We had the good fortune of connecting with Daphne Martino Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daphne, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was making products that was not chemically based. To use all natural essential oils and herbs that can promote healthy and rejuvenated skin for people with sensitive, dry and dull skin. At the same time keeping the cost affordable for anyone.

What should our readers know about your business?
In response to your questions, as a wife, mother, and grandmother who has always had to deal with my sensitive skin. I was always breaking out or swelling due to an allergic reaction to something. SmithButter started when my sister and I were making body butters using ingredients we had in our kitchen. I loved the body butter on my skin. I grew a passion for making more products. I was making products for family and friends. Then, one day, my daughter said, “Ma, you need to make this a business. Everybody loves your products. They are amazing.” Then she suggested the name “SmithButter.”
I still make all of my products in my kitchen, as well as my packaging and labeling.
Now, I am in the process of re-branding SmithButter’s Skincare Products line. SmithButter products are made with quality essential oils and herbs. SmithButter was designed to promote healthy and rejuvenated skin for those with sensitive, dry, and dull skin.
Hopefully, one day I will expand SmithButter to Amazon and Walmart.
When I started SmithButter, during the pandemic, there were multiple challenges.
There were financial challenges getting my business to thrive and having customers to support my products and vision. There were physical challenges in making all of my products to ensure the quality that customers would expect. At the same time, being challenged learning time management in incorporating personal and spiritual lifestyles, as well as work and business.
Through every challenge, I have learned to never give up on my dreams or visions. I always trust God when taking chances, using wisdom and understanding in every aspect of my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend comes into town, I would take her downtown Charleston site-seeing in the course of the week of her stay. We will go to the Historic Battery Park a great view of the Charleston port, the Waterfront Park another great place where families come for fun and relaxation, the Custom House where they once sold and traded Africa slaves, and the Charleston Market a wonderful place for some arts and crafts. We would spend a day at the beach on the Isles of Palm. On her last night in town, I would take her to dinner at the Hall’s Chop House on King Street, downtown Charleston. Then take a carriage ride to site-see some of the historic attractions in the downtown Charleston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I must honor and praise my God, Jesus Christ, for blessing me with these godly abilities and ideas. Thank You to my wonderful husband, Willie, who has always supported and encouraged me. Our daughter LaTasia, who is always behind the scenes, assisting with my website, social media pages, and designing our new brand labels. I am grateful for our son JeVele and ours two grandsons, Amonte & and Josiah, for assisting with sales. Thanks to Debra Taylor in marketing for always following up with our customers. Thanks to my mother, Mrs. Janie R. Martino, family, and friends for their support.
Thanks to our Spiritual Leaders/Parents, Dr. Dexter & Lady Leisa Easley for being one of my top supporters always giving godly wisdom and encouragement prompting that extra push when I need to keep going.
Also, a big “Thank You” to all of SmithButter’s customers.

Website: www.SmithButter4me.net

Instagram: SmithButter4me

Facebook: Smith Butter

Youtube: SmithButter4me

Image Credits
Hair-Ericka Murray Makeup- Self Attire-PrettyTina Photographer-KINGdom Graphics Assistants- Willie L. Smith LaTasia S. Smith Alesia T. Myers

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