Today we’d like to introduce you to Jhalesa Lewis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like many others, I always dreamed of owning my own company one day. The idea of being my own boss was appealing to me, but it was the understanding of what being an entrepreneur can do, like affording me the luxury of changing and empowering the lives of those around me that really motivated me.
I often tell people that I didn’t find Salt.xo, Salt.xo found me. Not once did I ever think my business would be skincare or that I’d be remotely involved in this industry. Though skincare was always a passion of mine, I never knew it was a part of my purpose. Salt.xo was birthed from me living in a state of discovery. Prior to starting the company, or even making a product, I spent seven months researching and studying natural ingredients and it’s healing properties in skin and hair, and of course – the yoni.
I developed a true love for natural soaps in the process. From my first few experiences, I decided I wanted to get away from all the harsh chemicals and cancerous ingredients and go all-natural. It was in this I had the idea to create my own. Hence, the birth of Salt.Xo.
I was a college student in my senior year at UCF when I decided to start a business. As you can imagine, being a college student, I didn’t have a lot of money to invest in my company. I only had $67 dollars to be exact. I didn’t let that discourage me. My grandfather always taught me to start now with what you have, make something out of it, never be satisfied. And I did just that. I took the initial seed of investment and started making soaps in sample sizes. Making everything in my kitchen.
After a few takes, I promoted my first soap on Facebook in April of 2018. My family and close friends rallied behind me in a great wave of support and helped me promote my new soap line. The support was mind-blowing as it went from being my friends and family to people I didn’t even know. My #saltbaes.
I started off with 200 followers on Instagram and within a year, with your help, love, reviews, and support, we have grown our family to over 25k! Wow. I am humbled by the outpouring of love from all of you. I would like to thank my family for believing in me, my love for supporting me, and most importantly, I thank God for giving me this vision.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a business is the easy part, but maintaining a successful company brings many unexpected challenges. Customer service, creating new products, marketing and investing back into my business is a priority to me. Skincare is a billion-dollar industry, so I’m always finding new ways to make my products and my brand stand out. I invest in business classes just to ensure my company is on the right track. The goal is longevity.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Salt.xo LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
Salt.xo makes natural skin care products. One of our most famous products is the citrus detox and yoni bars. The citrus detox bar extracts toxins from your pores while clearing up acne and dark spots. The yoni bar removes vaginal odor while restoring your PH balance and fighting bacteria. As a company, I am most proud of the genuine support we’ve received in such little time. We didn’t have to pay for promotion, our products spoke for themselves. Our products really work. We only use the best ingredients and we never cut corners when producing our soaps. As the owner, I am most proud of our growth and the impact our soap has made in the lives of thousands of people.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Within the next 2-5 years, Salt.xo will be in Target, Sallys Beauty and Wholefoods. We will be in stores all across the world! Our goal is to make an impact and continue to produce products that really work.
Pricing:
- Our soaps range from $9-10
- Our shower Gel $15-18
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saltxo.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Salt.xo
- Twitter: @_queensalt
Image Credit:
@Dioburtophoto
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