Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Chamalis.
Staci, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hello (or as we say in Greek Yiasas!) I grew up in the lovely Midwest and had the opportunity to travel abroad and live in my husband’s beautiful country of Greece. My love for olive oil started after my father-in-law, a retired chemist, taught me how to make my first batch of soap with Greek olive oil from the olives our family harvested. Making the switch to the all-natural soap helped my dry skin and it was because it was an all natural product free from chemicals.
From then on while living in Europe, I began to study the actual ingredients in beauty products. There are over 1,300 chemicals banned for use in cosmetics by the European Union and only 11 are banned in the U.S. There are over 20,000 chemicals that are on the market in skincare and beauty products and many of those chemicals haven’t been tested for long-term effects and some of the chemicals are proving to be toxic for various reasons. It became important for me to understand all ingredients that I was putting on my skin.
Living in the country of Greece which is rich in ancient history beauty rituals and full of natural botanicals. I found inspiration in formulating my own skincare products. I left my 8-year global consulting career and made it my mission to bring Greece to life in healthy skincare products that I could share with others. In October, we expanded our skincare line which now includes body oils, body balm, and candles.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No… it has been bumpy and there have been many lessons learned along the way, which I think is the case for most startups. The biggest adjustment/struggle has been just overall managing EVERY aspect of the business which includes R&D, packaging design, inventory management, manufacturing, accounting, social media, advertising, sales, events, shipping, PR, and the list goes on and literally never ends!
I am not an expert in each area and often feel overwhelmed. I have joined different Facebook and Indie business communities, have done hours of research and received advice/support from others that have helped me in various areas. I have also watched endless episodes of Shark Tank and The Profit because there are valuable lessons in each story and there is so much to learn.
If you aren’t an expert in each area of the business (which most people are not), you don’t have to be, my advice is to focus on what you do best, and try to find others that can help you fill in the gaps and guide you along your way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Vilia Soap Company – what should we know?
Vilia Soap Company is a natural, Greek-inspired small-batch skincare line based in Chicago. Our skincare products are made with high-quality, effective ingredients that have been used in Greek apothecary since the days of the beautiful and empowered Greek Goddesses.
The company was founded out of our love for Greek olive oil which is naturally packed with anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating squalene which helps moisturize your skin, renew damaged skin cells, and improve elasticity. Our mission is to provide our customers with natural luxury products that are non-toxic, chemical free, and effective.
Growing up, I was taught the importance of giving back to the community and others, so when I founded Vilia Soap Company, one of my objectives was to give back. I decided to donate a portion of our profits to Charity: Water, a non-profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. I believe that all humans should have access to clean water and clean water can change everything in a community, especially for women and children.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have the best family in the world and they have been my biggest supporters for not only believing in me but helping with different areas of the business.
My husband helps with social media, packaging design, and is my web designer. And he has even helped me with product labeling when I am in a crunch – like at 1 am when I am trying to finish prep for an event and I tell him I only have 50 more bottles to label:-)! He is truly my number one supporter and I wouldn’t be successful without his help.
My Mom is a successful small business owner and has always inspired me. She has owned her company for 20 years and has received numerous awards in the community. She is now distributing my product in Michigan and has attended many events with me to support the business. Her strength is sales, so I always am getting advice from her on sales strategies.
The personal beauty industry is VERY competitive and there are many choices of skincare products and I have the BEST customers who choose to keep coming back to my products over others. They are my BIGGEST supports because they have shared the products with their friends and family, have showed up to events over and over again, and often choose my products for gift giving to their loved ones. They are my biggest motivators and without them, I simply would not have a business.
Pricing:
- Bar Soap $9.00
- Body Oil $25.00
- Body Balm $14.00
- Frosted Jar Candle $22,00
- Travel Tin Candle $13.00
- Soothe & Repair Balm $20.00
- Mini Travel Soap $3.50
- Lip Balm $4.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.viliasoap.com
- Phone: 312-550-6201
- Email: staci.hamalis@viliasoap.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viliasoap/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viliasoap
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/viliasoap
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
