Meet Marci Scharko: Soap, body products and candle maker

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

Hi Marci, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
What most don’t know is that there is little to no FDA oversight in the cosmetic industry. Bath & Body businesses like ours fall under the category “cosmetic”. Although we have nourishing, botanical ingredients that aid in healing the skin, we cannot make claims of actual “healing”. That falls into the “drug” category. Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. Our products are used on your bodies largest organ, the skin. Our ingredients are chosen with purpose and blended with care. We choose to use essential oils to scent our products, not only for their beneficial properties, but because they allow us to be more transparent. When you see the words “parfum” or “fragrance” listed as an ingredient in your body products, those single fragrance oils fall under “Trade Secret” status with the FDA and do not require full ingredient disclosure. There are over 3,500 materials that are approved for use in fragrance oils! We will never hide ingredients from our customers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is that my job is very dynamic. I am a business owner, a creator, an artist, a maker, a photographer, a marketer, an organizer, a sales woman, a boss, a mentor, and a mother. I am not an accountant. I pay someone else to do that. I laugh, as I type this. In this business, I have taken on many roles and I have also passed some down to employees and mentees. One of the most fun and challenging parts of having my own business, is discovering and cultivating my talents and passions. If I’m not the best at it, I’ll find someone else who is. If I’m not excited about getting up in the morning to do the job, I’ll find someone else who is. Starting my own business and staying in business for 15 years has taught me few things: 1. Set boundaries in your personal life and your business life, and stick to them. 2. Don’t look too far ahead, you might miss an opportunity that is right in front of you. 3. Passion pays better than money Learn your limits, and when to say no. Stay mindful of where you are and the process needed to get you where you want to go. Thinking too far ahead or where you “should” be can lead you down a negative path of comparisons. Ultimately, we all need money to pay the bills, however your work should get you excited. Passion for your work will pay off longer and fuller than money ever will. Stay creative and innovative

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visit Arabia Mountain and Panola Mountain during the weekdays when it’s less busy. Maybe tent camp one night at Panola. On a nice day, drop a kayak in the Chattahoochee River at Cochran Shoals Trail or walk the trail that connects to other trails throughout the Chattahoochee National Rec Area. Stay in one of the many unique Air BNB’s in Atlanta over the weekend to be closer to the breweries and take advantage of ride shares to avoid the hassles of parking. Stop in at Lee + White in the West End and experience our favorite Kombucha brewery at Cultured South. Sit off the Beltline and sip a flight or two. While you’re there, try out a couple of Atlantas great beer breweries as well. Here you’ll also find a makers market on the weekend, where you can shop with some of Atlantas great makers and vintage vendors. Spend a day thrifting before stopping in at Rising Son in Avondale Estates for a beautiful mixed cocktail or mocktail from our friend Kat. When you’re hungry, you can always find a good meal at classic spots like Eats and Daddy D’s BBQ. For more unique flavors try 8arm or Ok Yaki. On Sunday, wake up early and get the best breakfast at Home Grown, then head over to shop with us at the Grant Park Farmers Market. Before you leave, stop in for lunch at Hotto Hotto for the best vegan ramen you’ll ever have. 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?
My husband Roy Scharko for his many hours helping to get ready for shows, selling at markets and encouraging me through all of my long work hours. My daughters, Madhavi and Rhea Scharko, for encouraging me and supporting me through their hours of working along side me making products and selling to our great loyal customers around Atlanta and beyond. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Website: www.myturnrow.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/myturnrow

Facebook: www.facebook.com/turnrow

Image Credits
Madhavi Scharko, Jaime Ladet