Jennifer MacDonnell believes in self-care. She has been a Labor and Delivery nurse, teaches classes for new parents and is training as a healing touch practitioner. Now with The WholeSoul Company, she is putting all of her years of expertise together to create and sell bath and body balms and elixirs made with botanical ingredients and using ancient apothecary techniques. Here’s what she has to say.

What motivated or inspired you to start your own business?

I am passionate about essential oils. As I learned how powerful they are I realized that there must be something to the idea that the chemicals in many of the products I was using could be having a negative effect. I began making products with clean ingredients that would replace the ones that my friends and I were using. My friends loved them so much that they insisted that I start selling them so they could share them and have them all the time.

Is your experience or education related to your business?

It is. I am a nurse and have always cared about health, wellness, and have spent my nursing career in women's health. As time has gone on I became more and more interested in natural ways to promote health. I am a life coach, energy worker and aromatherapist. I feel like all of my interests really converged to create The WholeSoul as a way to help promote natural health and wellness for all. I have products for everyone but would say that most of my products are especially tailored to the needs of women. Many of them have been created to address issues that friends have requested. Some examples are the Blossom kit, which is tailored to the needs of pregnant women and new moms; Smell Swell, a natural deodorant; and all of my roller bottles that are formulated to address common issues like trouble sleeping, congestion, need for calming, etc. When I add a new product you can bet that it came from identifying a need for me or a friend.

What are your hopes for the future?

Growing my business means more and more people are reaping the benefits of healthy, natural products. I get really excited every time I reach a new customer and educate them about new options. I hope to reach more and more customers in the future to grow my business and improve lives!

Who are your biggest cheerleaders or supporters in business or life?

I am lucky to have many. My husband has always supported my endeavors and encouraged me through every step of this journey. He and our four kids are very supportive and help with technical issues, etc. As I mentioned earlier, it was a couple of my closest friends who encouraged me to figure out a way to sell products. They have helped with products ideas, clever names, and are dedicated clients in so many ways! Also my sister in law gives me ideas, buys tons of products and uses them as business gifts, which has really boosted my sales. I am truly blessed to have so many supportive family and friends and would not be here today without them.

What is the one word that describes you the best, and why?

Authentic. I am a lifelong learner and I like to look at all the angles and build a strong base of information that may take a turn onto the road less traveled. I try to find simple, straightforward answers and share new ideas with those around me.

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