Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mstashab
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Tasha and I am the owner/operator of Belle Butters, LLC, a company geared towards the preservation of your sexy. J
What are you currently doing besides your craft?
I am a Professional Rater (fancy word for interviewer) for a research study at a large university. I also enjoy photography, collecting music, traveling, blogging (I have 4 blogs lol), reading and much more.
What is the address for your Etsy shop?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mstashab
What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
I specialize in handmade premium whipped butters for your body and your hair. Majority of the butters for hair are for those with kinky/curly hair types. For finer hair types, I would suggest using my butters as a pomade. The butters are for all skin types, especially if you have psoriasis, eczema or severely dry skin.
Where do you create?
I create mainly in my kitchen where all the whipping goes down or in my bedroom window where I take majority of my product photos.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration anywhere. I can be inspired at a bar, outside at the park, by what’s on the television, by anything. If it’s interesting or something that gets me thinking, I can create something from it. Most of my inspiration however, comes from food, which is obvious by some of my “food-themed” butters.
How did you get started in your line of business?
I am a proud natural who loves to wear an afro most of the time. I have type 4 hair that is very thick and coarse and loves to stay dry unless I moisturize it. I received many compliments on how soft my hair is and what I use on it. After going down the long list to friends and others, I realized that sharing my recipe was more exhausting to them, so I decided to try and make it for them instead. I challenged myself with the idea of starting a business and I gave myself 30 days and I had my Etsy shop up and running in 28 days.
How do you promote your business?
I take advantage of networking via Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, different natural hair websites and groups, and by word of mouth.
What is one of your most important lessons you’ve learned since starting your business?
You cannot please everyone. I am a perfectionist and I hold very high standards for my business, however in the beginning I found myself getting disappointed if a customer was unhappy with my product and I have to remind myself that I can’t expect a customer to be completely satisfied with everything I make.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Take advantage of the networking opportunities of the internet. There are so many avenues of getting your business out there and internet marketing is at the top of the list.
What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
I’m a tech-head, so I do a lot of shopping with Apple (I’m a sucker for cool gadgets). I buy a lot of my jewelry from Camille Peace (peaceimages.etsy.com), Sephora (because I’m obsessed with nail polish and DiorShow mascara), Lush Cosmetics and Four Corner Store (an online shop dedicated to film cameras).
What are your other sites?
The Belle Butters blog is at http://www.bellebutters.com/
You can find me on Facebook at http://facebook.com/iheartobama and the Belle Butters fanpage at http://facebook.com/bellebutters
Follow me on Twitter @misstashab
If you live in St. Louis, you can find Belle Butters products at GYA located at 2700 Locust St, 63103
