It hasn't been easy, but the lessons I've learned and the moments of joy and fulfillment have made it all worth it.
Thank you to Stephanie for sharing her MOMumental moments with us and be sure to check out Ouli's Ointment to support this incredible entrepreneur. And, If you're a mom with a dream of building your own business, know that with the right strategies, support, and a healthy dose of self-care, you can create a thriving enterprise that not only fulfills your professional aspirations, but also enriches your family life. After all, as moms, we have a unique superpower – the ability to multi-task, problem-solve, and create magic, even in the midst of the chaos!
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