NOLA Social Interview

I'm a bit late, as usual, so I'll be posting back to back to back posts, but, better late than never, right? Sooo, a couple of weeks ago, NOLA Social, a new entity aimed at boosting the spotlight for local entrepreneurship, did an interview of Herb'n Development Handmades. This was a great honor for our very first interview to be done by such a prestigious entrepreneurial hub.
Read our interview here ------> Then share your thoughts with us.


Herb'n Development Handmades

Herb'n Development Handmades is not only a business, but also a labor of love for one local entrepreneur. After one successful law enforcement career, three daughters, and several other life-changing events, Tedra found herself wanting something more. While researching hobbies to satisfy her new aspiration, she began making her own natural hair care products. She quickly found joy in her new project and soon began perfecting the art. Her product line rapidly expanded to include soaps and other similar items. Reinforced by positive reviews from her friends and family, she decided to test the waters of the business world by offering her products to others. Since then, the business and product line have continued to grow and she now runs her successful business online through Etsy.com.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for us. I know many entrepreneurs and small businesses out there will find your advice inspirational and informative.


Your bio says you were researching new hobbies when you started making your own natural hair care products. What prompted you to choose this particular hobby? Did you contemplate any other hobbies before starting this one?
A: I chose to try my hand at hair products after deciding to transition my hair from chemically treated to natural. Once I made this decision, I became obsessed with all things natural, and finally decided I wanted to be the one to control what ingredients went into the products that I used on a daily basis.
How long did it take your product line to catch on and draw in your first few customers?
A: I officially launched on July 22, 2009, and received my first online sale on August 11. I waited a month for the next one, but then after that my customers started spreading the word, and my products were a hit!

Did you market or sell your product anywhere locally before you began selling your product online?
A: Before I began selling online, I would give soaps away to people in my circle. When they returned offering me money for more, I figured it was time to give online selling a shot.
Are most of your sales first time buyers or repeat customers or both?
A: My sales are a wonderful balance of both first time and repeat customers. My repeat customers are sending the first timers my way :-)

What is the most popular item that you sell? What is your favorite item that you sell?
A. My seasonal King Cake Super Soaps, which are replicas of tiny King Cakes complete with its own baby, are by far, the most popular item in my shop. My personal favorite item is my Pandora's Snowball Sugar Scrub. Man, I can't get enough of that stuff!

Etsy.com is a very popular website for small businesses and products such as yours. What are the positive and negative aspects of using their website to sell your products?
A: What I like most about selling on Etsy.com, is that it allowed me an instant platform with which to find and market to my niche. It also allowed me to connect with other Indies out there who love crafting and learning the ropes of entrepreneurship as much as I do. I really don't have a negative when it comes to Etsy.
Do you use any other outlets other than Etsy to sell your product?
A: Yes, you can find my products in the Fleurty Girl stores, as well as The French Address, an adorable gift boutique in Slidell. I also sell at various craft shows, and festivals.

How do you draw people to your Etsy online store? How do you currently market your products outside of Etsy?
A. Believe it or not, I'm still primarily word of mouth. I also use social media outlets, such as Facebook, and Twitter. You can also follow my blog http://herbndevelopment.blogspot.com where you can find fresh, up to date news on HDH.

What has been the hardest part of running your own business?
A. As a one woman show, the toughest challenge I've had was learning to find a balance. Aside from running a business, I'm also a wife, mother, and Police Officer. I have to fit all of these things into my life and give each 100% of me.

If you could start over again from the beginning, what, if anything, would you do differently?
A. Absolutely, positively NOTHING! Bringing HDH into existence has truly been a learning experience, with lots of trial and error. Some days I ask myself what have I gotten myself into? Then other days in joy, I scream out, "look at what I've gotten myself into!"

What are your current and long-term goals for your company?
A. I'm currently working at building my brand, and increasing my community outreach programs, this year I'll be hosting my first Soaper Summer Camp teaching local youth the art of soap making. As for long term goals, I plan to increase my store base, and someday, have my products on the shelves of Whole Foods. I also intend to open my flagship store here in New Orleans, complete with a studio where I can teach soap making classes and host soapy parties.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you in your journey so far?
A. I'd like to thank God, for giving me the vision to even dare to start this journey. My husband, for being a constant support. And my Mother, and cousin, Chalilda J, who never once told me I was crazy for stepping out into the unknown. These three have been my backbone since HDH was conceived.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about opening his or her own business?
A. Don't ever wait for everything to fall into place before you start. If God has impregnated you with a business, it's up to you to bring it forth. One of my favorite quotes, I think by the late and legendary Arthur Ashe, is to "start where you are, use what you have."

We would again like to thank Herb'n Development for taking the time to answer these questions for us. If you have not already, please check out their online store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/herbndevelopment.


Our Favorite Interview Quotes


"Don't ever wait for everything to fall into place before you start. If God has impregnated you with a business, it's up to you to bring it forth."

- Herb'n Development Handmades





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