Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Allen
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In May of 2024, after the annual LBB Become Conference, I was feeling energized and motivated to finally get organized on paper and launch by brand. After a few weeks of playing in the kitchen, I was confident enough to launch The Mercantile at the local Farmer’s Market.
For years, I have struggled with situational anxiety, terrible sleep and other inflammatory issues. I chose products that I use daily to help ease those struggles naturally and focused my line on rest, relaxation and recovery. After a few successful weeks, I was approached to place products in a few local stores.
I took a leap of faith, made the real investment into my business to have both branded photos and a e-commerce website built. To date, I have built a very loyal repeat customer base with proven positive results and have 9 retail partners who also offer my products.
In 2025, I will be focused on product expansion as requested and building additional online presence and retail partners where customers are not currently served in the local area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We will call it, smooth-ish. I have been fortunate enough to have a large social network of family, friends and colleagues who have entrusted me with their self-care needs and continue to support my brand.
Along the way I have learned that being a solo entrepreneur can be daunting at times, especially when all products are handmade. My biggest struggles have included bottling and labeling, not all labels and printers are created equal and my products require waterproof labeling. I have been able to quickly adapt to other small issues as they have popped up along the way and entrusted many friends who are also in the space with their advice.
Additionally, keeping up with online / social media presence has proven to be a third full-time job. I have been given a tremendous amount of support and best practice from my LBB network and look forward to applying them in 2025.
Finally, as other struggles have arose, I am certain that with growth, comes great opportunity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Mercantile is a modern apothecary of all natural handmade self-care products for the home and body, which support a holistic focus on rest, relaxation and recovery. Self-care starts from within and can be greatly supported by products that eliminate chemicals and biproducts that are harmful for the skin and body. All of my products are made by me with trusted organic products, including base and essential oils.
I am passionate about health and wellness, I wanted to create a space to support holistic approaches to comprehensive mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. I am beyond proud to support others self-care journey in a safe and affordable way. The Mercantile MacGyver Magnesium Oil continues to be our #1 seller and supports sleep and muscle function without any harmful side effects. As a business owner, nothing makes me happier than when I get a text or DM thanking me for the help and support my products have brought someone.
I am excited to expand our product offerings in 2025 and am looking forward to new partnerships to bring complete holistic self-care to the home and body.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Truly sit down and create a business plan with a realistic budget and both attainable and stretch goals. Be sure to get advice from other seasoned professionals and trusted friends whose businesses align with yours.
I wish I would have done more research on retail partner account management, so I better understood how to negotiate rates, manage inventories, etc.
Pricing:
- $7-$25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mercantilestl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themercantilestl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMercantileStL/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/103698867/admin/dashboard/
