Meet Veleka Fenty, a Barbados-born Canadian who is the proud owner of Orange Cottage Organics. Veleka is not just an entrepreneur, but a guardian of her family’s legacy, creating seasonal and limited-edition skincare products from recipes lovingly passed down from her mother.
At Orange Cottage Organics, the focus is on natural ingredients and sustainability. Each product is a testament to Veleka’s commitment to preserving the environment, with packaging designed to minimize waste and maximize eco-friendliness.
In part one of our exclusive interview with Veleka, we delve into her journey from Barbados to Canada, the story behind Orange Cottage Organics, and the secrets of her grandmother’s skincare recipes. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and inform. Let’s explore the world of natural skincare together!
Was there an instance or person (or persons) that inspired you to start Orange Cottage Organics?
The inspiration for initiating Orange Cottage Organics stemmed from a personal experience. When my daughter was born with eczema, my Rastafarian mother, dedicated to natural living, began crafting handmade soaps, shampoos, and skincare products for her. Through the years, we refined and expanded these formulations. Encouragement to establish OCO came predominantly from my partner, who recognized the inherent value of these products after witnessing positive results when shared with other family members.
What have you found are your strengths and weaknesses regarding not just running a successful business, but within the skincare industry itself?
In terms of running a successful business in the skincare industry, I have identified certain strengths and weaknesses. One of my strengths lies in my adeptness at connecting with customers, understanding their preferences, and discerning what resonates with them. On the flip side, a weakness I acknowledge is my limited proficiency in navigating social media platforms. Additionally, I tend to experience stress and overwhelm when things don’t align with my expectations.
What are some challenges you have faced starting and running your business?
Starting and running a small business involves numerous challenges.
Securing reliable and cost-effective suppliers (still figuring this out lol)
Navigating the laws / rules of heath Canada for skincare/personal care products has been a learning curve for me.
What is your advice to others for creating and managing budgets for your business?
Clearly define your financial objectives. Whether it’s increasing revenue, reducing costs, or improving profit margins, having specific goals will guide your budgeting process. If budgeting is not your strength, consider seeking advice from financial professionals or consultants. They can provide valuable insights and help you.
What has your experience been regarding marketing and promoting your products?
I am still learning how to market my products; I find that face to face interactions tend to work for my customer. When they can see the product, touch it, smell it. We have done flyers, stickers and have a few things planned for next year, I will let you know next year if they work (lol)
What is your experience and advice with providing exceptional customer service?
To me exceptional customer service is Knowing your customers’ needs and preferences. This understanding helps you tailor your service to meet their expectations. Practice active listening to comprehend customer concerns fully. Respond promptly to customer inquiries. Even if you can’t provide an immediate solution, acknowledging their concerns in a timely manner goes a long way in building trust. Focus on resolving customer issues efficiently. Aim to build long-term relationships with your customers. A satisfied customer is more likely to become a loyal advocate for your brand. Demonstrate empathy towards customers’ situations. Understand their emotions and let them know that you genuinely care about resolving their issues.
What sort of challenges do you have with sourcing and purchasing raw organic materials?
The organic supply chain can be more complex than conventional supply chains. Identifying and vetting suppliers that adhere to organic standards and certifications requires lots of research. Organic raw materials also often come with higher price compared to conventional ones.
Related to the previous question; how do you perform quality control and product testing?
I establish clear quality standards for my skincare products, covering ingredient specifications, manufacturing processes, and final product characteristics. I rigorously vet and regularly audit my suppliers, ensuring adherence to industry standards and the provision of necessary certifications for raw materials. I opt for a small batch production approach to maintain better control and minimize the risk of large-scale defects. I meticulously follow product formulas, documenting and analyzing any deviations for consistency. In-house testing on raw materials and finished products is conducted, checking for ingredient purity, stability, and compatibility. Patch testing is performed to assess potential allergic reactions, especially for products in direct contact with the skin. I maintain detailed records of all quality control processes and testing results for future reference and regulatory compliance. Additionally, I stay informed about and comply with relevant industry regulations, including understanding labeling requirements and safety guidelines for skincare products.
Why does OCO care so much about natural ingredients and their environmental impact of in products? We place a significant emphasis on natural ingredients and their environmental impact in our products for several reasons:
- Commitment to Sustainability: We’re dedicated to operating in an environmentally responsible manner. Prioritizing natural ingredients aligns with a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, reducing the overall environmental footprint.
- Consumer Demand: There is a growing consumer awareness and demand for products that are not only effective but also environmentally conscious. OCO responds to this market trend by incorporating natural ingredients that resonate with eco-conscious consumers.
- Environmental Preservation: We recognize the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity. By using natural ingredients, we aim to minimize the negative impact on the environment associated with the extraction and production of synthetic alternatives.
- Avoidance of Harmful Chemicals: Natural ingredients often have fewer synthetic chemicals, reducing the potential harm to both the environment and consumers. Our focus on natural components reflects a commitment to formulating products without unnecessary additives.
- Transparency and Authenticity: OCO values transparency in its product offerings. Emphasizing natural ingredients allows the brand to communicate openly about the sourcing and composition of its products, fostering trust and authenticity with consumers.
- Health and Wellness: Natural ingredients are often perceived as healthier alternatives. We prioritize the well-being of our customers by choosing ingredients that are not only beneficial for the skin but also contribute to a sense of overall health and wellness.
- Innovation in Green Beauty: By prioritizing natural ingredients, we contribute to the ongoing innovation and advancement of sustainable practices within the beauty industry.
- Reducing Environmental Impact: The production of natural ingredients generally has a lower environmental impact compared to the manufacturing processes involved in synthetic alternatives. OCO’s commitment to natural ingredients is part of a broader strategy to reduce its ecological footprint.
- Long-Term Viability: OCO understands that environmental sustainability is crucial for the long-term viability of the brand. By incorporating natural ingredients, the company positions itself as a forward-thinking and responsible player in the beauty and skincare industry.
That brings us to the end of the first part of our enlightening conversation with the visionary behind Orange Cottage Organics. But don’t worry, there’s more to come! Stay tuned for the second part of our interview where we delve deeper into the world of natural skincare, sustainability, and the future of the beauty industry. You won’t want to miss it!