Meet Kristina Delaski | Owner & Creator of My Earth Potions

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

Hi Kristina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business is probably similar to that of other small business owners, I couldn’t find what I was searching for, so I created it my self. I wanted to make eco-friendly, plastic-free skin care products that were more accessible to the everyday consumer. Some years back I started to become more aware of the way we as a society have been creating waste and harmful chemicals that can last a life time and severely hurt our ecosystem, so I started purchasing a few “eco-friendly” household items and switched to a natural deodorant. Unfortunately these items still came in plastic containers. So I started researching, experimenting and finally making my own cleaning items and bathroom products that actually worked and could be stored how I wanted.
I realized shortly after that this is what I wanted to share with others, a truly eco-friendly alternative that was not packaged in plastic and actually worked. My Earth Potions was created in 2019 and started with Organic Vegan Deodorant in glass jars and have since grown to include a small line of ecofriendly, organic, and fair trade skincare items all in glass jars, compostable tubes and metal tins.

What should our readers know about your business?
My Earth Potions is an Organic, Natural and Eco-friendly skincare line that I created because of the lack of said products I was looking for as a consumer. I started in 2019 with a vegan deodorant and branched off from there. I now carry Lotion Bars, Lip Balms, Sunscreen and Vegan Face Oils to name a few.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I pay attention to where my ingredients come from, which is the most important thing to me, making sure they are organic, extracted properly for maximum potency, fair trade and come in as little to no plastic as possible (my Shea butter has to come in plastic for sanitary reasons) and focus on making sure my products are not packaged in plastic, (with the exception to my fine mist sprayer tops). Even my shipping supplies are plastic free! Everything I make is by hand in small batches as well, which I take pride in. Product wise, my Lotion Bars set me apart from others because I sell them in compostable push up paper tubes. Customers seem to get a kick out of them.

I am most proud of the fact that I create everything myself and that everything is from the earth. A lot of research and time went into creating my items for others, and I ‘m proud to say that my products not only work, but are also safe for the planet and the people who use them. It gives me such joy knowing that I’ve helped someone make a switch to an eco-friendly alternative!

I am where I am today thanks to the help of my partner, and the drive to create more accessible low-waste products for others. No, the road was not easy, but nothing worth fighting for rarely is. I had to learn, and still am learning, the business side of things. It’s one thing to create products, but a whole other monster learning the computer side of running a business. I am the web designer, marketing and sales department, photographer and social media manager.

To be completely honest, I am still overcoming some challenges today, but I take one project at a time and if needed, break it up to where I can handle them. I am constantly learning and growing and I owe my growth and knowledge to my challenges.

I’ve learned to be a bit more patient with myself when it comes to working on my website and social media (the devil is truly in the details). I am not a computer wiz, so I have to take it slow so I don’t beat myself up about not fully understanding certain things. I’ve also learned not to compare myself to others in my field. We all have different backgrounds and talents and have all started at different times. Root for those that inspire you, but keep focusing on your growth, not theirs.

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?
I am a SoCal girl so I would definitely take my friends to the beach for some water therapy, then inland for some beautiful hiking trails on Palomar Mountain, or a day trip up to Big Bear. When it comes to food, I would say explore San Diego and San Diego county! There is something for everyone. There are so many delicious restaurants, bars and Speak Easies to choose from. If you’re looking for a bomb vegan pizza spot, Donna Jean’s is fire! San Diego boasts the best vegan eateries/bars in town! Since I live in Temecula, I would definitely recommend the wineries. We have just under 50 wineries to choose from, all boasting their own signature wines from bold reds, to crisp whites to sweet bubbly. A fun day winery hopping in the warm California sun is a must! The best time of year to go would probably be the spring when all the vineyards are full of green leaves, painting beautiful green hillsides all around you while you sip your wine and talk story with friends, new and old.

The most exciting things to do, for me anyways, would probably be sky diving in Oceanside, hang gliding off La Jolla’s cliff side, learning to surf, and snorkeling with leopard sharks in La Jolla. There is so much to do in SoCal from the mountains to the desert to the ocean. It really just depends on what you like to do. Even driving up the coast to central or Northern Cali is an adventure in itself!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! Support, mentorship, and the encouragement of others have definitely helped me to grow, learn and be where I am now as a person walking through life and as a business owner. I am nowhere near where I want to be and have setbacks and feel discouraged with my business at times, but what keeps me going is the love and support from my partner, my fellow venders and small business owners I meet along the way (we are a community who support one another and its beautiful), my mother and of course my customers! With out my customers, I would seize to exist.

My beautiful partner was actually the one who really set the fire under me to make my business a reality and I owe so much to her. She makes me believe that I really can do anything! I love you babe, thanks for being you and always supporting me and pushing me to be better!

To the community of fellow boss earthlings, thank you for being so kind and helpful whether its suggestions on marketing, new markets to attend in SoCal, to simply tagging my business on social media, you all have supported and encouraged me more than you know!

To Noah of The Sivan Collection, and Allysa of Lazy Daisy Pies and Thistle & Sage Market, thank you for introducing and accepting me into the market life!

Para mi madre, gracias for loving and supporting me siempre, and for allowing me to take over parts of your home to grow my business.

Last but certainly not least, a big thank you to Angie at Print & Copy House in Encinitas for creating my labels and cards! She has been so helpful in the process and is always willing to go the extra mile.

Website: https://myearthpotions.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myearthpotions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherearthpotions

Image Credits
Soul Purpose Photography