Episode

Key Takeaways

Teddy and Natalie launched home businesses for barbecue sauces and natural skincare, respectively.
Both entrepreneurs prioritize family and passion, with Teddy focusing on blessing others and Natalie aiming for business growth.
The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of small, family-run enterprises and the value of customer feedback.
Guests shared practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing niche markets and trusting the process.
The host encouraged listeners to support small, non-corporate businesses as an alternative to larger entities.

A special edition Bard's FM cap, designed by guest Teddy, was introduced to celebrate 50 million downloads.
The cap includes two barbecue sauces developed by Teddy, with a preference noted for sweet over spicy varieties.
The host emphasized an 'authentic' spicy version of Teddy's barbecue sauce.

The host introduced Teddy (Bear Armaud) and his daughter Natalie (Little Bear) to discuss their respective home businesses.
Teddy mentioned having three children, with Natalie, his youngest, living nearby with her husband and two children aged three and one.
Natalie shared her lifelong dream of living close to family, influenced by being homeschooled.

Natalie detailed the origin of her skincare line, 'No Not Today,' which began from dissatisfaction with existing products.
She developed her own recipes through trial and error, focusing on natural ingredients for face serums and tallow-based products.
Ingredients are sourced responsibly, including grass-fed tallow from Arizona and other components from local businesses.

Natalie's vision for her business involves evolving into a full-scale operation that could employ friends and include owning property and cows for tallow production.
She has scaled back her immediate growth plans to prioritize time with her young children and husband, finding local markets exhausting.
Natalie's products are handmade, and she recently transitioned to professionally printed labels; her face serum is priced at $27, compared to a competitor's similar $100 product.

Natalie considered making shampoo but found it difficult due to Arizona's hard water, focusing instead on face cleansers.
Her products, developed through trial and error, often have a short shelf life due to the absence of fillers or preservatives.
Essential oils like blue tansy and lavender are used for their benefits, and tallow-based products are confirmed safe, even edible, though Teddy's barbecue sauce tallow is not recommended for consumption.

Teddy reported that while customers enjoy his barbecue sauces, they generally prefer sweet flavors over spicy ones, noting a lack of strong vinegar taste.
Natalie receives orders for her products from a diverse age range, including men, mothers, and older ladies, with repeat customers forming a significant portion of her business.
Beyond skincare, Natalie offers beard oil, lip balm made from beeswax and beef tallow, Gua Sha facial stones, and a jojoba face oil with home-roasted coffee beans.

The discussion highlighted the scalability and freedom of online businesses, which do not require a physical retail storefront.
Natalie has successfully placed her products in a local Greek yogurt shop, generating additional income and providing a physical retail presence.
She also participates in local markets, selling items like face cream and hair detanglers for a kids' swim school, which has increased exposure and customer outreach.

Teddy explained his business is a 'kingdom model' focused on blessing others, providing a creative outlet and allowing time with family, rather than being a full-time job.
Natalie's business model aims for growth and financial independence, driven by the motivation to involve her husband and family, allowing him more time at home.
The host contrasted these two approaches, highlighting Teddy's focus on outreach and Natalie's ambition for expansion.

The host summarized the discussions with Natalie and Teddy, emphasizing their distinct business models and shared family focus.
Plans were announced to create a dedicated website page featuring links to small, non-corporate businesses, including those of guests like Don Cox and Angeline Designs.
Listeners were encouraged to explore and support these small businesses to foster community talent and provide alternatives to corporate America.