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

Hi Iman, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2002, when the idea of Essence Body Products came to fruition, we recognized that there was a lack of stores that sold all natural body products with few ingredients. And not only was there a lack of stores that sold these products, there was a lack of all natural products, period. So, we decided that instead of waiting for these products to be made, we would just make them ourselves!

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.
One thing that I always say, is that there is no wrong way to do art. Art is anything and everything and can be found EVERYWHERE! Our products are art because our love and our creativity goes into them. We not only create products at Essence Body Products, we also create experiences.
Each and every product is made with love.
Each and every encounter, whether it be a customer, vendor, or even a postal employee, is met with love and comes from a place of love. If we are not exuding love in everything and everyone we encounter, our business suffers.

The journey to where we have come has not been easy, not at all. Small business owners endure many trials, but those trials help us to grow, so it’s all good. Twenty years ago, all natural body products were not as “trendy” as they are now. There were plenty of “Is this worth it and should we give up?” moments. But, where we are now and everything we have overcome has been twenty years in the making. Few businesses, small or otherwise, can endure doors continuously being closed on them and still make it through. We are definitely proud of this accomplishment!

The biggest lesson that has been learned, is that where one door closes, another opens. That may sound cliche, but it is so true. Doors either open or close, depending on which side you are standing on. It is the same concept of the glass being either half empty or half full. It is all a matter of perspective.

Essence Body Products is more than a just a small business or a brand, we are artists, the creators of life-altering products made with love!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were blessed with a visit from my best friend, the very first place I would take her would be East Atlanta Village. There is a Thai restaurant that sells the best margaritas in town. And because the margaritas are that good (yes, really) we would not be able to make any plans for the following day LOL!

Then I would take her to Little Five Points for shopping, eating, art, culture, and all that Little Five Points has to offer. There is no way I want to spend money or time on parking, so Marta wins. We would take the Marta train and get off at Inman Park station. I love to walk and I would definitely want her to have that scenic experience.

We would then head on over to Eventbrite to find events happening throughout the city. One thing I love about Atlanta is that there is ALWAYS a festival or event happening somewhere in the city. We would fill the calendar up with these random events, because let’s face it, the more random and unplanned the days are, the more fun they are!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Jesse at Nature’s Gift in Stonecrest Mall & Sevanada! Jesse provided much wisdom, knowledge, ideas & more to us in the very beginning, throughout the last twenty years, and even know. Shoutout to you, Jesse, you are amazing!

Website: www.EssenceBodyProducts.com

Instagram: Essence_BodyProducts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EssenceBodyProducts/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@essencebodyproducts

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.