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Inspiring Conversations with Leah Bauman of Coco Bloom

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Bauman.

Hi Leah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Three years ago, I was in a relationship that ended in me being assaulted. After the incident my I couldn’t recognize myself in the mirror anymore. Besides the cuts, bruises, and hair loss, my body went through a complete shock, and stress phase which caused me to gain an autoimmune disorder. My entire life I was always into beauty to an extent, my college education was in hair and skin so I turned to the “chemical” way of healing my skin. I quickly realized I was having bad reactions to the chemical derived products I was using and became more conscious of what ingredients were in my products, and how they affect our bodies. At the time natural remedies weren’t as advanced as they are now but I turned to the internet to research, and learn how to learn and make DIY natural products from things in my kitchen. I slowly started to notice a difference and I immediately wanted to learn and know more. Shortly after I took a few courses, got certified as a natural formulator, and started perfecting my “DIY” products I loved but knew could be better, and more effective. Once I had a solid 3 products I started sharing them with friends, and family that would ask me about different skin concerns, or what I was using on my skin.

One day I went to a support group meeting for victims and survivors of domestic violence. I was so blessed to hear their stories, at the same time it was eye-opening to hear a lot of them say that they felt like people viewed them as if they were ” damaged goods”, I remember walking away thanking God for another chance at life, and walked away feeling so determined to show them, and myself that there was, and is light at the end of the tunnel and they are not they’re circumstance.

The customers keep me going, not only are they loyal to me with buying products, but a lot of them have either emailed, or shared with me in person that they were victims also, and when they heard my story they were so encouraged and given hope. If that’s all I ever accomplish as a business owner …to me that’s everything.

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?
January 2021 Coco Bloom officially launched weeks before the pandemic, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t crazy…and it was. During that time, I was obviously strictly selling only online, had minimal orders coming in, and was really unsure of how to keep things going from behind the computer. I just had this gut feeling people wanted to try and experience the products before purchasing. Another issue I ran into was sourcing some of the ingredients due to ports being shut down In May we were able to do our first pop up and meet the public, since then we have crossed into a few different states, ventured into retail, added some new products, and continue to sell online and attend pop up events.

We’ve been impressed with Coco Bloom, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Coco Bloom is a clean, luxury, skin and hair care brand that offers potent, non-toxic, multi-use products for everyone and all skin types. I personally formulate and batch the entire line, it currently consists of hair, skin, and body care and will extend to cosmetics and loungewear in the future. You can find the products on online on the Coco Bloom website, a few boutiques in Minnesota, and South Dakota, along with Facebook and Instagram. All of our products are allergen-free, each product is made with whole unrefined ingredients that are sustainably sourced, and in their highest therapeutic state for results and potency. I also use therapeutic essential oils, and self-infused oils to heal and nourish the skin. I founded Coco Bloom in 2018 after overcoming domestic abuse and finding out I had an autoimmune disorder struggling to find affordable, and effective products that were safe. I love helping people find their perfect skin and hair routine!

I can’t go a day without my Whipped Skin Souffle, our best seller. It’s perfect for all skin types, even oily, baby, eczema and psoriasis skin, it feels so silky smooth, never waxy or greasy because your skin actually absorbs it. It hydrates for hours and can also be used in the hair. This product has always been the most important to me since it is one of the 1st products that keep my skin in check.

Check out our website and come say “hi” to us at different events! I would LOVE to meet you!

If you are a business looking for a product to carry, a special event for your business, or in need of wholesale…reach out to us, I’d love to work with you.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the biggest, and most important lesson I have learned is that if you give up on yourself, you’re giving up on everything. We are here on this earth for a specific reason, finding out what that is, is part of the journey, and requires truly knowing yourself. In order to really know yourself, you have to go through life experiences…. the good, the bad, the ugly. You have to learn to “fail forward” because every day is a new day, a blank page, and you get to decide if you’re going to be your biggest cheerleader…or your worst enemy. For a long time, I was my worst enemy and put a ton of pressure on myself which then left me feeling like I failed and would never try again. Now I still feel the pressure at times, but I look at it as a lesson, and a tool to move me forward and not a setback. The mentality has been huge for me, if you can’t be happy for yourself and your accomplishments, no one else will. There are a lot of times when you feel completely alone, and like no one understands. That’s when you need to be able to be your own best friend, pull yourself up, and keep moving. Those are the times when the impossible becomes possible. Don’t give up.

Pricing:

  • Whipped Skin Souffle $32
  • Detoxifying Body Polish $28.50
  • Coconut Hibiscus Rosewater $18.00
  • Le Luxe Lip Tints/The Balm $5-8.50
  • Lash Lyfe $22

Contact Info:

  • Email: cocobloomskin@gmail.com
  • Website: www.cocobloombeauty.com
  • Instagram: cocobloombeauty
  • Facebook: cocobskin

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