Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Skulark.
Hi Bonnie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Skincare has always been a part of my lifestyle. As a child, I remember watching my older sister and mother practice healthy skincare routines. At the time, I didn’t understand what they were doing, but it trained me as a young girl to properly take care of my skin. I also remember being told to apply lotion to my skin after bath and sunblock before I went outside to play with friends. Those regimens stuck with me into adulthood. It wasn’t until later in life after giving birth to my 1st child that I started to notice a difference in my skin. I notice I didn’t have that healthy youthful look anymore and it was starting to fade in my late 30’s.
In 2014, I became a mother to a beautiful health boy. After pregnancy, nursing, and new stress marks, I was left with dehydrated skin. Everything I tried on the market wasn’t helping and it was like my skin was so thirsty. I remember rubbing away flakes and feeling very low in confidence.
It wasn’t until my son turned one year old and I started to see changes in his skin as well. At this point, I decided, ok Bonnie it’s time to take matters into your own hands. My son’s pediatrics recommended an eczema treatment to treat the rough, dry patches on his skin. I remember my son crying whenever I put it on him. It’s like he knew this cream is smelly and greasy, no thank you mom. Then I started playing around with ingredients that I had in my home which were shea butter, coconut butter, and aloe vera. I also went online to look for homemade treatments for eczema. I started crafting ingredients together which was still greasy- I didn’t like it but it worked. My son’s eczema cleared up. Years later, I continued to research ingredients and educated myself on formulas that can help improve skin texture. I perfected my first lotion creation and started sending it as Christmas presents to friends and family. Then I was asked when they can get more because it was helping their skin too.
Long story short, this is how Sweet Cream was created from a frustrated mom who wanted a product that could help me and my whole family’s skin.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There have definitely been some challenges along the way as a business owner, but it has also served as a lesson needed for growth. I started Sweet Cream in August 2019 online. I needed a place to sell my handmade product and starting an e-commerce business is the best start for any entrepreneur. The challenge I faced was customers, no one but friends and family knew my business exists. I had to learn how to market my business on Facebook and Instagram so I can share my creation with those who need it. Having an online business is not the same as having a storefront. I also had to learn how to reach more customers and learn what products they liked the most. Then Covid-19 hit when I was just getting started with pop-up shops around Austin. In early March of 2019, I was set up to exhibit with SXSW and that’s when President Trump announced a statewide shutdown. Like many business owners, I was left wondering how could I pivot. Covid came as a shock wave to many, but it also created a change in our economy. It taught me some personal life choices and also gave me the opportunity to show up in my community to help. I was able to partner with local vendors and venues to help each us grow and adapt. I was even able to update my inventory to meet the needs of hygiene and now I sell goat milk soaps.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sweet Cream is an organic body care solution for normal to eczema-prone skin. Each product is handmade using organic ingredients locally sourced in the United States. Each body cream is made to help skin keep its natural essence by using simple ingredients like shea butter, kokum butter, aloe vera, and uniquely blended essential oils for scent. As the maker of Sweet Cream, I want users to benefit from my handmade formula and gain confidence in their skin again. Having irritated skin can leave individuals feeling insecure about their appearance. I have had many customers thank me and shock me with how quickly Sweet Cream organic body cream changes their skin instantly. I want to keep Sweet Cream 100% organic so I manufacture each product sold in store, so I can control the production of my body creams.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
As a solopreneur, I’ve had to wear many hats in my company. I feel I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for organizations that have helped me along the way. In Austin, I’m pleased to exhibit with The Austin Flea, Plaza Las Rosas, SXSW, and Pecan Street Collective, and other venues throughout this year. I’m always posting where Sweet Cream will be the following week on my Instagram @sweetbodycreams. Sweet Cream is also sold at Walmart.com and I’m currently working on getting my products into other mass retailers this year.
Pricing:
- $8.95 2oz Sweet Cream body cream
- $10.95 4oz Sweet Cream body cream
- $6.95 Lavender goat milk soaps
- $5.95 Strawberry mint lip balm
- $23.85 Bundle sets
Contact Info:
- Email: sweetbodycream@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.sweetbodycream.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbodycreams/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbodycreams
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwb7gyvwcqqZCbcN1u5XLWA
Image Credits
Photos were taken by the owner of Sweet Cream Bonnie Skulark
