Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Johnson Lisa Jonas
Hi Jennifer Johnson, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Jennifer: Rose & Petal became official in 2021 when I (aka Rose) was looking for a way to bond with my then 4-year-old daughter (aka Petal) who is very creative. We discovered “Petal” has sensitive skin when she began suffering reactions that would make her body bright red and itchy. After some investigating, we were able to link those reactions to bath bombs purchased online. This sparked a curiosity to learn more about the products we use every day and how they can affect our bodies.
Cue the experiments! We started making bath bombs together in our kitchen…and it turns out, despite many trials, errors, and possibly even some tears; we’ve become very good at it! Now, our business is thriving and I’m very happy to report we’ve moved out of the kitchen and into a formal workshop.
Two heads are better than one, so in 2022 I joined forces with the “Queen of DIY” (aka Lisa). Everything she touches turns to gold, and when she hit the jackpot on hair-care formulations, I knew she had to join the team. Since then, we’ve become a dynamic duo and run the entire business together. I’m very thankful to be able to work with my best friend every day. We are always laughing and definitely miss each other on our “days off.” I can truly say I love what I do—and that’s pretty special.
Over the years we’ve expanded our line to include a host of bath, body, and hair products for kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy. I’m proud to say we’ve earned an excellent reputation, and our products have become necessities for people with various skin types ranging from eczema to allergies. My biggest take-away is that premium, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. The Rose & Petal line is completely handmade from scratch and I’m thrilled to be able to offer safer self-care options to my own kids and yours.
***“Petal” having been brought to more markets/shows than she has fingers and toes…has since “retired,” although she is happy to provide creative input and make sure any broken bath bombs always have a place in her tub. I also have a son who I love and adore, even if he uses all the whipped soap in our shower but will never admit to it.
Lisa: I love to make, create and problem-solve which is where my Rose & Petal story starts—with finding solutions to my own hair woes. I had dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair (seriously). After spending lots of money on products that failed to deliver, I took matters into my own hands. I jumped feet first into researching what is beneficial vs detrimental to hair health. Empowered by my findings, I created shampoo bars, a deep conditioner, and perhaps my very favorite; a detangler spray. Fast forward three years, and my hair has never been healthier! I also have three daughters who are very grateful for a product that eliminates snarls and tears when we brush every morning.
When Jennifer approached me about teaming up with Rose & Petal, how could I refuse? The first year, we were each responsible for our own lines of products (she handled the bath bombs, shower steamers and body butter, while I oversaw the hair care line along with bubble bath dough). As our brand continued to expand, we found it easier to tackle everything together and thus our partnership transitioned into co-ownership.
Working with your best friend has its perks…we are a well-oiled machine 99% of the time, and any differences are solved with a giant dose of humor or Door Dash. We are always there to support each other both in business and in life. I’m most proud of our work to create high-quality products not only just for kids, but anyone who is looking to treat themselves. It’s been a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Rose & Petal!
***I have one “Petal” who is determined to take over the business one day, one “Petal” who is still waiting on a unicorn bath bomb she was promised as a bribe, and one “Petal” who is the best at making messes while we are trying to work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anyone can honestly say starting your own business is without challenges. We are very fortunate to be able to do what we love, and so far, we’ haven’t encountered any mountains, just a few hills and potholes along the way.
For example, as a two-woman operation, we are the epitome of small business. That means the two of us share the titles of “President and CEO,” and we also carry the titles of CFO (someone has to file the taxes and breakdown the financials), “Social Media Director” (yep, all on us), Mechanical Engineer (equipment breaks down, assembling shelving for inventory), along with Fulfillment and Delivery Coordinators (that’s a fancy way of saying we handle all orders and shipping).
Lucky for us, our children are happy to be our Quality Control Team. They never complain about testing new products to be sure they are up to our rigorous standards and are plenty content with receiving all the free products their little hearts can handle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
There are many talented bath and body makers in Minnesota and we recognize their hard work and dedication to the craft.
We are unique in that we specialize in bath bombs that are molded into fun shapes and change colors in the water. Bath bombs are very “finnicky” in that air temperature, humidity and order of ingredients can make a big difference in how well they turn out. Each batch of bath bombs takes three days from start to finish—that’s because we make sure each piece is picture perfect and its own work of art!
We are very proud to say that everything we make is loaded with premium ingredients, handmade, hand painted, and gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. Bubble bath play dough, magical color-changing bath bombs, and unicorn body butters are just a few items you can expect to see in our whimsical line that kids love, and parents can trust.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Our.husbands.
They’ve supported all our crazy ideas, and let’s face it… there’ve been a lot of them. They’ve stepped in when we’ve had middle of the night prep for an upcoming show, hauled heavy bins up multiple flights of stairs, packed the truck, spent numerous weekends as single parents while we’ve been on site; and most importantly, they’ve been there to celebrate in our success. We are thankful for them and that they allow us to keep working together. This might be questionable judgement on their part.
In addition, we also need to give a HUGE thank you to the St. Michael-Albertville Connections Students. We’ve cultivated a strong partnership with the high school program, and it’s been a win-win for all involved. Here’s how it works: as part of their Work Experience Curriculum, they help us make bath bomb dust, package/label bath bombs, and stamp gift bags. In exchange, we award three scholarships to graduating seniors. They provide an invaluable service to our business and we are so grateful for all of their hard work.
Also, if you are a close friend or family member, chances are you have helped in some part of our operation. Whether we’ve had you molding bath bombs or wielding a heat gun—just know we are very thankful for you.
Pricing:
- All items are handmade in small batches. Every product is made-from-scratch.
- We use only top-tier, premium ingredients.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Buy 3 bath bombs, get $2 off.
- Buy a 3 pack (body butter, sugar scrub, whipped soap), get $5 off.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roseandpetalllc.com
- Instagram: roseandpetalbathbombs
- Facebook: @roseandpetalllc
- Other: tiktok: @roseandpetalllc
