Today we’d like to introduce you to Chiquita Lewis.
Chiquita, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My business Yail’s Garden is a handmade body care line that specializes in whipped body butters, soaps, bath salts, and hair oils. I am a mother of four beautiful children and reside on the south-side of Chicago.
I started studying and researching how to make my own body products while living in Egypt. This came after almost losing my life to a rare autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis that I was diagnosed with at the age of 18.
In 2016, I finally got the courage to start selling my products. The name Yail is a Hebrew word which means to exhort or encourage. All of my product collections are named after positive attributes or fruits of the spirit. The signature line consists of Happiness, Goodness, Clarity, and Joy.
Today, Yail’s Garden is located in three Chicagoland stores and one store in Indiana. My goal is to teach people how to make time for themselves and implement self-care before something drastic happens as it did to me. I also want to start educating about harmful chemicals and better alternatives.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There were definitely struggles along the way. Believing in yourself enough to be vulnerable and hope people like what you create can be stressful at times, especially if you are self-critical. Finding great events, pop-ups and festivals that are profitable can definitely be a challenge as well. But when I meet so many amazing people at every single show it really put things into perspective. It is not all about me but it is about making others happy and building relationships. That’s my most favorite part about being an entrepreneur.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am mainly known for my soaps and body butters. My customers love how my body butters looked like a souffle in the jars and are always asking if my products are edible.
I am most proud of being able to ask people “would you like to try some happiness?”. The reactions I get are priceless as if no one ever takes the time to see what they truly need. I love giving them an experience and something to remember me by.
What sets me apart from others is that I have half essential oil scented products and half fragrances. I like to think of myself as the mediator between store brand scents and holistic. What also sets me apart from others is that I absolutely love my customers and understand they don’t owe me anything. When they meet me at events we are laughing, joking and sharing stories like we’re old friends.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always had a strong personality according to my parents. A tad bit bossy but it was effective since I am the oldest of my siblings. In school, I participated in many programs such as dance, arts and pom poms. I’ve always been creative and have been working since I was 12 years old, so there was no surprise that I became a business owner.
Pricing:
- Readers can definitely receive 15% off their purchase on my website using the code “voyagechi” + FREE SHIPPING
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yailsgarden.com
- Phone: 773-367-9308
- Email: info@yailsgarden.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/yailsgarden
- Facebook: facebook.com/yailsgarden
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.
