Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Schumm.
Hi Shelby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I had children, I began to make a more conscious effort to live a clean, healthy lifestyle. However, it wasn’t until my mom developed an allergy to formaldehyde that I realized that what we were putting on our bodies mattered just as much as the food we were consuming. I did a deep dive and found that formaldehyde is a preservative used in nearly every body care product, soap, makeup, and lotion, as well as many cleaning products, fabrics and nail polishes.
I immediately started searching for safer products. I was very discouraged to find that there weren’t many options. Then I discovered tallow. During my research, I learned that tallow had been used for thousands of years, long before synthetic alternatives were created. Although it sounded strange at the time, we decided to try it. The results were undeniable. It was extremely soothing, healing, and nourishing. Our family was hooked!
After a short time, a local herbalist heard that I was making my own tallow lotion. She reached out and asked to be my first paying customer. I was thrilled when she offered to carry Timeless Tallow in her shop. Soon, I had customers encouraging me to join the local farmers market, word of mouth spread like wildfire, and suddenly I had a real business on my hands. I’m still in awe when I look back at that time. Here I am, five years later, with a website, tens of thousands of satisfied customers. and a truly fulfilled heart. I’m forever grateful that God guided me down this path. Timeless Tallow has been an incredible blessing to our family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, I feel that my road has been smooth and tremendously blessed. There are three things that come to mind that I think many small businesses have to deal with.
Firstly, there was a lot of trial and error in the beginning. I work extremely hard to perfect each product and source the highest quality ingredients. I’ve learned a few costly lessons along the way. It’s all been worth it to provide products that I know my customers can trust.
Secondly, I trademarked Timeless Tallow when I first began selling. There are so many new, fly by night tallow companies that have popped up in the last couple of years. Sometimes it’s exhausting to deal with all of the people who’ve stolen my name and even my products. Thankfully, I have an amazing attorney who encouraged me to trademark when I did. It’s something that wasn’t even on my radar when I started my small business.
Lastly, there will always be someone who you can’t please. That was probably the hardest thing for me to overcome. I want to make everyone happy. I pour my heart and soul into Timeless Tallow. Owning a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to put in the hard work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Timeless Tallow offers organic, herbal and resin infused tallow products, lovingly handmade in small batches. Our tallow is dry rendered to preserve the most nutrients, vitamins, and collagen. We carefully source all of our ingredients to provide the most high quality skincare.
Our most popular products include our Magnesium Balm, Luminous Face Cream, and an herbal infused Healing Balm. We also offer a Wild Yam Cream, Sun Balm, tallow body lotions, lip balms, and our tallow based Beauty Sticks which can be used for eyes, lips, cheeks, and bronzer.
I’m constantly researching and creating new products. I currently have a few ideas up my sleeve! Owning Timeless Tallow has given me a creative outlet and freedom that I never dreamed of. I love learning about different herbs and their benefits. I infuse oils for months at a time. Everything is a slow, thoughtful process and I love that it’s all so purposeful. There is no rushing or cutting corners. Each product that I offer is made with love and intention.
What matters most to you?
When I first began selling my products, my husband and I had a discussion on pricing. We talked about the pros and cons of setting a higher price point versus a lower one. I told him that my goal wasn’t to make a fortune, but to reach as many people as I could. I want to help others! That is my why.
Every single review, before and after photo, heartfelt message of encouragement; it all matters. Hearing that a customer found my products through a word-of-mouth recommendation from family or friends is the ultimate reward. When someone gifts my tallow to a loved one, it’s an incredible compliment. When customers return over and over, it’s truly an honor. Each time another small business, health shop, or store has reached out to carry Timeless Tallow, it’s a privilege. I’m forever grateful.
Pricing:
- $5-$40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shoptimelesstallow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timeless.tallow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082907376136
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-acIlIf2sA&t=87s
