Small Business Profile: Rita White, Raw Ingredients


(917) 239-3678	ritasemail@verizon.net			Raw Ingredients

Tell us your story of why and how you decided to start your own business.
Raw Ingredients natural skincare was created in 2009. I suffer from eczema and found that over the counter products didn’t work on my skin. I couldn’t find products for sensitive skin with fragrances that I liked. I conceptualize the products, scents and packaging. I create the products in my kitchen at home. If a customer wants the product unscented or wants a fragrance created exclusively for them, I can do that as well. My passion for natural products comes from experience as a former beauty advisor for major skincare and cosmetic lines such as Kiehl’s and Borghese. I’m also a skincare writer for examiner.com

How would your customers describe your business?
Here’s what our customers are saying about Raw Ingredients skincare products:

“I just finished using one of your scrubs! It was a sugar scrub with red seeds. End result: soft hands!”-Kisha K.

“Fabulous Rita, BTW, your “body butter” was the empty container at the end of the night,… u have something special…”- Letitia O.

“It’s yummy”-Rosemary J. –after using our Sexy coconut Body Butter.

“Thanks I received the order, It smells like you can eat it…but I won’t…lol”-Aaron R

What’s unique about your business, how do you differ from your competitors?
Customers have the opportunity to buy products that are made-to- order. Products can be custom formulated according to their specifications or skin concerns.

What’s your most popular product?
Our body butters are the most popular product. The body butters are 98% natural. They contain aloe vera and chamomile flower extract, to soothe and calm sensitive skin in addition to jojoba and sunflower oil which nourish, hydrate, soften & heal.

How do you market your business?
Raw Ingredients skincare products are marketed in several ways. I have a company website, facebook and twitter sites. Many customers buy products through word-of-mouth or at craft shows that I participate in, such as Shecky’s Girls Night Out or Green Flea NYC. I carry business cards and a few testers with me at all times, so potential customers can sample the body cream.

What role does your website play in your business?
The website plays an important role in my business, it’s an online store where people have access to my products at any time. It highlights the company’s credibility and customers can email comments and questions.

What would you say to small businesses who currently don’t have a website or have neglected it?
I would tell small businesses that currently don’t have a website or have neglected it that a website is a must. More potential customers are within your reach. It’s a great way to track customer feedback, testimonials and product inventory. You can provide general information and website links about other topics that may interest customers too. A website is very convenient for clients especially if they can find everything they need in one place.

Anything additional you want to tell us about your business that we don’t know yet?
Raw Ingredients donates to charitable organizations, such as Light the Night, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s event to raise funds against cancer. The company is located in Bronx, New York.

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