How Wilava became Wilava

Welcome to my inaugural blog post!

One of the first questions people usually ask about me about Wilava is how I got the idea to start my business. Actually, I didn’t get the idea at all.

I started making handmade soaps and lotions several years ago. My daughter developed severe eczema as a toddler, and doctors prescribed several different treatments. We didn’t see much improvement, but we did notice how much the creams and lotions burned and irritated her delicate skin, and how she screamed when we applied them. And it broke my heart to see my little girl in so much pain. So I started researching. I read dermatology studies and articles, and after several months came up with a recipe I felt confident would work. And the Intense Moisture Solid Lotion Bar was born! I applied it to her hands, and she smiled. No burning! But even better, after just a few days use, Ava’s hands stopped bleeding, and the eczema began to heal. And a few weeks later, her hands were softer than I ever remembered them to be! I knew I’d be making these Lotion Bars for years to come.

But, in order to get the best quality Shea Butters and Jojoba Oil, I had to buy in bulk. I could never use up all of my supply before it went bad, and a few times, I actually had to throw some out. What a waste of money. So, I started giving Lotion Bars to friends and family as birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, or just cause. And they loved it! From there I started experimenting with soaps and lotions, lip balms, and other tub treats. And gifted my extras, not thinking much of it. Then people started asking for more. “Can I get one of the bars in the tin for my mother? It’s her birthday.” Sure, I’d say. So I’d make up a little gift set and deliver it to said friend.

Then, “How much do I owe you?”

“What? You want to pay me?”

I hadn’t even considered that.

My friends were the ones who suggested I start a business. Soon word started getting out, and friends of friends would ask for a product, and then ask for a brochure. I had a lot to think about. Should I do this as a business? Would I have the time? How do I pay taxes? Will I need insurance? Are people going to buy my stuff? Will I feel weird accepting their money? Luckily, my husband is pretty supportive. It’s pretty daunting to put money into a new business, especially in this economy, but he said, in his nonchalant manner, “Just do it. You like making the stuff. People like it. They want to buy it. They’re asking for it. It’ll make you happy.”

And Wilava was born. Well, about five months later. ( I had to research insurance, federal guidelines, file paperwork, and the like.) And my husband was right. Whenever a customer comes up to me at a Farmer’s Market, sends an email, or chats me up when I make a local delivery and tells me my products are the best they’ve ever used, it makes me happy. Very, very happy.