Moms on Mondays - Jillian from O+O

Jillian and I have been long time internet friends and I just love her and her family so much.  She is a mama trying to make it happen by selling AMAZING products that you will find you just can't live without (once you try them).  I had the opportunity to review her stuff, when she was just starting out, and have been a repeat customer since, her oils are amazing and I can't wait to try her whipped blends as well (I have a thing for grapefruit!).  You MUST go check out her shop to support her growing family, trust me you won't be disappointed!  

What is the name of your shop and how can we find you? 

The name of my shop is O+O (said "oh and oh") and I am also on Facebook and Instagram (where I post updates, announcements, giveaways, flash sales and coupon codes).

Tell us about what you make/sell in your shop.

I make and sell perfectly blended, ready-to-use, healing oil blends and skin moisturizing products that provide the healing powers of high quality, organic ingredients including essential oils. I currently offer two collections: Blends and Whipped.

The regular blends are available in Lavender, Eucalyptus Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Lemongrass. These blends offer remedies for so many things including but not limited to: eczema, headaches and migraines, acne, dry skin and hair, muscle pain, muscle spasms, deodorant, and so much more! 

The Whipped Collection is a double whipped, deeply intense moisturizer that offers ultimate skin and lip protection. This collection is offered in three scents; Sandalwood, White Grapefruit, and Jasmine Rose and comes in one size only (Mama 2oz $10).

(Pictures from http://oosootheit.bigcartel.com)

How/why did you start making these products and open this shop?

I started making these products for my family and my daughter, Genevieve, specifically. I wanted to rid our everyday lives of as many chemicals as possible and once I realized what I had created, I knew I had to share with the world. My heart sings when I hear of how I've helped other families and individuals by healing ailments naturally and replacing chemicals in their home.

We have replaced all of the following products with my blends; ibuprofen, sleep aid, congestion medicine, deodorant, Neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, diaper rash cream, regular body lotion, face lotion, hand cream, bug repellant, sunscreen, conditioner, and more. 

  

How long have you been in business?

I'm coming up on my one year anniversary (and I can't even believe it!!)!!!! I opened up shop in February 2014. 

What is your background (college/career/etc.)?

I grew up in Indiana and my husband (who is in the Air Force) and I got married in 2011. We've lived in Florida twice, Maryland, and Georgia since then. I haven't gone to college yet because I'm not exactly sure what I would go to school for and I'm not set on a career life right now. I've worked as a professional nanny for four years and I've been a stay at home (work at home!) momma for a little over a year now. Best job ever!!!! And I'm so, so grateful to have the opportunity to be a SAHM. 

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband, Gaven, and I have known each other since middle school snd started dating right out of high school. We fell in love immediately (so cheesy!) and we were married less than two years later! Fast forward a few moves and states and we welcomed our first child, Genevieve Audrey, into this world in March 2013. Fast forward two more moves and states later and we are expecting another baby in February! We currently reside in Georgia and *should be* staying put for at least two/three years. Moving is exhausting but fun and we thrive on the adventure. Military life doesn't phase us!

How does this company help your family?  Or you?

O+O helps me in many ways. I can express my creative side in a constructive way and its so fun to have something that's just for me (it's for all of you too!) that I enjoy. It helps boost my confidence and I love to share the things I've created with others.

This business also helps supplement some income for my family which is necessary for a single income family, much less a single military pay grade income family. We are very provided for by the military by way of health insurance and cost of living allowances, but it's no secret that our United States military members feel underpaid. I'm so happy and blessed to have the opportunity of staying at home with Genevieve full-time and having O+O helps make big expenses like visiting family in Indiana twice a year possible. 

Did you ever think you'd be doing this?  What did you think you'd be doing instead?

I absolutely had no idea I'd ever do anything like this. I never thought I'd be a small business owner. I am so glad that that I am though!! I love having O+O in my life.

I can't really say what I thought I'd be doing instead... we didn't plan on having Genevieve when we did and I don't get to plan where I ever even live so I'm just here, living in the moment! Forever taking the situations I'm in and making the best of them!  

Does anyone help you with your shop?

No one helps me particularly, but if I do need anything then my husband is always there for me. You know.. hear me vent, listen to and share my excitements, watch the babe if I'm working, run to the post office for me, etc.

How do you find time to run your shop and create products?  

