Today we’d like to introduce you to Jena Lanz.
Hi Jena, 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?
Growing up, I always knew animals would be part of my life. I’ve always been drawn to learning how things were done in more traditional ways—using what you have, working with the land, and creating something useful from it. My friends say I was born in the wrong century. That mindset naturally turned into a dream of having a little haven for my growing family, and growing/raising animals utilizing the never ending lessons that come with having a farm. Everyday there is something new to be learned and I somehow figured out a way to make it into a one woman business.
I started with gardens, then bees, then the gateway drug farm animal, (chickens) throw in some ducks, goats, and an alpaca, and before I knew it I had the means of starting a business. There was a lot of experimenting with recipes for soaps, tallow creams ect, I was just making products for my friends and family. But after a lot of encouragement, love and support from said friends and family and of course my amazing Husband Jake, that is where Nature’s Bounty Handcrafted Goods was born.
Today, the business is a reflection of that original passion: going back to our roots, being intentional with what we use, and creating handcrafted goods that come directly from our land. It’s been an amazing journey so far—one built on learning, patience, and a love for making product collected from nature that people can use and trust.
Additional information:
Along with goat milk soap which I hand milk the goats myself, I also offer custom small batches of breast milk soaps for mommas and their families. I receive a certain amount of breastmilk from a momma and make a batch of soap (about 11/12 bars) that all go back to Mom after curing.
My herbal salves all have a purpose whether its healing or relieving pain, they are all made with herbs I grow from my gardens.
My tallow products are all made with tallow I render myself and even infuse with other beneficial ingredients like magnesium and vanilla beans to make my tallow creams and lip balms.
I also design and print all my labels.
I have big plans to be in more locations come 2026. I am currently in 4 places with a couple good prospects.
Working on a website and have a goal of building a giant tunnel greenhouse for plants and produce. That will help when my farmstand opens again next spring. My farmstand first opened early last summer with products, sourdough goodies, plants and more. I’m hoping to have a good following for when the stand can be opened on a weekly basis.
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 am not even two years into this and I can say there have been so many moments where I broke down in tears of joy and shear shock at this growing hobby that somehow turned into a business. I have no plans to slow down or plateau. I have ideas for new product, goals for more locations and bigger events to be at. It can be a challenge yes but if it were easy wouldn’t everyone be doing it?
Ask any small business owner or anyone who sells soap/tallow products, there will definitely be bumps. There will always be people that will wish ill on your success. It’s how you respond to that negativity and stay true to yourself that gets you through it.
Overall I’d say it has been going better than I could have ever hoped. Maybe I’m setting my standards to low for myself or not giving myself enough credit. (Which is very challenging for me to do) But I am so excited to see where this passion goes.
I have quite a few mentors or people I look up to. My amazing aunt Beth Hilsgen owns Purple Prairie Botanicals in Clearwater MN, not only is she family, she is a very successful business owner selling soaps, lotions, oils, you name it. I actually use to work for her when I was a teenager and she was starting out in her basement making product, labeling, and shipping, building her business. I knew if I was going to go to anyone for advice it would be a no brainer to go to Beth. She was kind enough to recommend natural soap making books, what to try and what to avoid. She gave me advice or suggestions for every question I had. I’m very grateful for that.
I would not be where I am today without the unconditional love and support I am blessed with from my husband Jake. He was the one who convinced me to try this whole business thing out when I didn’t think I had what it takes to make it. He continues to encourage and help me in whatever way he can to make my dreams become a reality.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I was an esthetician for 11 years with more customer service years before that. I believe my history with knowledge on skin helped shape the direction for my business with making natural skin products. Being able to turn on that customer service persona really helps when working vendor events or talking to people when networking. Since my third child was born (little over 2 years ago) My husband and I decided it would be best for our family if I stayed home to save money on child care. I still do lash extension clients, but have really been putting all my time and energy with growing this business.
As far as being known for things…. I’d say to tie it into my work would be: Any time i see something I really like or think is fun/cute, I immediately start to think about how I could make that myself. Whether is a sweatshirt with a phrase on it I can make with my Cricut, something sewn? I will try it. Planter box from the store? I can build it. Then when I am satisfied with whatever it is that I just made, can I sell it? Having a business helps with having an outlet for all my “crafts” hobbies, and handmade goods. lol see what I did there?
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Get involved with your community! Customer’s faces light up when they read my labels and see that I live closer than they expected to them.
Join fb groups for your community, vendor events, and groups that talk about things related to your products.
Start social media accounts. Try to stay active in posting. (I struggle with this) I’m pretty busy with three kids and animals to take care of the last thing on my mind is whether or not I posted something today. It’s a work in progress.
Start talking to people! Even chatting up a conversation with the barista at the local coffee shop and before you know it your products are on their shelves. I know it can be nerve racking but you have to put yourself out there.
It always helps to have people you know you can go to for advice and questions. I am very fortunate to have a few people I can turn to.
Pricing:
- Tallow creams $17-20
- Goat milk soaps $6 or 3/$15
- Herbal Salves $12
- Tallow Lipbalms $4
- reasonable prices for other products as well
Contact Info:
- Website: coming next year!
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562747472721
