Meet Caroline Kisby, creator of Pink House Natural Skincare
Caroline took our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation in 2015. We catch up with her and see how her business is flourishing.
Why did you decide to start your brand? What was the catalyst/inspiration behind it?
I was given a felt-wrapped soap by a friend – I’m actually a felt maker and textile artist by profession and I thought wrapping soap was an interesting idea. I started selling them and began thinking about how, perhaps, I could make my own natural skincare products. I’d been following Gareth and Gail’s blogs for some time, and when the Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation was offered, I decided this was the now or never so I enrolled on the course.
What is the essence of your product line? What is unique about it?
The essence of my business is quality and offering a first -lass service. My products are natural, suitable for all and chemical free. They are for women who want a quality natural product at an affordable price.
What is your favorite or most popular product from your skincare line?
My products are still at the testing stage; however, during trials my nourishing lip balm is a firm favourite with everyone. Testers love it because it keeps lips hydrated throughout the day, feels smooth on the lips and their lips feel the benefit – softer and smoother.
What do you love about running your business or creating your products?
I prefer to be my own boss – if I suddenly have an idea about a product I don’t have to ask countless people, sit in meetings waiting for the go ahead, I can start immediately. I can plan my own days to be the most effective and enjoy what I love doing best – being creative.
What difficulties or struggles did you have before you started the course? What challenges were you facing?
I think one of the main struggles was convincing myself that I could incorporate this career change alongside my existing business. My main concern was that I knew next to nothing about the skincare business and the legal side of selling appeared quite daunting, but as someone once said ‘Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will’. Finance was also a consideration – it’s costly setting up and having products tested but taking everything one step at a time is beneficial.
How has the Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation helped you with your business?
Before taking the course I had no idea what was involved in the making of skincare products. The course is very thorough, providing in-depth knowledge and a variety of learning techniques that have helped me to create my own products. Also being able to work at my own pace has helped, in that I have been able to take my time to experiment with recipes without having any pressure to complete tasks by certain dates. I can now formulate my own recipes and understand the different processes required for different ingredients and recipes and navigate my way around the rules and regulations governing the sale of skincare products.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
Being able to work at my own pace and work on modules at a day and time to suit my schedule.
What advice would you give someone who dreams of starting their own skincare line?
If you’re really passionate about creating your own skincare line don’t keep putting off starting. Enrol on the the Diploma course.
What do you do to relax, unwind and get away from it all?
I enjoy walking, going to the theatre. I also enjoy curling up with a good book and a glass wine.
Want to design your own product range?
Check out our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation here.
