This month, The Posh Olive was proudly featured in the Formulator Sample Shop's "Try It Tuesday" series. As the founder of a small, handmade cosmetics brand, I was honored to receive feedback on my products from one of the industry’s leading suppliers. In this blog, I share insights from the Q&A session, reflect on the importance of suppliers like FSS in supporting small businesses, and discuss how my skincare line is crafted with holistic wellness in mind. Discover how The Posh Olive is empowering women through rejuvenating skincare, designed to elevate your daily self-care routine. Read more about my journey, the recognition, and why thoughtful, handcrafted cosmetics can make a difference in your life.

FSS - Give us a little bit of background.

TPO - Hello, I'm Margaret from The Posh Olive. I was a craft junky and loved quilting, watercolor, restoring furniture, and candle making ...I tried them all. My journey of creating items that cater to my own personal unmet needs and desires kept me up late at night. I started making lotion in 2014. I was mildly obsessed and began to pursue to learn cosmetics formulation. 

FSS - Were you always interested in the beauty space?

TPO - Yes, I certainly was. From a young age, I fell head over heels for all things skincare and fragrance, experimenting with as many products as I could afford.

FSS - Why did you start your brand?

TPO - In 2016 I launched The Posh Olive which became a way to express my creativity and find balance amidst the demands of my job in aviation. In 2020, I left my day job to pursue cosmetic formulation full-time. My passion project soon became a full-time career that “elevates the everyday experience”. I went from creating and selling my body care in person and online, to leading workshops in lotion techniques at conventions, to developing the most loyal clientele ever. I never thought that this would be my life.

FSS - What makes your brand/products unique or different from others in the market?

TPO - Every single item, from start to finish, is made with my own original formulas and ideas. I strive to offer truly one-of-a-kind products. Creating cosmetics is more than just a job for me, it's my passion. I love every step of the process, even the challenges that come along the way.

FSS- What is your favorite FSS ingredient and why?

TPO - I’m in love with the FSS Retinol Liposome PF. It’s more effective and less irritating than retinal cream and truly elevates facial formulas to the next level.

FSS - What has been your biggest obstacle or struggle with your brand?

My biggest obstacle with my brand has been finding the balance between managing various tasks efficiently and maintaining my sanity. I hire out certain tasks to save time such as photography, design and bookkeeping otherwise things would just become so overwhelming. Also, choosing which risks to take is a significant challenge for me. What often goes unnoticed are the costly mistakes — the $300 errors, the more significant $1000 errors, the bad investments, the moments of frustration, tears, and anxiety. And out of all that…resilience. Each setback becomes a lesson, a lesson I may have never learned if it weren’t for the setback.

FSS - What product are you sending us to try and why? (Point out the FSS ingredient used as well)

TPO - I've created a fantastic CeramidePlus Peptide Renewal Cream for the face using the following ingredients from Formulator Sample Shop.

FSS Allantoin Powder

Xanthan Gum - Soft!

FSS Aloe Vera 200X Powder

1,3-Propanediol

Sodium Phytate

Ritamulse SCG

Caprylic Capric Triglycerides MCT

FSS Ceramide Complex

FSS Ginseng Extract PF

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein

Leucidal® SF Complete

Vitamin B, Niacinamide USP

dl-Panthenol

Euxyl PE 9010

TPO - I’ve also sent my Mango Bliss Facial Cleansing Milk that contains the following:

FSS Mango & Papaya Fragrance

FSS Mango Flower Extract G

Xanthan Gum - Soft!

Sodium Phytate

Euxyl PE 9010 

FSS - If you could give 1 tip or piece of advice to someone looking to start a beauty brand, what would it be?

TPO - Become laser focused. Being your own boss has its challenges, but its immensely fulfilling. I had to decide what my life goals were and I chose to write down what I wanted my life to look like. I wanted a healthy work-life balance where I’m enjoying my family, being creative and serving others. "A Glorious Freedom" by Lisa Congdon inspired me with stories of women finding their calling later in life. For those dreaming of running their own business in the beauty industry full-time, I want to provide some motivation. Success, balance, and purpose can all be achieved simultaneously. By approaching your journey with mindfulness, continuous education, and clear focus, you can establish a rewarding and enduring career in the beauty industry.

Formulator Sample Shop (FSS) was incredibly generous with their time and genuine interest in The Posh Olive. I am truly grateful for their support. Being recognized by such an established supplier means the world to me, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to showcase my work to a broader audience. This kind of recognition fuels my passion for helping women rejuvenate their spirits and enrich their lives through thoughtful, handcrafted skincare.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I’m excited to continue creating products that elevate your everyday self-care experience.

View FSS testing of our products with the links down below.

Follow FSS on instagram.com/formulatorsampleshop/

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