Today we’d like to introduce you to Alysia Madison.
Hi Alysia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been making butter for hair and skin over ten years. I started making the current body butter recipe early 2018 after the birth of my youngest son when I didn’t want to use commercial baby lotion on him. It was only lavender at the time and just for personal use and close family and friends. Late 2018 we moved back to Kansas City from Georgia to help my Great Grandmother pass. Dealing with postpartum anxiety, a cross-country move, and the passing of a family member was a lot. I needed something to channel my energy and possibly meet new people in the city that was new to me as an adult. I was born and raised in KCMO but left as a teenager. I figured making the butters and talking to new people in the city would be my outlet. It was. I met some really nice people who pointed me in the direction to get my products in a store and give me the push to start online sales as well. I am no longer in stores due to the current state of the world. I only create what I am passionate about. My current passion is mango body butters scented with essential oils that help calm your senses and liquid African Black soap.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been the smoothest, but it hasn’t been the hardest. My biggest thing that holds me back as an entrepreneur is the marketing. It’s hard to figure out how to tell people ‘This product works and you should buy it.’ I am always open to constructive criticism from customers and will always correct any issues they face when they receive any of my products.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Brown Eyed Babe is a Black Woman owned small business. Everything is made in small batches. I am known for my mango body butters scented with essential oils that are good to calm your senses. They will help lock in moisture after washing for soft skin all day. I am also known for my liquid African Black soap. The thing that sets me apart from others is the ingredients used in my products. All are made with very few ingredients and leave you feeling very smooth and soft. One of the things that makes me the most proud about my brand is the family ties to my products and business name. It’s named for my oldest son Apollo. As a baby, he had the most big beautiful brown eyes. He also has selected the scent for a body butter which carries his namesake. My younger son also has a butter created for him after he experienced a very itchy summer with Kansas City mosquitoes. All my products are currently only available online via my website browneyedbabekc.com.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I haven’t been able to find a business mentor. I have just been seeing how other small businesses do and try to take bits and pieces from what I’ve learned. I am interested in getting a mentor and learning more about networking.
Pricing:
- $5-6 2oz travel size
- $12 small 8oz, $20 large 12 oz
- $15 small Un-Itchy, $25 large Un-Itchy
- $5 8oz liquid African Black Soap
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Browneyedbabekc.com
- Instagram: @browneyedbabekc
- Facebook: @browneyedbabekc
