A $20 Business Challenge to Remember

Two months ago, my friend, Zoe, and I began an incredible venture together. It all began with a business challenge that invited students from all over Barbados to start up their own businesses with the help of $20 to get the ball rolling.

We came up with the idea of a business which would sell skincare products made from all-natural ingredients - something we feel is quite unique to the island. We wanted to create a line of products that required little importation (using what our little island naturally had to offer) and therefore would be more affordable. We would make and package everything entirely ourselves - and provide a full range of products that we ourselves would love to use. They not would not only smell and feel amazing on your skin, but would actually help with cellulite, stretch marks and eczema. After endless hours of researching the best and most effective ingredients, our 'Coffee Scrub' and 'Rose Bath Salts' were born! 

Most people don't even know that some of the products they're using on their skin are made in factories using harsh chemicals and preservatives. Knowing this, we've always been passionate about making really 'good' skincare products - and this challenge was the perfect chance to do this; and then share our creations with people who love taking care of their skin, too.

We chose the name 'R&Z Skincare' as sort of a personal representation of us, the founders of the business. Knowing that social media within the digital age is a remarkable way to form connections and market a product, we relied mostly on the platform, Instagram. Within the first week, we had 100 followers, and we used it as a visual diary; showcasing our journey. Without long, our number of fans grew to 200 followers and we had people from all over the world directly placing orders through the site.

- Rebecca Eames [Principal Blogger]