Interview with Mari Hughes, Co-Founder & Creative Assistant, Maoli Perfumes
Tell us about your business.
Maoli Perfumes is a perfume house that blends the first and only natural and organic eau de cologne for kids and kids at heart.
Inspired by childhood memories of warm sand, sunshine and cool, fragrant tradewinds, Colonia Dulce is a joyful blend of sweet wild lime, juicy Ka’u Gold oranges, pink grapefruit, orange blossoms and hand-picked pikake. Balmy notes of vanilla, nuances of cacao, caramel and coconut milk never overwhelm but rather comfort with their delicate sweetness. The formula was created by my boys, Kai and Kalani.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Being a business owner helps me focus in teaching my boys that everything you want requires hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Maoli Perfumes was not intended to become a business until other moms began asking to purchace whatever was that the boys and I were wearing. We saw a sweet opportunity and have embraced it since.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My boys, Kai & Kalani. Often times we underestimate our kids creativity and entrepreneurial spirits. The have taught me that age means nothing when you have determination and the desire to be successful and whatever is it that you like to do.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Being the first perfume house in the Industry providing a natural alternative to synthetic fragrances for children.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
To grow thick skin and never take business issues as personal attacks.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Our story. We don’t have a PR agent or advertising firm, yet we receive several retail and wholesale requests a day. Ah, twitter has been good to us too. There’s nothing more beautiful for a small business than word of mouth.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
I’ve followed the “grow thick skin” advice since the day I was told.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
Twitter (http://twitter.com ) is a favorite, if done right. I love connecting with other “tweeps” and they seem to appreciate that I’m not always talking about our company. Pitchrate.com and helpareporter.com provide great leads also.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
Blending natural perfumes, growing fragrant flowers.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
Increase the number of retail stores as wholesale accounts.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you are a mom, never underestimate the creativity and sense of wonder your children are naturally born with.
In addition to your website, how else can our readers connect with you online?
Our website, http://maoliperfumes.com has a blog. Just subscribe to our feed to stay updated with our postings. There’s also the option of joining our newsletter and to follow us on twitter, http://twitter.com/maoliperfumes