Organic lip balm a natural venture for Las Vegas mother

Describe your business.

I started back in June wanting a lip balm that was safe for my toddler to use; he was always grabbing one of my 50 lip balms. One night I started to Google what lip balms were made of, realizing most of them have ingredients I had never heard of. So I would look up that ingredient and come to find out, most ingredients in lip balm are synthetic, waxes, petroleums, parabens, artificial flavors and ingredients. I thought for sure I could melt some organic ingredients and make my own lip balm. After trial and error of many ingredients and failed batches, I made a batch of lip balm that I felt was good. I started to give samples out and get feedback. After tweaking the best possible batch, I started to get really good responses, and this is how Kiss My Honey was established. I have handcrafted an organic, all-natural, paraben-free, chemical-free lip balm that comes in mint and chocolate.

What makes your business unique?

This lip balm is unique because the look of this product is eye-catching, trendy, and the bold colors are quite different as to most organic lip balms, which look “green and environmentally friendly.” It’s all natural, organic and soon to have the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Organic logo on it.

Where did you get the idea for the name?

I had struggled with a name, so I was clearing my head through a little bit of meditation one night and “Kiss My Honey” appeared in bright pink letters. I looked up the name to make sure no other product had it and soon applied for a trademark.

Are you planning to expand the flavor offerings?

Eventually I would like to expand our flavors, add a coconut and a berry-flavored, maybe even add a tinted lip balm that isn’t tinted with artificial coloring.

What was your experience like at the Emmy Awards gifting suite?

I handmade 180 lip balms, wrapped them each in labels, packaged them in black organza bags and placed business cards in each one. We got there two weeks later, set up a table, and we were placed in a gifting suite room at Nokia Theatre Live with about 40 other vendors. But each vendor was different — there were no two products the same. We had all exclusive rights to photos, video, shout-outs from celebrities. One of our highlights was a video with Mary Murphy, a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” She loved our chocolate lip balm. Another highlight of the day was Shane Sparks, a choreographer, doing a shout-out.

What is your business philosophy?

To make a product of greatness that anyone can use, including kids and pets. To be of quality organic ingredients yet look trendy and bold. When they read our label, consumers know exactly what they are placing on their lips.

Where do you see your business in five years?

I see Kiss My Honey in specialty boutiques, salons, retail stores, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, beauty bars, etc., and in many other states, even worldwide.