Etta + Billie
Etta + Billie creates artisan body care for food lovers. Our mission is to change the way you care for yourself by bringing satisfaction and nourishment back into your daily routine. Our body care is infused with food-focused organic ingredients and delectable natural essential oils to remind you of spending summers in the garden with your grandma or that dish your mom always made on special occasions.
Our skincare recipes are designed to bring delicious simplicity back to your routine without sacrificing efficacy. We believe that organic ingredients are better for our skin, our farmers, and our planet. You'll never find artificial colors, artificial scents, parabens, or phthalates in anything we whip up. We never test on animals, only willing human subjects. We donate a portion of our profits to local food banks and human rights organizations because we want to do our part to make the world a more equitable place and everyone should have access to quality food and drinkable water.
Etta + Billie was founded by Alana Rivera in 2009 in her San Francisco kitchen. Our products are still blended and shipped from our San Francisco studio. As a Certified Green Business we maintain strict sustainable standards in all areas of our business, not just our ingredients list.
What was the best piece of advice you received or read when you decided to launch or grow your business?
You don't know, what you don't know.
You’ve been on this journey for ten years, what are the most important lessons you’ve learned about starting and sustaining a maker business?
It’s kind of hard to believe that I’ve been in business that long! Some of my biggest lessons are creating a network of support (both professionally and personally). Look to your local business community and see if you can form a mastermind group or business group so you have other folks to lean on for support and perspective. Another important lesson is getting honest with yourself about your skill sets and talents so you can look for people to help in the areas you aren’t so good at. This will allow you more time and energy to build your business!
Favorite business book you have read?
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Favorite business podcast (either specific episode or series)
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Favorite business resources or articles?
This always seems to be changing for me. Right now, I'm really into the articles created by the team at Later.
Favorite business tools?
Later: Instagram Scheduler & Social Media Platform
Google Docs: Free Online Documents for Personal Use
Dropbox: Bring your files and cloud content together
VSCO: Take your photos to the next level
Canva: Professional layouts and designs
ClickUp: All-in-One Productivity App
Mailchimp: Email marketing made easy
Facebook Groups: connect with other makers and entrepreneurs
Are there any other favorite women led businesses we should know about?
Aplat, Lucky Break Consulting, MGG Studio, Sharon Zimmerman Jewelry, LeDix Sept, Nana Joes Granola, Seek Collective, Back Beat Rags, Urb Apothecary, Root Adorned, Downtown Local, We Make Things Co., my list could go on.... ;)