News Summary
Adria Marshall of EcoSlay has turned a homemade hair care passion into a successful business, growing sales significantly and prioritizing sustainability. From initial struggles, a viral moment propelled EcoSlay into the spotlight, leading to increased demand during the pandemic. Marshall’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and personal values highlights how passion can drive entrepreneurial success.
Clarkston, Georgia – Adria Marshall, the founder of EcoSlay, has transformed her passion for crafting homemade hair care products into a booming business, growing from $75,000 in annual sales in 2019 to an impressive $3.6 million by the end of 2022. Marshall’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2015, inspired by her frustration with the high costs and inadequate quality of commercial hair care products.
Marshall’s first foray into hair care involved creating her own formulations in the kitchen. Using ingredients like flaxseed, aloe vera, horsetail, and marshmallow root, she sought to address her specific hair needs. Her initial product—a styling gel infused with citrus notes—marked the beginning of a venture that would soon capture the attention of consumers searching for natural alternatives.
In the early stages, EcoSlay struggled to gain traction, reportedly selling only about seven units a month. However, a viral moment in December 2018 changed everything. One of Marshall’s gel products gained widespread attention on social media, leading to an astonishing 1,000 orders within just 15 days. Following this momentous event, she made the pivotal decision to leave her full-time job at Mailchimp in August 2019 to focus solely on growing her business.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in 2020, demand for EcoSlay’s products surged as more individuals turned to at-home hair care solutions. The company took significant steps to expand its reach, launching on Amazon in 2022. Currently, EcoSlay distributes approximately 3,000 products each month, utilizing their website, wholesale channels, and Amazon to reach customers.
Commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of Marshall’s business philosophy. EcoSlay sources ingredients from local farms and minimizes plastic waste by using pouches for their products instead of traditional bottles. Furthermore, the company offers a recycling rewards program to encourage eco-conscious practices among its consumers. As a certified B Corporation, EcoSlay adheres to high standards of social and environmental performance, which reflects Marshall’s dedication to responsible business practices.
Marshall emphasizes the importance of having clear values in business. She believes that aligning personal and business values can lead to authentic growth. To maintain this alignment, EcoSlay tracks various monthly metrics, including employee volunteer hours and recycling participation rates. This commitment to accountability is integral to their operations and contributes to a productive and engaged work environment.
The founder also shares insights on time management, highlighting the importance of delegation. Recognizing that growth is often achieved through the strengths of others, she encourages entrepreneurs to focus on their core competencies while empowering team members in areas where they excel. Additionally, Marshall practices self-care by prioritizing her morning routine, which includes meditation, exercise, and a healthy breakfast before diving into work.
EcoSlay’s journey serves as an example of how small-scale experimentation can lead to larger successes in the market. Marshall’s story is featured in the AJC Her+Story series, which aims to celebrate and build community among women founders and entrepreneurs. Her experience underscores the potential of individuals to turn personal challenges into profitable ventures while remaining committed to their values and the environment.
As EcoSlay continues to thrive, Adria Marshall stands as a model for aspiring business owners looking to transform passion into action, navigate challenges, and embrace sustainable practices within their operations.
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