Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Long.
Hi Carolyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, this part of my Art journey started in a not so pleasant place in my life. I suffered a bout with Cancer, lost both my parents within one year of each other, and developed what I now know as a case of depression. Originally from Tennessee, but living in Atlanta, I ended up losing my possessions, home and soon went to be with my Son in Charleston.
After spending time in Charleston the Art in me began to speak again. Longing for that part in me I use to browse Social Media just to see what was going on in the Art world. Then one night I ran across a lady making soap! I thought out of all the things I’ve created, Fashion Design, Singing, Acting, Cooking, I’ve never made soap! So I watched a few YouTube videos, purchased a few soap making products and well the rest is history! I haven’t looked back since! Willow and William Essentials
was born.
The name, Willow and William, is the evolution of a modern day Adam and Eve. The Beginning. Because of my developing cancer and having parents with cancer I wanted our products to focus on good health. Our products are all natural that aid in the benefit of healthy skin. We started with soap., but now our skincare line consists of Body Butter, Body Wash, Bath Teas, Bath/Massage Oil Blends, Deodorant, Hair/Scalp Oil, Beard oil, Menthol Vapor Rub, Eczema Creams, and Soy Candles. Like most of my Artistic journey, I started in the kitchen and we are currently seeking warehouse space due to our continued growth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
NOT A SMOOTH ROAD IN THE LEAST! Like with most small businesses financially the struggle was real. Often robbing Peter to pay Paul, but I never gave up! Never cutting corners on the product, we always found a way to sell more product to keep the business growing. So far the business has survived without taking out any loans from any source! At one time I worked 2 full-time jobs, 16 hour days to take care of my home and the other job paid for the business, On the weekend was when I worked the business. Believe me, it has been no cake walk and still isn’t. Overall I wouldn’t change a thing for all the lessons I’ve learned about business and Life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I AM AN ARTIST! YES! AND I LOVE WHO GOD MADE ME! Started at the age of 8, my grandmother came to town to visit. Listened to the stories of how she made 9 girls all their dresses!
So I asked would she teach me how to sew and she said yes. We sat on the floor and cut out a dress to fit me and my Mother who was also a working seamstress helped in showing me the basics in sewing. By middle school, I was assisting to Home Economics class in teaching students how to sew. Years of sewing for individuals, churches, organizations lead to costume design for theater and television. Along with this Artistic walk, I Draw, Paint, Sing, Act, Cooked and the list goes on. So with all this being said Art is in my blood.
I’m really proud of where my Art has taken me. Across places, I’ve never expected to be, met people from across the World, and experienced things that money could never buy.
Part of what sets me apart from others is I am multifaceted in Art. I am able to function and produce many things. Actually, my mind never sleeps and my hands rarely take a break. Only the Highest Creator of all could have pulled this off in me. And for that, I am Eternally grateful.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risks? RISKS?! I would consider myself a risk taker. I believe that without risk our successes will never manifest or be realized. Every new thing I do comes with some sense of fear, With risk. I remember the first time I experienced working in film and television a friend of mine, Amber, called and asked if I could be in Virginia on Monday to work with a film company on a movie, This was Sunday when she called. Me psychically shaking by that question I said “no” but something inside me said, “But I could come on Tuesday”. I shut up my house, got on the road and drove 8 hours to somewhere I had never been nor did I know anyone on the set. It would be my first time on a movie set. I took the leap of faith. I still to this day am astonished at my leaving my home to go to an unknown. The voice within took over and the risk was worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Willowandwilliamessentials.com
- Instagram: willowandwilliamessentials
- Facebook: Willow and William
- Twitter: Willow and William Essentials
Image Credits:
Carolyn Long
