Roberta Perry, a successful entrepreneur, has forged her path in the business world through a series of diverse ventures. In an exclusive interview, she shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced, and valuable insights for aspiring women in business. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Roberta Perry as one of the Promising Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2024.
Roberta’s business journey began organically, evolving with each experience. Starting with freelance graphic design after the birth of her child, she later ventured into telecom sales, leveraging the flexibility it offered for a work-from-home setup. A pivotal point in her career was becoming a marketing director for an adult education school, where she gained crucial insights into marketing and website development. The failure of this business became a stepping stone for her next venture – natural sugar scrubs.
“The grind is real, but so is the satisfaction of success.” – Roberta Perry
Roberta acknowledges the challenges she faced, particularly dealing with mansplaining and the competitive nature of some businesses. However, she gracefully handled such situations, either redirecting conversations or seeking support from a network of like-minded businesswomen. Emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships, she highlights the value of collaboration over competition. The key to Roberta’s work-life balance lies in trust and collaboration. With Wendy, her VP of Production/Store Manager, she has established a system where both can enjoy personal time without compromising business operations. This harmonious balance has been a crucial factor in maintaining her happiness and sanity.
Roberta’s advice to young women entering the business world is to be prepared for the roller coaster ride. While acknowledging the challenges, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance, setting realistic goals, and finding joy in meeting those goals. The grind is real, but so is the satisfaction of success. Roberta’s goals for her business involve an expansion of what they are already doing – helping people and supporting other small business owners. Her strategy is simple: continue producing quality products while treating customers with benevolence and respect. To stay updated on industry trends, Roberta relies on the Indie Business Network led by Donna Maria Coles Johnson. This network provides mentorship, camaraderie, and a wealth of information. Additionally, her smaller group of six makers serves as a close-knit community for sharing insights and supporting each other.
For Roberta, success transcends mere financial metrics. The success of ScrubzBody is measured through a holistic lens that includes gathering email addresses, customer feedback, responses to emails, and of course, sales and monetary benchmarks. It’s about creating a connection with customers, understanding their needs, and delivering an experience beyond transactions. Identifying growth opportunities is a dynamic process for Roberta. Some expansions occur naturally as the business progresses, while others stem from necessary pivots. During the challenging lockdown in 2020, she launched the “Make Your Own At Home” Party box, demonstrating adaptability. Another instance was the introduction of Smarty Pitz deodorant, born out of a market vacuum, allowing ScrubzBody to expand its product line while retaining a loyal customer base.
While technology plays a crucial role in managing the online aspects of ScrubzBody, Roberta emphasizes the significance of her brick-and-mortar store. Technology is utilized for website management, designing promotional materials, processing online orders, and communication. However, the personal touch in-store interactions offer remains a cornerstone of their business. Roberta’s years in business provide a valuable asset—data. With historical patterns, she navigates through slower months with confidence. Prudent inventory management and a debt-free approach further mitigate risks, ensuring stability even in uncertain times.
At ScrubzBody, positivity is ingrained in the company culture. Stemming from Roberta and Wendy’s decades-long friendship and mutual respect, this positivity extends to staff and customers alike. The focus on customer service and kindness creates a harmonious work environment that translates into excellent service for customers. As a woman-owned business, ScrubzBody inherently promotes an inclusive atmosphere. Roberta actively participates in mentorship groups that celebrate diversity in ethnicity and gender, fostering an environment where differences are embraced, respected, and leveraged for collective growth.
With a foundation of trust built over decades, Roberta’s leadership strategy is grounded in kindness, consistency, respect, and generosity. Wendy, as a trusted collaborator, manages the team with the same principles, creating an atmosphere where part-time staff members choose to stay for extended periods.
“Success transcends mere financial metrics. It’s about creating a connection with customers, understanding their needs, and delivering an experience beyond transactions.” – Roberta Perry
Vision for the Future:
Roberta envisions ScrubzBody continuing to thrive in the vast skincare industry. While aiming for financial stability and growth, the core focus remains on customer satisfaction, community engagement, and crafting superior products. The intention is not just to meet customer expectations but to exceed them, fostering organic growth through word-of-mouth referrals.
In summary, whether delving into Roberta Perry’s business philosophy or reflecting on her personal journey, a common thread emerges — a dedication to resilience, collaboration, and a genuine passion for uplifting those around her. From building ScrubzBody with positive, inclusive values to inspiring women to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with grace, Roberta exemplifies that true success lies not only in the destination but in the meaningful journey of growth, empowerment, and shared achievements.
“Whether delving into Roberta Perry’s business philosophy or reflecting on her personal journey, a common thread emerges — a dedication to resilience, collaboration, and a genuine passion for uplifting those around her.”