Our member, Misty Rawls of Just Wanna Melt in Lexington, South Carolina, was selected to be featured in a UPS Store promotional video. Watch here as Misty shares how she relies on her local UPS Store, and what it means to have a business of her own.
Misty took a break from her busy production schedule to share how it feels have her business featured on such a big stage.
WHAT DOES THIS NATIONWIDE FEATURE MEAN TO YOU AND JUST WANNA MELT?
Misty Rawls: It's an honor. It just goes to show what happens when small businesses support each other. When Tim and Jane, owners of my local UPS store asked if they could enter an essay about our relationship and submit it into The UPS Small Business campaign, I was honored. Who would have known what was to follow? They are a great company to work with.
Because of this feature, I'm enjoying exposure that I could have only dreamed about before. Like all small businesses, I depend on word of mouth from customer to customer, store to store, friend to friend and small business to small business. To have an opportunity like this fall in my lap is truly a blessing.
HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA HELPED YOUR BUSINESS?
Misty Rawls: The University of South Carolina has been such a great asset to my company. I connected with a team of students and faculty who work with me on branding, trademarking, website design, graphics, copy writing and chemistry. Everyone learns together. I hold these relationships so dear.
I encourage every Indie Business Network member to contact their local universities and inquire about how they might work with local small businesses. You would be amazed at the resources available there. If you need help in your business, you really should check it out.
TELL ME A LITTLE MORE ABOUT JUST WANNA MELT?
Misty Rawls: I'm a nurse by trade, and I have always had trouble with dry skin. I started my company really as a hobby, and the family members and friends who I gave my products to loved them and encouraged me to sell them. That's pretty much how it all started. Today, I make lotion bars, shower scrub bars and lip balm. My lotion bar line includes one with the University of South Carolina Gamecock logo.
Connect with Misty:
(Side note: I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina, so Misty's success is especially exciting for me!)
QUESTION: Have you ever partnered with a local university or college for the benefit of your business? If not, would you consider it after hearing some of Misty's story? We'd love to know what you think, and if you'd give it a try too!
