Meet Essence Turner | Mommy & Businessowner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Essence Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Essence, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea behind Botanical Essence Natural Skincare started as a solution to a personal problem. Back in 2016, a few months after giving birth to my first born, I suffered from the worst acne outbreak I had ever experienced (I now know it was postpartum/hormonal acne). My face was very inflamed, sore, riddled with acne and pimples. Already feeling low about myself being a new mom who was trying to find that mom/life balance while also a student in college, it was the last thing that I wanted to deal with. I purchased top skincare products that left me with no results or worsened my condition. Instead of allowing defeat to set in, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Stated previously, I was in college pursuing my BS in Biology while working in the school’s greenhouse and a nature center in farm in a city close by. With plenty of resources at my disposal, I made the decision to create my own products. Once done with classes, homework, and mommy duties, I dedicated to conducting my own research on natural remedies and ingredients I could utilize to help my skin and ordered my supplies and equipment. I created my first moisturizer and face cleanser (known as the You Glow Turmeric Facial Bar now). Impressed with the results, I gave out samples to close friends and family. Noticing they were getting great results as well, I knew I was on to something. Taking time to familiarize myself with certain ingredients and equipment while in graduate school and working as a dialysis tech, I took a leap of faith and launched Botanical Essence Natural Skincare May 20, 2020.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The goal behind creating Botanical Essence Natural Skincare was to create cleaner, more natural skincare products, providing consumers with peace of mind, more eco-friendly and healthier products, and a unique skin care experience. As a little black girl, I was almost obsessed with taking care of my body. I grew up an “outside kid” but when it was time to cleanup for the day, I was on it! But I noticed that the high quality skincare brands were expensive and did not cater to my skin. Those products that were created for me were cheaply made and watered down or riddled with a ridiculous amount of chemicals. As a little girl, I was aware of the inequalities within the skincare. Which is why I continue to push my business forward. I create products that are not only affordable, but quality, easily accessible and effective. However there is still a bit of pushback. A lot of people are comfortable with what they know and what they are familiar with, meaning they aren’t interested or looking to divert from the norm if they don’t have to. For that reason, it can be difficult finding my target audience or getting people to try my products. Though that is the case, I will continue making products for those that are looking for better ways to take care of their skin, waiting patiently for others to make the switch!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give thanks to God. One, for planting such a divine idea. Two, for continuing to bless me on this path. Through this entrepreneurial journey, there are days (even months) where I don’t reach anyone, no one purchases anything, or that spirit of Imposter Syndrome wants to settle in. Through all of the trials of starting this business, I have remained faithful and allowed the Lord to lead me. With that faith and trust, I can truthfully state that I have grown so much since starting. I have completed a number of business programs, participated in many events, both locally in Detroit, as well as in other states, and my audience and customer base has grown. I give God thanks in my winning season and in my season of lessons (we don’t know what a loss is over here) and continue to remain focused and motivated.

I would also like to give myself a pat on the back because I NEVER saw myself as a business owner. I just knew I was going to be a medical doctor in someone’s hospital. After my experience working in a hospital setting, I quickly decided it was not the career choice for me. Taking the leap of faith, continuing to trust the Lord and bet on myself, I will make sure that Botanical Essence Natural Skincare becomes a multi-million (billion for real lol) dollar, globally recognized brand!

I also want to thank my family for their support. They recognize the difficulties I sometimes face as a solopreneur, long nights and early mornings, financial stresses, and more. When I need them, they don’t hesitate to step in and where needed, and for that I am grateful.

Lastly, I want to thank all that have taken a chance with supporting my dreams in becoming a bigger brand. Each purchase, review, feedback, post, like, share means more than you know.

Website: www.thebotanicalessence.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/botanical.essence

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BotanEss20

Other: www.tiktok.com/@botanicalessence