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

Hi Jasmine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, My business started through caring for my family. Originally, I was making whipped shea butter for my then 3 month old to avoid all the harsh chemicals in lotions, using the method I was taught during my time at Massage Therapy school. However, over the course of a few months, word got around and people start requesting jars of it. I then officially started The Hood Hippie in 2020 amidst the pandemic.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Hood Hippie is a Whipped Shea Butter line created to restore, strengthen and condition the skin. During the viral blow up of Body Butter, I believe the actual goal of caring for our skin got lost along the way. The Hood Hippie brings back the integrity in Body Butter, with a fun & whimsical twist. My products are light weight, moisturizing and full of antioxidants. I’m most excited about expanding The Hood Hippie brand into stores. As of recently, my Whipped Body Butters joined the shelves of the infamous, local, natural grocery store, Sevenanda in Little Five Points.
The gift of creating always comes naturally to me, however, by no means does this mean that this journey has been easy. Abruptly, I had to learn, patience, determination and consistency in order to survive in the business world. Everyday is a journey, and everyday you must fight. I believe it’s all about how bad do you want success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a good friend was in town and new to the city, I would definitely take them to the creative scenes–Apache, Poetic Jazz, Underground Arts Atlanta. And for food, some of the hidden gems like Tassilli’s Raw Realty, Unitea and Hippie Habachi. To simply hang out, we could always do Ponce City Market, the Beltline or Little 5 Points.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family have always been my backbone. Through testing each and every formula, moral support and the love they poured & continue to pour into me during this roller coaster of a ride we call life–My journey would not be the same without them. I literally have the best support team ever, and I thank God for them.

Website: Thehoodhippie.org

Instagram: @thehoodhippiebutters

Facebook: Facebook.com/thehoodhippiebutters

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