SUMMER GIVEAWAY SERIES: BEIJA-FLOR NATURALS (Now Closed)
Beija-Flor Naturals
When did you start selling on Etsy and Why Etsy?
In the Summer of 2009 I did a huge festival show (the Haight Ashbury Fair in San Francisco). Many of the buyers from the show wanted to purchase more goods online and I started my Etsy shop out of necessity. I had very little knowledge of the vast and dynamic community of crafters I was getting myself into.
For the most part yes. I still put my marketing exec skills to good use here and there on contract but for the most part I am a full time crafter and loving it.
What do you love about it?
I come from a long line of entreprenuers and I really believe it is in my DNA to work for self. I embrace the struggle of being my own boss because that is what I am most comfortable doing. On any given day I am an art director, journalist, chemist, accountant, PR/marketing guru, logistics manager, customer service rep...its challenging but I wouldn't have it any other way.
If I could only try one thing in your shop right now, which would you recommend?
Although my curly hair products are a big hit, my facial/skincare products are epic (says me!). I use rare Brazilian botanicals that are really nourishing for all skin types. The Amazon Antioxidant treatment is unlike anything on the market today.
What was first product you ever made/sold?
I started with making basic body butters that double as hair moisturizers. My first products were shea butter based and resembled the Cocoa-Mango and Hemp Buttercreams. I made them out of necessity for 100% natural ingredients that were affordable and versatile. I am a low maintenance gal and I wanted to create products that have more than one function.
What are your plans for the future?
The brand has grown so much in such a short amount of time and I am very excited for the future. Short term goals include changing the look of Beija-Flor Naturals. I have so many ideas for cool packaging design, company image etc. I have my wild fantasies as an entreprenuer but right now I can only focus on making the products and buying experience better, and creating more cool products that open doors for opportunity.
Where is your workspace?
I work out of my Los Angeles apartment for now which is not a large space. I wake up to a view of shipping material boxes, which is not ideal. I really hope that within the next year I will have the resources to lease a creative space.
Where else can we find your goodies?
www.beijaflornaturals.com (website), www.facebook.com/beijaflornaturals.com (FB), www.beijaflornaturals.com/blog (lifestyle blog of random stuff). Quite a few retail locations coming soon...check the blog for updates!
For fun: what's on your playlist?
Geez...Im a music fanatic! While mixing it up my 70s Brazilian funk/soul/samba pandora radio station gives me energy. I am also a huge fan of Regina Spektor, Adele, Eliot Smith, Passion Pit, Jamiroquai, Little Dragon, RadioHead, random house music DJs, the classics-Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson...you really don't want to get me started. lol
Favorite book?
I'm an avid reader, its so hard to pick an absolute fave. I love short stories and fiction. Some of my fave writers are James Baldwin, Junot Diaz, Toni Morrison, Gabriel García Márquez, John Steinbeck...
As always, cos I take my brunch very seriously, any local brunch spot recommendations?
Oh boy, Los Angeles is full of good brunch! Some of my faves are...
La Mill in Silverlake (Ambiance, Gourmet Donuts and Coffee)
Square One Cafe-East Hollywood (The French Toast is Addictive)
Auntie Ems in Highland Park (Best Bakery Goods in LA)
Larchmont Bungalow in Mid Wilshire/Larchmont Village (Ambiance, Everything on the Menus is good)
Hit me up if you're in town, would love to brunch w/ you :)
I'll be taking her up on that offer.
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