What inspired you to start your own business?

When my daughter was born with her very sensitive, eczema prone skin in 2012 she literally changed my entire life.

For a first-time buyer, what items would you recommend to purchase from your website?

For A first time buyer I would recommend our black soap or love balm.

What is unique about your natural foods, herbs and oils?

We only use 100% organic grown herbs and 100% pure undiluted essential oils.  No fragrance oils AT ALL! Our products are therapeutic, so we only use therapeutic grade.

What has been your greatest professional success and biggest setback?

My greatest professional success would be landing a store placement within my first year of business.  My biggest setback has been marketing.

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of owning their own business?

Start! Just START! Even if it’s one product! Start the IG and promoting and just start!

Where’s your favorite place to get takeout or delivery from?

I love to order from Oohhs & Aahhs whenever I’m feeling some soul food crab cakes and I don’t feel like cooking.

What did a teacher say that has stuck with you?

Unfortunately I don’t have a teacher that said something to me that I really remember.  I am a SE DC native, who was the first from my elementary school to go through the out of boundary process and not go to my SE neighborhood junior high school.  Being the only SE student in a NW predominantly white school, it wasn’t much they would say to the overlooked black girl from SE.  You’re the only person from your elementary school here huh? Then I would have to explain how my mom put me in the out of bounds program and yes I’m only only one from SE.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is my daughter not picking me for the my biggest role model is paper.

If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?

Marketing & advertisement.

What’s your favorite smell in the whole world?

Lavender.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

It’s no feelings in business.

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

Naturallyphased on Instagram and Facebook.