Temprance Williams-Bell Offers Eco-Friendly, Ethical Skincare Products

Hi, Temprance! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Hello, my name is Temprance and I am the founder of My Natural Butter. With a passion for natural skincare and wellness, I created this brand to offer eco-friendly, ethical products that cater to the needs of conscious consumers. Our mission is to provide high-quality, effective skincare and wellness solutions made with the finest natural ingredients while prioritizing sustainability and self-care. My Natural Butter is more than just a brand; it’s a commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle through our range of carefully crafted products.

Who are your customers?

Our target audience is women who prioritize their well-being and the environment. These conscious consumers seek high-quality, natural, and ethical skincare, haircare, and wellness products that support a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle. We’re proud to cater to these discerning women by offering sustainable solutions tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Prior to starting My Natural Butter, I spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, honing my expertise in formulations and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. Additionally, I gained valuable experience working in the salon and spa industry, which allowed me to understand the needs and preferences of my target customers. This unique blend of education and experience has enabled me to create innovative, effective, and sustainable skincare and wellness products that cater to the discerning, eco-conscious consumer.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

The spark that ignited My Natural Butter was born from my personal quest to find natural hair and skin solutions for my kids and myself. After much experimentation, I finally discovered the perfect formulations, and the positive responses from friends and family inspired me to share my creations with the world. I decided to take the leap and start my own business because I believe everyone deserves to experience the benefits of holistic, natural self-care. My Natural Butter isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement celebrating the power of nature and empowering people to embrace their natural beauty.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t something I had planned or always dreamed of, but it was a path that unfolded naturally for me. My journey started as a personal quest for natural hair and skin solutions, which led me to discover the transformative power of plant-based ingredients. As I saw the positive impact of my creations on my loved ones, I realized I had stumbled upon a passion and a mission that I wanted to share with the world. So, while I didn’t always know I wanted to be an entrepreneur, I’ve found immense fulfillment and purpose in building My Natural Butter and helping others embrace their natural beauty.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When My Natural Butter launched, my marketing was based on sharing samples with people and letting the quality of my products speak for itself. Satisfied customers became my best marketing tool, spreading the word about the benefits of my natural formulas. This approach built trust and helped my business grow, despite some challenges.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

As a mom and wife, owning a business has required me to master the art of balancing my roles. I’ve learned to manage my time wisely, set boundaries, and prioritize tasks, all while maintaining a supportive and loving environment for my family. Despite the challenges, my experiences as a mom and wife have also contributed to my growth as an entrepreneur, teaching me patience, empathy, and the value of teamwork. This journey has shown me that with dedication, adaptability, and a strong support system, it’s possible to thrive in both my business and personal life.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m incredibly proud of several accomplishments in my business. Some highlights include being featured in Huami magazine, a prominent publication that showcases successful entrepreneurs; becoming a member of the Entreprenista League, a prestigious network of women business owners; and joining the GivHer Circle, an organization that allows me to give back to my community. Additionally, being selected to pitch in a competitive environment was an honor and validation of my business’s potential. These milestones have strengthened my commitment to growing My Natural Butter and making a positive impact in the lives of my customers and community.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

I’m thrilled to celebrate a significant win from the past year: My Natural Butter was selected to participate in the Amazon Accelerator program! This incredible opportunity has allowed me to expand my reach by offering my products on the world’s largest online marketplace, resulting in increased sales and brand awareness. The Amazon Accelerator program has not only provided a platform for growth but also valuable resources and support to help me continue developing and scaling my business. I’m grateful to be able to share this success with our community and look forward to seeing the continued impact of My Natural Butter on people’s lives.

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

My Natural Butter’s future holds promising growth and expansion. Over the next few years, I intend to form strategic alliances with businesses that share my passion for natural and sustainable products, enabling me to diversify my product line and reach a wider customer base. Furthermore, I will actively engage in upcoming expos, leveraging these events to connect with potential customers and demonstrate the advantages of our holistic approach to skincare and wellness. Remaining dedicated to my brand’s core values and remaining responsive to customer needs will ensure My Natural Butter’s continued success and contribution to the skincare and wellness industry.

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip is to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. By focusing on the most critical tasks first and breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable steps, I maintain focus and make consistent progress toward my goals.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

To avoid burnout, I prioritize self-care and work-life balance. By setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and making time for hobbies and loved ones, I ensure that I stay refreshed and motivated. Additionally, I practice mindfulness and gratitude, which helps me maintain a positive mindset and stay connected to my passion for my work.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

My approach to work-life balance involves setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, while also allowing for flexibility. I strive to create a harmonious integration of both aspects of my life by prioritizing self-care, quality time with loved ones, and ensuring that my work aligns with my values and passions.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One piece of advice I wish I had known when I started my journey as an entrepreneur is that it’s essential to leverage resources and seek support from others. Building a strong network, delegating tasks when needed, and actively learning from experts and peers can significantly contribute to personal and business growth, making the journey less overwhelming and more fulfilling.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

When hiring, my go-to interview question will be, “What is one project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of, and how did it help you grow both personally and professionally?” This question helps me gain insight into the candidate’s values, work ethic, and potential contributions to My Natural Butter’s mission and culture.

If you’ve raised capital for your business already, what are some of your best tips or lessons learned?

When it comes to raising capital, building and maintaining a great credit score has been super helpful for me! Establishing trust with lenders and having a clear plan for using the funds wisely is key. Showing that you’re responsible with money and have a solid growth strategy can open doors to secure the resources needed to take your business to the next level. Just remember, a little financial TLC goes a long way!

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:

Yes, I am a proud Mamaprenista! Managing a business and a family simultaneously can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. My best advice is to prioritize self-care and set realistic expectations, understanding that it’s okay not to be perfect in every role. Building a strong support system, delegating tasks when possible, and practicing open communication will contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life as a Mamaprenista.

Do you have a co-founder? If so, how did you find the right one for you and what are your best partnership tips?

I do not have a co-founder, but if I were to consider one, I would look for someone who shares my passion for natural, sustainable products and complements my skills and experience. Key factors in a successful partnership would be open communication, mutual trust, and a shared vision for the company’s growth and impact.

What’s the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

The Starbucks app is my essential go-to because as a busy Entreprenista, I need my coffee fix to keep me energized and focused throughout the day!

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Canva is my absolute favorite business tool! It makes creating professional-looking marketing materials, from social media posts to product labels, a breeze. The user-friendly interface and vast library of templates and graphics save me precious time and help maintain a cohesive and visually appealing brand identity.

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