I'm asked this question a lot. Maybe I have a lot more time in the day than everyone else or maybe I'm just a really boring person, but I don't usually feel pressed on time. Of course, I don't have a 9-5 snd then pile everything on ON TOP of that, so that helps. ;) Genevieve is very good at independent play and I can get a ton of stuff done throughout any given day. She also loves to be included in the process of playing with my washi tape and helping stuff packages. My husband is also home a lot and that frees up a lot of my time if I need it. I also do a lot of my work in the evenings after Genevieve goes to sleep (7:30pm). I don't know, come back and ask me this question in a few months when I have a toddler snd a newborn and a home business! 

What do you love about this businesses?

I love spreading the healing powers of natural ingredients mostly. I love to help people feel befitted snd cure ailments they have. I love to help people rid their lives of harsh chemicals. I also love to play a small part in supporting my family financially. 

What is the most challenging part of this business?

The most challenging part is, not surprisingly, bringing in orders. Getting the word out there isn't an easy or small task for a small business owner. Marketing is difficult! Often times, my products are misunderstood or plainly just not understood at all. There is some explaining to what I'm selling and that's sometimes difficult to get across. If I say I'm selling shoes or leggings then that's that. No further explanation needed and you're buying my product because you need those adorable things for you or your child. But, if I say I'm selling healing oil blends, you have like a hundred questions so you either a) assume, b) are confused, c) ask. So, only 1/3 of you are actually figuring out what it is exactly and why you need it. This makes my job as a marketer more difficult because I have so much explaining to do but I need to do it without boring you (like I am now?). However, once my customers do take the plunge, they come back! And they're hooked! This makes all of those difficult parts so worth it and makes me feel really good about what I'm doing. 

Where do you see your shop in the future?

Hmm... That's a tough question. I'm not really a "five year plan" kind of girl. I know that people love my products and that I love my products and I'm going to continue creating and selling them as long as there's a demand for them. I spontaneously just created and launched my new Whipped Collection so maybe some more new products will make their way into the mix one day! 

Tell us your favorite product or your most favorite thing you've created?

Well, they're all my favorite. Seriously. Mostly, I love my Lavender blend because of how much it heals and helps Genevieve. I'm also completely and totally obsessed with my new Whipped Collection. It's just so moisturizing and amazing on my skin. I use it all the time. 

Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs?

My advice would be to GO FOR IT. If you're passionate about what you're doing then you will have some sort of success. Stay true to yourself and it will show. Customers don't buy what you're selling, they buy you and why you're selling it. (That last part is from a Ted talk so don't quote me on it ;)) and don't forget to HAVE FUN! Try not to take yourself too seriously especially if you fail. No one will ever tell you it's easy and that's because it's not. 

What are some of YOUR favorite shops/products, besides your own?

Two of my most favorite Etsy/Instagram shops are Spirit Bee Woodworks and Courtney Felt Creations.

Spirit Bee Woodworks (@spiritbee_woodworks on IG) creates beautiful, hand-crafted wooden products. I have a beautiful teething/nursing necklace and a very, VERY gorgeous custom ring with a stone inlay that sadly doesn't currently fit my giant preggo fingers. I love supporting Allison, Ian and Lemon.  {Seriously, this is the first time anyone has ever mentioned our shop on one of these, I am so touched; Jillian, you are the sweetest!}

Courtney Felt Creations (@courtneycreation on IG) is a small shop owned by sweet Canadian, Sarah, momma to Courtney. She makes the absolute CUTEST, most detailed and creative felt finger puppets and felt food toys for children. Genevieve has at least seven sets and they're absolutely one of her top favorite toys. Sarah strives to make her customers happy and is always taking new suggestions and blowing my mind with them. 

A favorite product of mine (besides my Whipped products!) is my Sakura Bloom ring sling. It's comfortable, convenient, and helps me keep my babes close. Genevieve loves snuggles and it's an easy way to carry her. I also really love the community I've found through Sakura Bloom. This band of mommas stay together and I'm happy to have found so many friends there. 

If you want to learn more about Jillian, her family and her shop, check out this post with a FaceTime interview I did with her awhile back (and review of her products, which we LOVE).  She is one of my favorite mamas I've met through IG and can only hope to meet her in real life one day!  Thanks Jillian!! :)