We recently had the chance to connect with Iris Elizabeth and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Iris, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to step into more public speaking. For a long time, I preferred to stay behind the scenes, letting my work and products speak for themselves. But as my business has grown, I’ve been asked to share my story with audiences of fellow business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. At first, it was uncomfortable — opening up about my journey, my challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.
Now, I see it differently. I realize that sharing my voice isn’t just about me; it’s about inspiring others who are walking similar paths. Public speaking has become an extension of my purpose — to encourage, to educate, and to remind others that growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Iris Elizabeth Humes, and I’m the Founder and CEO of iBlossom Organics, a natural hair and skin care brand based in Detroit, Michigan. I started iBlossom Organics out of a personal need — I wanted clean, effective products that truly worked for textured hair without harsh ingredients. When I couldn’t find them, I decided to create my own.
What makes iBlossom Organics special is our approach — we don’t just create products, we create solutions rooted in nature and inspired by real experiences. Every formula is designed with purpose, using natural, safe ingredients that promote scalp health, moisture balance, and long-term growth.
Over the years, what began as a small passion project has grown into a brand that’s now trusted by hospitals, retailers, and everyday consumers who care about what goes into their self-care. Our mission is to remind people that beauty and wellness go hand in hand — when you take care of yourself, you blossom.
Right now, we’re focused on expanding our reach, building retail partnerships, and continuing to innovate within the beauty and wellness space. But at the heart of it all, iBlossom Organics is still what it has always been — a brand created by love, driven by purpose, and inspired by the belief that growth starts from within.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Outside of my children, the most impactful relationship I’ve had has been with my business. Building iBlossom Organics has been like holding up a mirror to my own growth — it’s challenged me, stretched me, and revealed parts of myself I didn’t know existed.
In the beginning, it was just an idea and a lot of determination. Over time, I realized that my business wasn’t just something I was building — it was also building me. It taught me resilience when things didn’t go as planned, patience when progress felt slow, and confidence when I had to make bold decisions.
Through iBlossom, I discovered my purpose — to create, to inspire, and to serve others through products that promote self-care and healing. This journey has shaped how I see myself as a leader, a mother, and a woman. It reminded me that growth is rarely comfortable, but it’s always worth it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to never be afraid to be who you are — be bold, even when it feels uncomfortable. The world will try to make you question your voice, your worth, and your path, but everything that makes you different is what makes you powerful.
There were times when I dimmed my light to fit in or waited for permission to take up space. I’d tell her now that she was already enough — and that standing in her truth would open doors she couldn’t even imagine yet.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — absolutely. I take pride in being my true, authentic self. What you see publicly is a reflection of who I genuinely am, both in business and in life. I don’t try to present a perfect image; I embrace my imperfections because they’re part of my story.
Authenticity has always been at the heart of everything I do — from how I lead my company to how I show up for others. I believe people connect most with honesty, and I never want to lose that. So whether I’m in a boardroom, at a speaking engagement, or at home with my kids, I’m always me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the truth — my truth. I want them to know that my journey wasn’t easy, that I faced real obstacles just trying to survive. I’ve experienced moments of uncertainty, loss, and rebuilding from the ground up. Those experiences shaped the woman I am today.
I’ve never fully shared my story publicly, but it’s the foundation of everything I’ve created. I want people to know that behind every success, there was struggle, faith, and resilience. My hope is that when people speak about me, they don’t just talk about the business I built — they remember the strength it took to build it, the grace I carried through it, and the heart that kept me going.
If my story inspires even one person to believe they can overcome their own challenges and still blossom, then I’ve done something meaningful with my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iblossomorganics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iblossomorganics
- Linkedin: Iris Elizabeth
- Facebook: IBlossom Organics
