Damita Miller-Shanklin

When a friend and I walked into Craven + Maven, a beautiful shop on Springdale Road in Austin, I met Bonnie Skulark. She told us about the store and how all the items were made by local makers and artists. Skylark was part owner as well. She partnered with two other women to open this quaint store full of creativity and beauty. Here is her story as we discuss her product and business Sweet Cream that she started in 2019.

Starting a Skincare Business and Building Entrepreneurial Connections

Skylarks original name for the company was Cookies and Things Skincare. It was a catchy name but people would ask her if she sold cakes, cookies or if it was edible? She loved the name, but it was too long, and it was misleading. Skulark changed the name to “Sweet Cream.” Skulark grew up in the kitchen with her mother who made pies and sweet treats. In building her business she wanted to stick with her southern roots and honor her mother’s influence by naming her company after her. The first product Skulark made was a moisturizer back in 2014 and perfected it in 2018. She sent the product to her friends and family for feedback. The response was “wow, it’s amazing.”  People were blown away with the texture of the moisturizer. She needed a product for Eczema that was organic for her son. She found a recipe and tweaked it and started using it on her son and herself. She began her journey in local markets without an online presence, where she received positive feedback and sales.  Along the way, she connected with another entrepreneur named Shelley. They became friends and began to discuss entrepreneurship and different business models. “I like to learn things and get an understanding of how things work.”

Entrepreneurship, Teamwork, and Overcoming Challenges

Skulark really connected and bonded with Shelley and became really good friends. Shelley introduced her to Elizabeth who is the owner of Clover+Maven. She felt it was fate because as they got to know each other they began talking numbers and her and Shelley were given an opportunity to partner with Elizabeth. She said, “hey, if we do this partnership, why don’t we work with other small business owners. I’m sure they would love to have a space as well.” They brought 20 vendors into the space just to see how it would go. They weren’t sure but they did really well and received over 100 responses from vendors who wanted to be in the space as well. They continue to be humbled by all the love and support that the community put into Clover and Maven. The experience underlines the critical role of teamwork in achieving entrepreneurial success.

Career Path and Business Development During the Pandemic

Skulark has had many different careers ranging from Broadcast Journalist, an Accountant, Pharmaceuticals and Professional, Make-up Artist. All of these careers gave her the skills and education she needed to become a successful business owner and entrepreneur. You sometimes take the long road around to get to your final destination.

When she started her online business, she was everywhere and nowhere at once. Skulark was in business prior to the pandemic. But she still had to learn quickly about Marketing. She had to find a way to introduce a newly developed product to the market and gain target customers. But because she likes to learn, she went to Google University and started searching for how to market her online business. During her research she found key elements she needed to move ahead. She took three months to work on her product and the background aspects of running a business.

Starting and Growing a Small Business In This Economy

Starting a business during the Pandemic was not a good idea for most people, but Skulark continued her entrepreneurial journey with her online business. Sweet Cream is doing well. She has a loyal customer base. “I am the Head of Product Development. I am the person that’s picking all of the ingredients.” She hasn’t brought in a manufacturing company, but will once she gets into mass retailers. She has used the same supplier for her organic ingredients. The formula hasn’t changed at all. Her packaging has changed a little but the original has been the same for about four years. Her most popular product is the Orange Blossom but she has a new scent with Lavender and Lemon. Skulark offers different products you will want to try. She has moisturizers, soaps, hand creams and more. Eliza, with Ujima, purchased the soap and she said this about it.

 “The soap is so gentle and cleansing at the same time. It does not leave your skin dry and no film left behind. Just cleaned and moisturized.”

Having a business and adjusting to this economy does take creativity and adjustments. It’s a constant learning process. “One thing about being here in Austin, and I think a lot of other states are picking up on this too, is that we love doing markets. It’s about word of mouth and getting out in front of the customer or talking to the customer about your product.”  Learn the in’s and out’s of your business. She knows when to expect her orders to come in, her busy season, etc. Just learning your business and having a mentor is also a good idea.  Learn about the power of taking action over endless planning, a valuable lesson for all entrepreneurs.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entreprneur?

One little thing that sticks in Skylarks mind. Her mentor said to her  “Doing is better than perfect.”  She just wants to make sure that her customers are happy.

How do you take care of yourself?

Skulark is a spiritual person and believes there is a God. To relax, she turns off her phone or place on silent. “I’ll just meditate and pray and say my gratitude prayer.”  When working she enjoys listening to classical music. 

The last words

Skulark would love for everyone here in Austin to know that Sweet Cream is a home based business but it’s made with love. She does free shipping, free local delivery,and she can ship nationally. 

Please visit Sweet Cream at www.Sweetbodycream.com. You can find her on IG at sweetbodycreams.