Meet Danielle Thomson | Honey Shine Calendula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Thomson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I began my Calendula process 6 years ago after giving birth to my second child. My son had extremely dry skin and eczema. I struggled to find a lotion or cream that helped his skin issues. I began to research organic and natural methods and remedies to help his skin. I came across the herb Calendula and began growing my own flowers. Once I collected enough blooms I dried them and soaked them in a carrier oil for 4-6 weeks to make my own calendula oil. It took me about 1 year to find the consistency and proprietary essential oil blend that gave my salve its signature scent. My husband even became obsessed with it and it helped his dry feet during the night. I only made this salve for my family and friends that wanted to try. During Covid I was without a job and began posting my process of making my salve on social media. I received such a great response and even orders that began my own business from the ground up 2 years ago. This business has helped me work from home and be home with my kids while providing.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business is built on the necessity I needed as a mom. The way I branded my business was to be an accessible way for moms to take care of their skin as their kids skin as well. Also creating a multi purpose product that is very versatile for diaper rash, eczema, wound care, or sunburns. Also created a product that can be enjoyed by everyone in then family from parents to kids to furbabies. Our signature blend sets our brand apart from anything else on the market. In the 2 years of being in business I have always known who my ideal customer is and marketed it to that. The only challenges I have come across is calendula products are not mainstream so there is three types of customers I come across; ones that know and love calendula, ones that have heard of the benefits but never tried it, and those that have never heard or tried calendula. My success has been “word of mouth” as 90% of my customers have tried my products loved it, reordered and recommended to others. I want the world to know it is possible to have a natural and organic product do just what it’s made for and have healthy skin with clean ingredients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In a week visit to Ventura Ca, I would take my best friend to Allisons Cafe for breakfast. Followed by a beach day at Solimar Beach. Since it’s fair week where I’m from we would catch a day at the fair. As well as a spa day at Ojai Valley Inn Spa which is phenomenal. To eat anywhere in downtown Ventura is so good and delicious. This is what I love about my easy going fun town that the beach is beautiful and it’s full of good food to try.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to my family, my husband, and kids because you give me my passion and hard work to push forward to provide very best for you.

Website: www.honeyshinecalendula.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/honey_shine_calendula?r=nametag

Facebook: honey shine calendula

Image Credits
Jessica Francis Photography thank you for the amazing photo taken of myself and my friend product.