Interview with the Entrepreneur Behind Natural Clothing Company

Full Name: Alina Bartell

What is your business called and what do you do? 

Natural Clothing Company specializes in retail of organic and natural clothing and organic products at www.NaturalClothingCompany.com

Please tell us how you became an entrepreneur and how long you have been one. 

I have been entrepreneur all my life:) with several business ventures. Natural Clothing Co was started in 2008. Our family are vivid supporters of organic life. We  grow our own fruits and vegetables, recycle and compost everything we can on our small hobby farm where we grow veggies, herbs, fruit and have goats and chicken.  Our focus on organic and natural fibers was influenced strongly by our family's own health challenges. We investigated in depth how much the chemicals in our environment, including clothing can affect our bodies, especially the young ones – our kids.  I credit eradicating chemicals from our food and clothing for success in recovery of our health.

How did you fund starting your own business?

I started literally by investing only few dollars and hundreds of hours of my own work. I do all the graphics, website programing, marketing and etc. That cut a lot of costs and thanks to social media – it can be done on a small budget. For inventory purchases we dipped in our personal credit.

How many hours do you work in a week?

That varies a lot! I tend to be a workaholic but the flexibility of hours is what I enjoy the most. I can drop by the kids school if I need to, attend the Farmers Market or meet with friends and catch up with work later in a day or even night.  

What has been your biggest business challenge as an entrepreneur?  

I started Natural Clothing Co at the weakest of economic times. It was not easy but I strongly believe in the value of natural products. We don't invite people to buy just for the sake of spending money but if you do need a new pair of socks or underwear – make it organic! It saves your body, saves the environment and helps organic farmers and manufacturers.

How did you or do you overcome your biggest challenge?

I read like crazy, constantly look at what else is happening to learn from others. I also utilize social media – awesome and FREE tool to spread the word. 

What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?

Decide what you are really passionate about. Then listen to others, especially to your critics and learn BUT keep your own consul. If you believe in your product, if it helps people, if it has value – you CAN make it work. 

What has been your most successful marketing venue?

Definitely Facebook. It's fun, it's a constant interaction and I made so many cool connections there with like minded people.

Anything else you would like to share?

There are many tough times when you own a business. I evaluate it constantly and try to make smarter decisions. But it's the actual act of helping others, helping to raise awareness about better choices for our body and environment that makes it really worth while. Many of our customers are people with skin sensitivities, eczemas and rashes, a common problem with kids. We offer some help and some education of what might work while saving the planet from pesticides. That's a business that is a joy to get started on each morning!

Website URL:  http://www.naturalclothingcompany.com

Twitter ID: @NaturalClothing

Facebook Fan Page:  www.facebook.com/NaturalClothingCo

 

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