IBN Success Spotlight on
Deborah Jasien of Fields of Ambrosia
October 11, 2004
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Introduction To Fields of Ambrosia
Fields of Ambrosia is a long-time IBN member. The full-time business of owner Run by Deborah Jasien, Fields of Ambrosia in Intervale, New Hampshire, full service provider of bath and body care products such as hand and body lotions, sugar scrubs, handmade soaps, body butters and creams. The company uses no petroleum products or detergents. After being "retired" for a few years, Deborah was searching for new ways to enjoy her extensive gardens. At the same time, she became interested in incorporating natural products into her personal body care regime. Her dual quest led her to a soap making pot, which of course led her to wonder if she could make other more luxurious items.
When her sister Karen was diagnosed with cancer, Deborah began studying aromatherapy and designed a few products for deep tissue pain and skin sensitivity - common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. While Karen lost her battle with cancer in 2001, Deborah wanted to do something more with the product line she called "RainDrops". Deborah's true passion was born, Fields of Ambrosia was incorporated and she has never stopped.
The Nuts And Bolts
Fields of Ambrosia was fortunate to have benefited from the support of Deborah's life partner who contributed space, equipment and start up cash to get the business started. At this time, Deborah is the sole employee but she has plans to hire young adults from a local organization for the mentally challenged to help with gardening, packaging & labeling. In addition to her own contributions, which include graphics work and design and printing of her own marketing materials, she enjoys the services of an attorney and an accountant. Fields of Ambrosia tithes 10% of its sales to a New Hampshire Cancer Foundation
According to Deborah, the most rewarding part of her business is that she gets to work with the herbs and flowers she grows to create wonderful products. Says Deborah, " I enjoy all the benefits of preparing the soil, planting and nurturing the seeds, witnessing the growth and the harvest, and then using the spent life of the plant to create healthy body care products. Deborah's best selling line is White Mountain Lilacs, representing the state flower of New Hampshire. Her top sellers are body lotion, soap, bath crystals and body mist. Deborah's personal favorite is her lotion which she says leaves a "soft and non-greasy feel on the skin".
Deborah's
future plans for Fields of Ambrosia include
continuing to showcase her products in select local craft stores. She and another
soap maker plan to open their own retail space in 2005. In the meantime says
Deborah, "My online business continues to grow and I have wholesale
clients throughout New England. I'm happy with this until I'm ready to take
the next step and open my own store."
Deborah's Advice To New Handmade Beauty Businesses
Deborah's advice is simple. "Above all else, love what you do. Educate yourself on all aspects of the products you want to produce, from the ingredients to the consumer. Research is the key to creating great products and selling them to happy clients. If you can't honestly and with confidence answer customer's questions about your own product, they won’t buy anything from you."
Benefits of IBN Membership
According to Deborah, who has been a member of IBN since 2002, "Both legally and philosophically, IBN has smoothed the rough road of small business ownership, especially in regard to important issues like products liability insurance and labeling guidelines. The valuable information that IBN and dM make available to me has been a godsend for my business."
Fields of Ambrosia can be contacted at deborah@fieldsofambrosia.com and through their website here.
