Name of your website?Skin Organics
Your name?
Gabrielle Edwards
Your Location (city, etc)
Brisbane
Please give us a short summary of your website?
I'm an online retailer of organic and natural beauty products and baby care. I have over 160 brands in my store and ship all over the world.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
My mother was diagnosed with asthma and is allergic to chemicals, artificial fragrances and preservatives. I had to change my entire way of life after seeing how badly the chemicals in our skin care and cleaning products were affecting her. I came to learn that there are many others out there also like her and being a Mum myself, wanted to prevent the same thing happening to my children. So I only use natural products for my family and we all feel so much better for it!
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
Skin Organics was launched in January 2006. I also own www.nappyreview.com.au and www.littlegreenbook.com.au (also about natural living and organics).
How did you decide on a name for your website?
My core markets - skin care and organics were the inspiration for my business name and logo.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Firstly - my service. I not only sell organic products but I use them as well, so I know what works best and is the best value, natural product. I am passionate about organics and this does make a difference when people are seeking honest advice. I also pride myself on helping my customers feel good about themselves without them having to pay a fortune. Secondly - I am price competitive in Australia and I offer free delivery for my customers in Brisbane. Thirdly - I am also about educating my customers on what chemicals and ingredients they should be avoiding in their skin care.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
To have Skin Organics as a thriving business which is my sole source of income. I'd also like to open a physical store-front someday, too!
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
At the moment, because I am only new, it takes a lot of hard work to get my name out there amongst over 4 billion websites! Organics is a niche market so this is a long, time-consuming process!
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would re-do my site and have it fully-customised.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes! I have great relationships with my suppliers so I can get products out to my customers as quickly as possible.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
The cost of advertising and upgrading my Zen-Cart shopping cart system.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding the time to balance home life and my business.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Paid links in large directories.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
I didn't expect that it would take so long to develop a decent traffic flow.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I've been doing this for two years and it really started as a hobby, but as things have progressed, I've found that I want it to be so much more than that. I'll keep doing this as long as I still feel passionate about it!
If you could have one thing to help you balance home life and business, what would it be?
A full-time nanny for my children!!
What is your website address?
Skin Organics
