Maker Spotlight: Holly Skogstad
- Dec 7, 2016
- 4 min read
I'm happy to welcome Holly, the maker behind West Coast Pure bath + body products to the blog! Holly joined the H+F team this fall + has been a welcome addition! She is so kind, full of knowledge that she shares generously + creates beautiful, simple products that you will adore! The West Coast Pure line has a variety of products if you're looking to simplify your daily routine + source all natural + local products. From face scrubs + toners, to shampoo + hair spray, candles, roll on perfumes, diffusing blends + all of the bath products under the sun you're bound to find something to try! Read on to learn more about Holly's passion for natural living...
1. When did you first learn about your trade?
A passion was formed when I first started to get an interest in Essential oils, I think right from the start I knew that it was what I needed in my life at this time. I am still fairly green in my skill but have spent time reading, researching, learning + have become knowledgeable in Essential oils + creating Aromatherapy products for health + wellness.
2. What do you love about Orillia?
I love the small town feel + closeness that the city seems to have.
3. Why is it important to you to buy, support + shop locally?
Shopping local supports the community + helps our shop owners + artisans grow + thrive. I would rather help local artisans + small shop owners put food on their table then shop at the big box stores in which we are all just a number, there are no personal touches at corporate + box like stores like there are when you buy from local shops + artisans.
4. When has a moment of "failure" led to an opportunity for you?
My first opportunity to be included in a retail location. I was unsure of how to offer my products in a competitive way so that a relationship could develop + grow. I put my all into my products + it was hard to accept how to price your creations in order to get them in the hands of the people that will enjoy them as much as I did. It was a stepping stone + since that instance I have worked hard to maintain quality products at a reasonable price.
5. What is your day job? How do you juggle everything? Would you like to make your side project a full time job one day?
I do currently have a full time job as a Marketing Coordinator for Novanni Stainless. It is a local small manufacturer that also has the local values. The sinks are made in Canada for Canadians. I value that about my day job + I enjoy working there. Sometimes it is hard but because my aromatherapy products are a joy to make + share with others it does not seem like another job, more like a calling to help others live more naturally. At some point I would love to own my own shop where I can share the benefits of essential oils + how they can assist in helping you to live without chemicals + embrace what nature has to offer.
6. How did you get to where you are? What has your journey been like?
I started out just sharing my creations with friends + family until I was encouraged to share my products with others. It was surprising at first to see how much I can help others + how they enjoyed the products. It was definitely a confidence booster. I have not looked back since I started bringing my products to the public.
7. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Time to learn. I have 2 more courses on my list to attend in the Spring + I am sure there will be more that pop up as I continue to learn. With each new thing I learn comes the desire to create new products. But it can be hard to fit this in while also having family time + a full time job!
8. What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Definitely start creating cold pressed soaps, that one is front of mind.
2. The second would be to increase my knowledge of Essential oils + their benefits.
3. The third is to open my own store.
9. Where or how would you recommend someone interested in your trade start?
Knowledge is the key to Aromatherapy. Learn as much as you can.
10. What resources did or do you find helpful?
Courses, as I mentioned above, I have taken a few + have a few more on the schedule for 2017.
10. What are 3 things you wish people knew about you?
1. I am from B.C. originally, that is what inspired the name West Coast Pure.
2. I live in Coldwater, Ontario.
3. I embrace + enjoy natural living.
11. What are 3 things you wish people knew about your product?
1. My recipes were created by me, West Coast Pure.
2. I order all my Supplies from Canadian Suppliers.
3. I spend the majority of my free time creating new products or custom requests.
Thank you Holly! I am so fascinated by the properties of Essential Oils + I love that learning drives your product line! If you would like to stay up to date on any new products Holly is creating follow her on Instagram!
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