Hidden Gems: Meet Lydia Randolet of Milk + Body

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Randolet

Hi Lydia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Milk + Body as a side hustle at the end of 2019. A coworker had taught me how to make soap and I fell in love with the process. I figured why not make a go of it as a business? 2021 brought some changes to my life and I jumped headfirst into the business full-time. Ever since, it’s been a non-stop learning experience between product formulation and scaling up. Six years later, I now sell five different kinds of products across 32 states in a variety of industries ranging from boutiques and hotels to refilleries and spas.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am a frequent rider of the struggle bus, a sentiment I think most growing small business owners feel. Even armed with a business degree, growing one yourself is a whole different ball game. There is quite the learning curve but I’m figuring it out. I have met so many other small business owners along the way and it makes such a difference having people to bounce ideas off of and problem-solve with. I’d say the first hurdle is financing and figuring out how to scale your businesses with limited funds. The old adage is true, it takes money to make money. My current obstacle is just growth. Deciding when it’ll be time to take the risk and invest in larger studio space, hiring, how many clients I can take on etc. There’s never a dull moment when growing a business but it’s all an amazing learning experience and you develop skills you otherwise may not have without the struggles.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Milk + Body, we create bath products and skincare intended to help you slow down and soak in the good. You can enjoy a quick escape with our shower steamers or opt for something more indulgent like a moisturizing bubble bath with our bath truffles. All of our products are formulated using a combination of science and nature-backed ingredients for high efficacy and deep nourishment. Goat milk is our original go-to ingredient and can be found in several products due to its potent benefits and gentle nature making it appropriate for all skin types.

Our brand differentiates by creating a grounded vibe with elevated products. We intentionally source ingredients and packaging from other small, family, and women-owned businesses. We believe strongly in responsible practices and giving back to the community. One of our favorite partnerships is with Eco Soap Bank. They are a non-profit organization that employs women to reprocess soap scraps into new bars. The soap is then distributed to underprivileged communities around the world, improving hygiene and reducing the spread of germs and disease.

In an increasingly stressful world, we’re proud to offer a way to regulate and destress with the knowledge that we are a responsible company that genuinely cares about your well-being and community.

We offer an array of products for daily or occasional use including goat milk soap, bath truffles, shower steamers, goat milk + tallow body cream, and sugar scrubs. You can find us online at milkandbodybath.com. Follow us on Instagram at @milkandbodybath to view a list of our amazing stockists (support small businesses!) located around the country, and to check out our current projects.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think my biggest break came from jumping into wholesale. It grew my business quickly and opened doors I didn’t even realize were there. Initially, it may have been luck, but ever since, it has been hard work and dedication to making this business thrive that has driven me forward. In business, you have to set yourself up correctly to catch luck, if that makes sense. If you strategically show up in the right places, it makes it easier for things to happen.

Pricing:

• $10 per soap bar
• $20 shower steamer jar
• $7 boxed steamers
• $2.50 travel size goat milk + tallow body cream
• $10 bath truffle

Contact Info:

• Website: https://milkandbodybath.com
• Instagram: @milkandbodybath
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milkandbodybath/