How the Founder of ScrubzBody Turned a Personal Need into a Natural Skincare Movement
Introduction
Skincare should be more than just a routine—it should rejuvenate your body and bring joy to your heart. After all, who doesn’t want naturally beautiful skin? We often find ourselves browsing the aisles, both physical and virtual, in search of that perfect product to fulfill our beauty aspirations.
Yet, despite countless trials and errors, many of us continue to chase the elusive skincare solution. We endure irritation, rashes, and breakouts, only to discover that the contents of those jars don’t live up to their promises. Packed with unnatural ingredients and harsh chemicals, commercial beauty products can not only damage our skin but also drain our wallets.
For Roberta Perry, however, the search for effective skincare turned into a passion for research. She realized that sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands, trust in nature, and use your skills to create what you truly need.
In 2006, after extensive research and experimentation, Roberta developed a solution for her own dry, itchy skin—one that worked wonders not just for herself but for those around her as well. This success led to the creation of ScrubzBody, her thriving skincare company.
Here’s Roberta’s inspiring journey of self-discovery, determination, and commitment to delivering natural, effective skincare products that truly keep their promises.
Can you share an overview of your professional journey? What inspired you to enter the skincare industry?
It was less of a choice and more of a calling. In 2006, I was struggling with extremely dry, flaky skin that would literally peel when scratched. Between my work, kids, and home life, I had neglected my own self-care, relying on the harsh deodorant soap my husband preferred and rarely moisturizing. One day, during a meeting, I scratched a dry spot until it bled. That was my wake-up call to find a solution.
I visited a local skincare store, and the sales manager recommended a salt scrub. Excited to try it, I used it on my body, but when it hit the raw spot on my skin, the pain was intense—it made my eyes water. I vowed never to use a salt scrub again, but this experience sparked my quest for the perfect scrub.
After trying over 20 different brands without success, I decided to create my own. And I did. My late sister, Michelle, who had retail experience, helped me at craft fairs and holiday boutiques, while my background in graphic design allowed me to set up our website and create our initial brochures and labels.
As we grew, our brand evolved, and we added complementary products like OilzPlus+ Lotion and Bye ByeBagz Eye and Face Cream. We even started hosting “Make Your Own Scrubz” parties for customers of all ages. Today, we sell our products in our Main Street retail shop, online, and through a smaller wholesale and private label business.
We’ve built a loyal customer base, transitioning from primarily wholesale and online retail to a focus on personal, one-on-one customer relationships.
How would you describe your working style and communication approach?
My work style is generally light and flexible—I’m a bit of an “oh look, a squirrel!” type who can easily get sidetracked. However, I’ve established certain routines that keep me on track.
For instance, I’m diligent about sending weekly emails to our customers. It’s a way to keep them informed about specials and events, and it’s the most effective marketing tool we use. Social media is great for casual interactions, but email drives sales. I schedule these emails weeks in advance, ensuring that no matter what’s happening in my life, the weekly message goes out.
I’m fortunate to have my VP/Production Manager/Best friend Wendy, who ensures the production side of the business runs smoothly. Together, we manage the equivalent of two full-time jobs, balancing work and personal time with occasional part-time help. This balance is essential for my sanity and for helping care for my aging mom.
What unique ideas have you introduced in your business?
What I love about my business is that it’s a blend of routine and spontaneity. While our products and daily operations follow a “rinse and repeat” pattern, our focus on people over products keeps things fresh. Each day can bring something new depending on who walks into our shop or reaches out to us.
One of our unique offerings is the “Make Your Own Scrubz” parties, where customers can create a signature scent of our sugar scrub, get pampered, and learn about fragrance blending. We’ve also expanded this concept to “Make Your Own at Home” kits for those who can’t visit our store.
Recently, we introduced Smarty Pitz deodorant, made exclusively for us by the original creator of Smarty Pits. Our customers are loving it!
Can you tell us about the services your company offers? How do you maintain your uniqueness in the market?
ScrubzBody specializes in sugar scrubs, lotions, balms, shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants. But what we truly offer is pampering—self-love and kindness in a jar or bottle.
Our uniqueness lies in our commitment to exceptional customer service. Many businesses today treat customers poorly, but we focus on making each customer feel special, seen, and heard. Our products, like our lotions and balms, are designed to last for months, requiring only a small amount per use.
We also host “Make Your Own Scrubz” parties and occasional lectures, adding another layer of individuality to our brand.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Dealing with naysayers has been a significant challenge. When I decided to go full-time freelance in my design career, some people tried to discourage me, urging me to “get a job.” I almost listened to them, but I ended up freelancing for 16 years.
When I launched ScrubzBody, I worked tirelessly to prove wrong anyone who doubted my ability to start and sustain a business.
How do you leverage technology as a modern-day entrepreneur?
I have a love-hate relationship with technology. While it’s easy to get lost on social media, it also allows us to reach customers across the country and around the world.
I rely on apps like Dropbox for efficiency and Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, and Photoshop for business writing, photos, and design. I also appreciate how user-friendly platforms like WordPress have made it to create and update websites.
What do you see as the biggest trends in your industry over the next five years, and how are you preparing for them?
Trends come and go, but good, simple skincare endures. While there’s always buzz around new products, serums, and procedures, when the hype fades, people return to simplicity.
We’ll continue to focus on producing the best possible products and will scale our production team as needed.
What challenges do you see hindering the progress of your industry, and what solutions do you suggest?
The oversaturation of products and the unrealistic promises many brands make are major challenges. This creates skepticism among consumers and makes it harder for honest businesses to prove their worth.
Our solution is to maintain our commitment to quality and customer service. We listen to our customers’ needs and tailor our products to them, providing a level of service that large corporations can’t match.
What can we expect from you and your team in the coming years?
We plan to keep doing what we’re doing—just more of it! I love being a small business owner on a thriving Main Street. I enjoy getting to know our customers and sharing in their joy as they see the difference in their skin.
We’ll continue to grow our private label business, and I’ve recently started mentoring others who want to start their own skincare lines.
Is there a quote you live by or find particularly inspiring?
I have several quotes that resonate with me:
- “You teach best what you most need to learn.” — Richard Bach
- “W.A.I.T.” – Why am I talking? — Anonymous
- “I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that this is not a dress rehearsal and that today is the only guarantee you get.” — Anna Quindlen
- “Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” — Bernard Baruch
- “Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, and teachers.” — Richard Bach
