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

Hi Joanna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
So I started my own business mostly out of fear and mistrust. I was about six months pregnant and I was reading my company maternity leave policy. I was scared to death, how am I going to manage to survive with a new born and not be a burden on my husband? I refused to depend on anyone but myself. So after thinking hard I realized the only thing I have that no one else does is myself! So I may as well pick something I enjoy and dive in! I’ve always been particular about the way thing smell so SOAP!! Then once I emerged myself in this world I was BLOWN AWAY by the depth and breath of the bath and body products available, and I knew I made the right choice!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say the biggest thing that sets me apart is my attitude. I LOVE learning more than anything- I will take any chance I can to learn new things. I am constantly on a swivel to accommodate this knowledge and because my team is small we are highly adaptive to new drives. I am THE MOST excited about finally graduating from my doctoral program!! I am currently in school to get my PsyD in Clinical Psychology, eventually I’d like to get my license in Forensic Psychology. Who knows though- maybe my PsyD will be a footnote of my business profile! Nothing… and I mean NOTHING can stop you but yourself! I have never taken the word “No” for an answer least of all from myself., so when it’s hard, when I’m tired, when I want to just walk away- I know that’s when I need to dig in and make something out of nothing- it’s kind of my thing! But the biggest lesson I have taken away is that one NEEDS to know themselves- you need to know what you can and can’t take, how you work, what works best for you- personally, when I feel overwhelmed I take like 10 minutes let it wash over me – then I make lists. The most important thing about myself and by extension my brand is that we need to take it easier on ourselves, life is stressful- so treat yo self!

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?
We are 100% going to hang out at my house for sure because I LOVE my house! I have so many of my family heirlooms and old photos, mixed with a contemporary library and beautiful yard. I love cooking and hosting so it’s always a full plate and excellent drinks! Then in the morning we will have breakfast at home because my husband makes the BEST French toast and Taylor Ham,- you really won’t get better anywhere else! Then I would take us down the shore and enjoy the Jank’s Boardwalk. For lunch it’s all about Shore Fresh! Then we go back home and have Margaritas at Margarita’s Restaurant- nothing says weekend by the Tillson’s like Mexican food- But don’t get too sloppy because Sunday diner by Nonna’s is not something to be missed! You wanna get there early usually before noon to help set up and assist with cooking. My dad has a brick oven in the yard and during the summer we make our own pizza the Napolitan way! My grandmothers garden is there and it’s a horticultural wonder for being in the middle of the Bronx, she puts the Botanical Garden to shame! My family home is a place that is never not brimming with aunts, uncles, cousins and, close family friends- to me its the center of the world.

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?
I would say my family is my success. I could not be anywhere near where I am today without each and everyone of them. From the top down my business is 100% family owned and operated. The pictures of the models on my website are my cousins and siblings the posts you see on social media are done by cousins and aunt. Of course I would be nowhere in life without my Father and grandparents constant support. Even my husband and his family have made tremendous contributions of time, energy, and effort towards my success. There is absolutely something special when the ones you love the most come together to have your back!

Website: TruBluBBProducts.com

Instagram: Trublubbproducts

Twitter: TruBluProducts

Facebook: Trublu Bath & Body Products

Youtube: https://youtu.be/a16Zl9KLfQ8

Other: TikTok- @TruBluBBProducts

Image Credits
My beautiful, Gorgeous, wonderful Cousins and brother!!! Antonio, Armando, Aviana, Sofia, and Talia😘

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.