We are excited to share another Success Story! Meet Justine Anderson (Codroy, NL), the young entrepreneur behind Wildflower Co. Botanicals!
Here’s Justine’s story…
In the Beginning
Inspiration struck when Justine was working full-time to become a chef. She had eczema and contact dermatitis on her hands and created a calendula balm to soothe her skin. The balm worked so well — Justine knew she had to share it with others!
Now, Justine makes a full line of all-natural self care products including cold process soaps, herbal teas, and hand poured candles. She uses natural and organic ingredients, combined with botanicals foraged or grown organically right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Why Entrepreneurship?
Starting Wildflower Co. Botanicals gave Justine the freedom and ability to bring her ideas and passions to life! Justine created a whole range of natural body care products to nurture wellness and therapeutic self-care practices in her customers’ daily lives.
Justine’s measure of success is seeing the positive impact of her products: “When a busy mom takes time for herself with a cup of herbal tea, or when someone reconnects with the earth and the powers of self-love while using calendula balm — those moments are when I feel most successful.”
Making it Happen with Youth Ventures
Justine first started working with Youth Ventures in 2016 — she describes their support as vital! Justine shares, “Through their mentorship I gained the extra confidence and financial boost I needed to take the first steps and begin my business.”
Youth Ventures helped Justine learn the ins-and-outs of marketing, promotion, branding, networking, and even helped her access a kiosk rental to sell her products.
Since 2016, Justine and Wildflower Co. Botanicals won two Youth Ventures awards: one for Excellence in Marketing and another for Product Design.
What’s Next
Justine’s goal for Wildflower Co. Botanicals this year is to branch out into wholesale and have her products in stores across the province.
Justine’s products have been sold to people in 6 different countries and she has received wonderful feedback! She continues to work hard learning new technical skills to stay challenged and inspired.
Moment of Reflection
Justine wants entrepreneurs like herself to remember: “The greatest challenge I’ve faced has been releasing my own self-doubt and not letting my own fears sabotage my success. Believe in yourself!! If you have an idea for something that is needed, believe in yourself and go for it. Reach out and connect with support systems like CBDC for guidance.”
Wildflower Co. Botanicals products can be purchased online at: www.wildflowercoshop.com.
Check out Justine’s products, like her seasonally curated self-care and astrology Sun Boxes, on Facebook (Wildflower Company) and Instagram (@wildflower.company)!
Thank you for sharing your story, Justine — your Youth Ventures family wishes you all the best in everything you do in the future!
Stay tuned for the next Success Story. Until then, let’s keep Makin’ Lemonade!