Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Tolbert.
Hi Kourtney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming a soap maker/cosmetic formulator began several years ago. I was online looking for remedies to my son’s extreme eczema symptoms. During that search, I ventured onto YouTube.
For the first time, I watched a lady make soap and share the benefits of each ingredient. I was watching exactly what I needed to finally help my baby. The colors, fragrances, ingredients, and overall creative side to it were also really intriguing to me.
I had my ‘aha’ moment and from then on I was hooked.
I made soap for my son for a while, but after extensive research, I immersed myself in the world of cosmetic formulation. Now in addition to soap, I create products like body butter, body scrubs, facial products, herbal remedies, and more. I love what I do and look forward to continuing on my skincare journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely been a major learning experience. My first few batches of soap were awful. It was frustrating but I kept trying and evolved my skills.
Being mostly self-taught I have learned nearly everything through trial and error. I also use my past environmental lab experience, familiarity with dangerous chemicals, and knowledge of the importance of safety to guide me.
I’m still learning how to manage things on the business side as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Seaside Sista Soap Company?
My business offers natural soap and skincare products. Each one is brought to life with love, research, and careful formulation. I created the motto “Self-care Through Skincare” because I want people to feel nurtured and refreshed when they use my products.
I encourage people to make self-care a part of their daily routine because it creates a manageable balance between life’s difficult and happy moments. Taking care of yourself may look like 5 extra minutes in the bathroom to moisturize your face/body with our lotion bar or facial oil. Or it could be a long intimate soak in the tub using our herbal milk bath or soaking salts.
Your skin is delicate, so when people choose my products I want them to be confident in what they’re using, as well as my ability to create safe, effective products. I have experience in formulation (creating product formulas), herbalism (the practice of growing/using herbs for health benefits), and esthetics (specialized care/cleansing of the skin). I believe you can never stop learning, so my journey continues!
Brand-wise, I am most proud of my business name and what I represent. The idea behind the name ‘Seaside Sista’ was a simple yet meaningful one. I’m a Black woman (sista) that was born and raised in Daytona Beach, FL. I adore all things nautical and beachy so it was the perfect name. What sets me apart from others is that this is my passion. No one can create, display or sell products quite like mine.
Being a mom of five boys is my first job, but I still put 100% into my business. When I do what I do I’m an educator first, a saleswoman second because I enjoy helping others. Sharing my knowledge of skincare is just as rewarding as selling my products. And that’s where that passion comes in. A lot of times my customers become friends.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to open up my first retail location. I also want to get my products sold in Target. In the far future, I want to pass my business down to my boys.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.SeasideSistaSoapCo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasidesistasoapco/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/SeasideSista
