034: I Made $400k/Month Selling Skincare Products

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—Welcome, everyone, to today's episode where we dive into the fascinating journey of Tree To Tub, a skincare company that transformed a personal struggle into a thriving business. In this episode, we'll explore the principles that fueled their remarkable success and how these principles can be applied to any business.—

—We'll unravel the story of Tree To Tub, founded by Nick, whose childhood experiences with sensitive skin inspired the creation of a solution-driven skincare line. Through their story, we'll uncover three fundamental principles that guided their path: understanding customers' pain points, playing to their strengths, and setting clear personal goals.—


—Let’s now introduce you to Nick, the founder of Tree To Tub, a natural skincare company specializing in products for sensitive skin.—

—Nick's journey began in Taiwan, where he struggled with sensitive skin as a baby. Bath time was a nightmare, and traditional chemical-based soaps would give him rashes. However, his grandmother introduced him to Soapberries, a fruit used by indigenous people for centuries, which produced a gentle, soothing lather. This revelation stuck with Nick as he later immigrated to the United States.—

—After gaining experience in the startup world, Nick realized that Soapberries had the potential to solve a significant problem for people with sensitive skin. Before launching Tree To Tub, he had already built two other companies, learning the importance of finding a partner and maintaining a healthy cash flow business along the way.—

—Nick's initial attempt to create products involved boiling Soapberries in his kitchen, but it quickly became evident that they needed industry expertise. They sought out advisors in the skincare industry, one of whom played a vital role in their journey.—

—Tree To Tub's vision remained unwavering: Soapberry juice in a bottle, but without the harmful additives found in many skincare products. They emphasized natural ingredients, even though it meant higher costs and lower margins.—

—With limited funds, they launched a Kickstarter campaign, leveraging their network of friends and family. Their strategy paid off, and they raised 40 grand, which was critical for their early growth.—

—The subsequent months were challenging as they experimented with various marketing strategies like social media, influencer marketing, and SEO, with limited success. However, they realized they needed to focus on product-market fit. By conducting customer surveys and in-depth interviews, they honed in on their ideal customers – those with sensitive skin, eczema, and psoriasis.—

—Amazon turned out to be their saving grace. They redirected their efforts to the platform, leveraging their product quality and branding to achieve rapid growth. Today, Tree To Tub boasts 4 million dollars in revenue, with a remote team and a focus on international expansion.—

—Nick has learned valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding your customers, playing to your strengths, and setting clear personal goals.—

—Nick's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep understanding of your target market. Tree To Tub's success stands as a testament to Nick's unwavering commitment to providing quality skincare products for those with sensitive skin.—

— Let’s now explore the inspiring success story of Tree To Tub and extract three key principles that any business owner can apply to their own ventures for greater success.—

—Principle 1: Understand Your Customers' Pain Points—

—One of the critical factors in Tree To Tub's success was their deep understanding of their customers' pain points. Nick, the founder, knew firsthand the challenges of sensitive skin. He leveraged this personal experience to identify a common problem and a potential solution, Soapberries.—

—How to Apply this Principle:—

—To apply this principle to your business, start by getting to know your target audience intimately. Conduct surveys, engage in one-on-one conversations, and actively listen to your customers' feedback. Identify their pain points and unmet needs, and then tailor your products or services to address those specific issues.—

—Principle 2: Play to Your Strengths—

—Tree To Tub recognized its strengths and weaknesses. They realized they were not experts in generating traffic but excelled in product quality and branding. Instead of struggling with what they weren't good at, they made a strategic shift to Amazon, where the platform's strengths aligned with theirs.—

—How to Apply this Principle:—

—Evaluate your business honestly. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on what you excel at and consider outsourcing or seeking partnerships for areas where you lack expertise. This allows you to channel your resources effectively and maximize your core competencies.—

—Principle 3: Set Clear Personal Goals—

—Nick and his team set clear personal goals, understanding what they wanted to achieve from their business. They knew their ultimate objectives, which helped guide their decisions and actions.—

—How to Apply this Principle:—

—For any business owner, setting clear personal goals is crucial. Ask yourself what you want to achieve with your business. Do you aim for rapid growth, financial stability, or work-life balance? Define your goals in quantifiable terms, such as revenue targets, hours of work per week, or desired lifestyle changes. Having these goals in mind will help you stay focused and make strategic choices aligned with your aspirations.—

—In conclusion, the success story of Tree To Tub teaches us valuable lessons. Understand your customers' pain points, play to your strengths, and set clear personal goals. By incorporating these principles into your own business, you can increase your chances of achieving the kind of success that Nick and Tree To Tub have enjoyed.—



—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—