Exploring Life & Business with Rachel Wagenborg of Blk Rose Self-Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Wagenborg. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been fascinated with self-care. I believe that self-care starts at home and doing what makes you feel good. I started talking about self-care on Instagram, I would post my self-care routines every Sunday and I would call it “Self-Care Sunday”. I shared skincare tips, mindfulness, home organization tips, and more. I was so invested in self-care that I decided to make products of my own. As a result, I developed “Blk Rose Self-Care” as the name and brand for my business. I spent most of my time creating formulas for infused face/body oils, herbal bath soaks, beard care products, face masks, and home products. Then, I designed my website and decided to launch BRS (Blk Rose Self-Care) February 12, 2021. Within my first year of business, so many opportunities were presented. In June, I partnered with “Inner Sage: The Shop” located in Dearborn, MI and Ferndale, MI to have a few of my products sold there. I also partnered with “Sacred Lounge”, which is a luxury yoni steam lounge in Southfield, MI. Later in the year, my husband and I sold my products at pop-up shops. The amount of support from our community and customers was AMAZING!!! I love connecting with my customers, I am looking forward to seeing what’s in store for BRS in the future. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, my first year as an entrepreneur was great and I had to make some improvements along the way. One of my biggest struggles was marketing for online orders, I had some slow months last year. Because of the low sales, I started to lack motivation and patience. I know that entrepreneurship is not “microwave success” but I was so confident that I had good quality products and I thought my sales would be high. But I didn’t give up, instead of focusing on sales, I started to be consistent with posting on social media and emailing monthly newsletters to my website subscribers. With consistency, patience, and hard work my social media following, and sales increased. In addition, running a business alone can be demanding because I was dealing with other day-to-day challenges such as becoming a mom, being a wife, financial struggles, and making sure that my mental health was taken care of. One thing about entrepreneurship, business must keep going no matter what you are going through and that can be VERY challenging. I hope to hire a team for BRS in the future because I strongly believe in teamwork and building a community. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in making home and beauty products. My most popular product is the Linen+Room spray. My customers love our luxury fine mist bottles and the scents that we offer which is Luxe Linen, Pillow Talk, and Rose & Peony. All of our products are handcrafted and our beauty products is made with organic ingredients. I am proud of being able to conquer my obstacles and seeing myself grow as an entrepreneur, being able to use my creativity is a gift within itself. In fact, I designed my own website, logo, labels, product photography, and specially formulated my products. I also created social media content and email marketing for my business. BRS takes pride in spreading positivity, self-care awareness, and strive to give customers the best experience. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. I grew up in a quiet and laid-back household with my mom and older brother. My childhood was fun and filled with love. I was the kid with a bubbly and silly personality. Furthermore, I was heavily involved in the community and participated in many programs such as dance, sports, talent shows, TV shows, commercials, and modeling. I expressed myself through my creativity and talents. My grandmother inspired me to explore my creativity, we spent a lot of time doing art projects, decorating, and I love reading her poems. Additionally, I had a big heart growing up, I enjoyed finding ways to help others and serve the community. My independence and determination were one of my strongest suits, I preferred to figure out everything on my own. I cultivated work ethic, self-discipline, and professionalism at a young age. Well, thanks to my mom for that because now I can navigate through life and if I put my mind to it, I know I can achieve it. 

Pricing:

• Linen+Room Spray- $12.50
• Potpourri- $14.50
• Rose+Hibiscus Clay Mask- $20
• Relax+Recharge Bath Soak- $7.00
• Beard Bundle (Cedarwood Beard Oil, Spearmint Beard Balm)- $23.50

Contact Info:

• Email: info@blkroseself-care.com
• Website: https://www.blkroseself-care.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkrose_selfcare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkroseselfcare