Interview: Kasia Cummings
Tell us about your company.
I'm Kasia Cummings, head mix master, mad scientist and gypsy soul behind Buffalo Gal Organics, a vegan, organic, bath, body, beauty, and perfume company based in Buffalo NY.
We started in 2010 in my kitchen making handmade lotions and potions, but officially launched on Etsy and with our own site http://BuffaloGalOrganics.com/ in 2011. We offer a large variety of natural products from aromatherapy, perfume, organic skincare, mineral makeup, balms and creams, along with the newer additions of gemstones, candles and energy infused jewelry.
I'm also a Holistic Practitioner that works with Energy and the chakras as a Reiki Master/Teacher and Reflexologist so I wanted to bridge my spiritual and holistic side with bath and beauty products that are good for you too.
How did you get started with all of this?
My younger daughter was having terrible rashes on her hands (from the hand sanitizer that they bathe in at school) and since I’m a little bit of a crafty gal (and a chemist) I figured that I could make something to help. I did a ton of research online, ordered some raw materials and off I went. It was funny though, as I started to make lotion one day, I literally knew that I was doing what I was supposed to be. It was as if there was a spiritual 'a-ha moment' as I was playing around that day. The rest is destiny and history. So I refined my products to make sure that they were in line with my personal vision and Buffalo Gal was born. We now make products that are vegan, cruelty-free and created from organic ingredients so that they are good for you inside and out.
What was your start-up investment?
My start up investment really was $100, but evolved slowly over time as initially it was just for my family. Then my friends wanted some , and strangers wanted some so… I slowly put money into buying supplies (I had a full time job at the time so anything that I made I could reinvest if so chose to.) In reality if one were to start up right now to get a full sized operation going it would take about $10,000 to do it right (including supplies, raw materials, office supplies, website, marketing budget etc.)
How long did it take you to become profitable?
It took about 2 years before Buffalo Gal Organics, but I was really, really part time. I worked 50+ hours a week and had a family and a jewelry business as well. So, this was a slow go. I truthfully didn’t start to see measurable profits until a few years ago where I knew that I either had to stop doing my business because I was working 80+ hours a week or I had to take the leap and leave my safety net. I jumped in Jan 2014 and never looked back!
Where do you find yourself flourishing?
This whole process has been an amazing self development tool. Things that I never thought I could or would do are now a part of my everyday life. I would say that where I have grown the most in the realm of marketing and promotion. It’s necessary to help you go from hobby to real business.
Where do you find yourself struggling?
Time! I still have a family to take care of, but when you are self employed you are always “on”.
I'm also in the process of creating a retail/workspace/holistic treatment space that would put all of my eggs in one basket so that I can expand and grow. It’s a big leap financially since to this point I have not taken out any loans to make this dream a reality. It’s about to get real and big pretty quickly so I am really having to take a step back and keep perspective on what the next right step is. And finding the best fit in a retail space is a challenge (I’m pretty picky!) so wish me luck!
Three business tools you can’t live without?
Three things that helped me on my journey…
•Tons of personal development! The book 'You Are A Bad Ass' by Jen Sincero is one of my ultimate faves. It's great if you want to get clearer on yourself and get out of your own way.
•I partook in B-School with Marie Forleo 3 years ago. While it is geared toward non-product marketing and branding, it did help me to find a clearer picture of my “why” and “how”.
•I’m a pretty spiritual gal, so I would say that my INTUITION has been one of my biggest tools. If I doesn't feel right, or if it gives me static or isn’t easy feeling (meaning feeling right and without negativity) then I don't do it. If you can stay focused on that inner voice and not get in your own way then you have hit it big!
If you had to do it all again, what would you change? What would stay the same?
I wouldn’t change a lot except that I would have taken the leap sooner and not listened to the negative people that said that I was crazy to do this/leave the security of a good job/that I would fail.
I had to really step back into myself and find the courage to tell them all to take a hike and pursue what would make me the happiest. Is it work? Yes. Do I work a lot? Yes. Do I love it? BIG yes!
What's the best piece of business advice you can share with new entrepreneurs?
If it feels right, do it. Don't cut corners and give the best customer service EVER. If it means that you need to grow slower by doing things right that is ok…. your foundation will be much firmer for the future.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We all have a gift to share with the world. It is up to us as to how we share it. Always share it, you never know who you will help!
* * *
As a treat, Kasia is offering Mogul Mom readers an exclusive discount.Just use coupon code BEAUTY15 at checkout to save 15% on any purchase!
Shop online at:http://buffalogalorganics.com & http://buffalogalorganics.