I often get compliments on my skin. One reason might be because I drink copious amounts of water. The other is most likely because as a child growing up in Nigeria, I used what we call a “sponge”. An inexpensive, yet effective skin care instrument. I still use it to this day. (No, not the same one)
That being said, you can imagine how excited I was to learn that Caroline Ansah had given my childhood sponge a makeover and created Luv Scrub. I had to find out more about how and why she created her business.
SB: What inspired the creation of LUV SCRUB ?
CA: LUV SCRUB actually started in July 2012. I was at a Brooklyn roof top party with new friends and they complimented me on my skin. They gave me the idea to it bring to the market.
I did it and it was great experience. I learned a lot. In between, I took a much needed break. I always knew I was going to do it again and I’m so happy I did. Very excited to share this amazing bath tool with everyone.
SB: Your background is in Branding and Retail Merchandising. In what ways did you utilize this knowledge before launching and how will you use it now that you’ve launched ?
CA: Since graduating from college in 1999 I’ve always been in this field. A huge part of my job was protecting brands for huge fashion companies in the US and Canada.
My focus was the “look and feel” and always giving the customer the best shopping experience. I always loved the challenge of taking an underwhelming piece and making it look amazing, enticing the customer to purchase.
I also managed the openings of hundreds of stores. This is where I set the tone and trained and developed key members to make sure the brand was always presented at its best.
It’s funny when I look back at my journey, I think I was always being prepared for LUV SCRUB. Everything I do now is what I did in my past: presentation, consistency in my messaging and marketing as well as Customer Service. It’s so crazy that I used to visit stores for other brands. Now I visit stores to see how my product is presented on the shelves.
SB: What has been the most challenging and most fulfilling part of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
CA: You know you have a great product, especially since you have been using it your entire life. People only know what they know, and I am challenging that. But once they use it, all I hear is – “I love my LUV SCRUB”. It’s so worth it.
SB: What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
CA: Patience is everything.
SB: If could wake up tomorrow with any business skill, what would it be?
CA: Hands down Accounting and Bookkeeping. They are my least favorite things to do lol
SB: Nigerian jollof or Ghana jollof?
CA: Ghana Jollof of course. My Mom makes the best.
Find out more about LUV SCRUB by visiting their website here!
