Today we’d like to introduce you to Pearl Harris.
Hi Pearl, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is a journey about catching waves and living like I’m already retired.
Four years ago, I moved to Jacksonville with the intention of spending my free time surfing and living my life as if I were already retired. Within the year, I joined Sisters of the Sea, North Florida Amateur Radio Society, and Northeast Florida Astronomical Society. All of these clubs strive to participate in outreach with the public, another one of my passions. These activities not only kept me outdoors and in the community, which is how I envisioned retirement, but also inspired the name of my business, “In my mind, I’m already retired, LLC.”
Initially, I didn’t have a specific product or service in mind beyond showing people how to live a retired mindset, but I trusted that the service would form more clearly and products would manifest if I kept moving forward.
The Birth of Beach Body Butter
After surfing, I noticed that my skin was dry despite moisturizing before heading outside for the day. I realized I needed a moisturizer that could keep up with my active lifestyle. That’s when I decided to create my own moisturizer, designed to be effective regardless of the activity. A coworker, a surf sister, and even strangers would tell me they loved the fragrance I was wearing and asked for its name. At the time, it was a body butter with no name that I had created. The next question was always, “Do you sell it?” or there was a statement, “You should sell that.”
It took a few encounters before I decided to ask a friend how I would go about making the body butter in mass. I was a serial entrepreneur, so I knew I could figure out the business side, but skincare manufacturing was new to me. She told me where to look for answers, and I did some research, ordered ingredients that I felt comfortable using.
Testing and Launch
A friend tests all my products to make sure they meet different preferences. I know what I like, but it’s important to understand what everyone else enjoys too. Truthfully, I would make Beach Body Butter even if I didn’t sell it. The Sisters of the Sea surfing organization cheered me on and supported me when I tested the product, my selling techniques, and my payment apps. Once I thought everything was ready, I set a launch date and executed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the road has not been smooth. Like many small businesses, I’ve encountered typical challenges such as finding the right fit for services, accounting, lawyers, and graphic designers—sometimes for different projects. Laws change, other small businesses move or alter their services, and manufacturers raise prices or change shipment methods. It’s not smooth, but it’s the nature of business.
My diverse work experience in warehouses, logistics, inventory, manufacturing, distribution, and merchandising as a head cashier has equipped me to handle these issues. However, my latest struggle is something new to me, though I’ve seen it peripherally. It may result in a rebrand of Beach Body Butter. The product is sound, and customers often share admirable characteristics they’ve discovered that we don’t even use in marketing.
Roads aren’t smooth until we pave them, and in a few years, we’ll need to repave them; upkeep, maintenance, and new technology are all part of the process. A new challenge provides an opportunity to learn and grow, and I love learning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Beach Body Butter, we specialize in high-quality natural skincare products. Our formulations use ingredients derived from the cold-pressed process, avoiding chemical extraction methods. We incorporate mango butter, olive oil, and essential oils to create a universal fragrance that offers a perfume/cologne feel.
What sets us apart is our commitment to using plant-based ingredients and our transparency—each jar lists the seven ingredients we use. We understand that everyone’s skin and sense of smell are unique, so we strive to offer products that allow customers to make the best choice for their needs.
Our branding journey was seamless, thanks to the talented individuals who understood and brought my vision to life. Our custom jars are double-walled, reusable, and designed to reflect the quality of our handmade products. They are also retail-ready with GS1 and 2D barcodes, preparing us for Sunrise 2027. This intentional business decision is discussed in the GS1 workshop “Make 2D a Reality” and featured in Inc. magazine’s article “How to Make Waves With Creative Packaging and 2D Barcodes in 2025.”
With our 2D barcodes, we can educate consumers in-store, even when we’re not physically present. At popup shops and store appearances, we offer customers the chance to experience Beach Body Butter firsthand. Once they smell the fresh, universal fragrances, feel the smoothness of the butter, and see how a little goes a long way, many become loyal Beach Body Butter aficionados.
We are also proud of our community involvement. Beach Body Butter consistently donates time and products to nonprofit organizations, swimming and surfing groups, environmental organizations, and a charter school.
Visit our website to learn more about where you can experience Beach Body Butter for yourself.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Jacksonville is its unique blend of a big city with a country feel. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Jacksonville feels like a larger version of my hometown. The city is filled with small businesses, and despite the large population, the vast land area provides plenty of space. The abundance of trees and the sounds of insects in the mornings and evenings create a serene environment. The light pollution is minimal, allowing for clear views of the stars. I once watched four woodpeckers feeding on a single tree, which was fascinating since back home, I would only hear them.
The wildlife here is incredible. Listening to cicadas, dodging turtles and armadillos on the road, seeing raccoons sneak across parking lots, and watching egrets, ducks, and geese in the retention ponds all bring me joy. I even saw a pack of brown pelicans feeding on the ocean while everyone else swam. Watching birds dive for fish is always a delight.
The weather is great most of the year, even when it rains, allowing me to enjoy festivals, biking, walking through beautiful botanical gardens, and many other outdoor activities. I’m learning to use my two-handed kite and plan to go sailing and horseback riding soon—both are hobbies I love.
The variety of small businesses means you never know what unique food or items you’ll find. Honestly, there isn’t much I don’t like about Jacksonville. When I first moved here, the katydids kept me up all night, and the no-see-ums can be a bit of a nuisance, but they’re worth it for everything else this city offers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beachbodybutter.store/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachbodybutter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beachbodybutter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beachbodybutter
- Other: https://www.fanbase.app/@beachbodybutter
