Mavis Everett with Explore Plano Podcast interviews Tina Ames with Sweet Home Bath and Body, which has been in downtown Plano for around two years. She started her business as a hobby to treat her sensitive skin.
Tina says she began by experimenting in making soap, which she also gifted to friends who loved the product. She eventually progressed to raising money for charities. Tina was working in corporate America at the time and did not consider her hobby as a business until she decided to homeschool their daughter. She utilized some free resources through the Small Business Administration and Collin College Continuing Education, such as how to write a business plan.
Tina did a lot of markets and trade shows, and currently has 26 retail partners with the bulk of her sales as wholesale. The products are made in Plano, Texas, and offered throughout the nation. She offers fragrance and non-fragrance varieties, and all are paraben free with no sulfates and are formulated for sensitive skin. Her most popular product is her soap, which is made from scratch, and it is her favorite item to make. The next is the hand
and body cream and bath bombs. Their candles are also quite popular, and they are made out of coconut wax.
Tina recently moved to a larger space to accommodate more customers with a full parking lot and space to have classes. The first part of the store is all retail. A small section is dedicated to women-owned businesses that make hand-made items such as hand-painted cards, clay jewelry, graphic designed t-shirts, stickers, and more. The space also provides for other makers to teach classes such as making cakes, cookies, and silk dying.
Tina also talks about getting through difficult times in her business and discusses how she stays connected with her community in creative ways and collaborates with other small businesses to band together. She now has live videos, a YouTube channel, and teaches online classes.
Tina loves to make custom gifts for people and says it is a big part of her business. It is a free service she provides and is available on her website as an option. She also does a lot of weddings, bridal party gifts, wedding favors, etc. She works with budgets of any size to make the gifts very special. Tina says she truly loves to connect with people.
Sweet Home Bath and Body is located in downtown Plano at 1610 J Avenue. The current store hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you prefer, private shopping can be scheduled by making an appointment on their website at www.sweethomebath.com. They are also open for private classes.
Connect with Tina on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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