Featured Business: Sister Sky Bath and Body Care Products

Inspired by nature and the wisdom of Native American heritage, sisters Marina and Monica have created a full line of personal care products. “As Native Americans, the use of plant botanicals has been part of our lives since childhood. Our grandmothers harvested a variety of plants to make teas, ointments and creams. We honor our grandmothers by recognizing the value of natural ingredients.”

Native American business Sister Sky was founded on a need and created with a purpose. Monica’s son had severe eczema. Because his skin was so dry and flakey he itched constantly. “I bought tubes, jars and bottles of the most expensive lotions I could find but his skin remained dry and never seemed to soften.” He dreaded when she lathered him with lotion because he cried in pain that his skin "burned." Being a resourceful and determined mother led Monica to her kitchen where she created an effective, natural alternative product for her son. Soon sister Marina joined Monica’s new passion and thus Sister Sky was born.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

NAOTW: Monica, what is your most popular product? And why do you think that is?
Monica: SWEETGRASS BODY LOTION. The fragrance is lovely. Nice, natural and not overpowering. Rather than generic like vanilla or musk, our fragrances our indigenous inspired, therefore very unique and meaningful.

NAOTW: Tell us, what is your product line's best-kept secret?
Monica: SISTER SKY PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN NATIVE AMERICA!! We mix, bottle, cap and label our products in a fully automated, clean room manufacturing facility located on our tribal land. Our intention has been to build and grow our business on our reservation because we want to create jobs and be a positive business role model to others who may think about business ownership.

Discover for yourself the benefits of natural botanicals while supporting the Native American business community with your dollars. Go to Sister Sky to check out their full product line, including gift sets.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS

NAOTW: What was the biggest surprise to you in starting the business?
MONICA: When we started our company our niche market and strategy wasn't narrow enough. As such, we spent a great deal of time and money selling to ineffective target markets. During those years we learned alot about packaging and selling so I believe it was worth the detour. What continues to surprise me is how our business evolves. To grow a business you have to be willing to adapt and identify what products or services will make you successful. If you continue to listen and observe you will discover how to build your company. It takes a tremendous amount of patience, strength and courage. I have heard a hundred times: "Hard work pays off." Yes it does, but sprinkle in some patience and courage and you'll be on your way!

NAOTW: What has been the biggest challenge and benefit to sharing a business with a family member for both of you?
MONICA: Biggest challenge:
At family functions we have to turn business off and focus on personal time. It's not always easy to do. When you own a growing company it demands all of your time. You have to be willing to work hard, long hours and the family (kids and spouses) often get pulled into the mix to help get orders out on weekends and evenings. Our children are learning first hand the value of hard work because they've pitched in on several occasions.
MONICA: Biggest Benefit:
We are blessed to have each other as business partners and best friends! We can trust, respect and be honest with one another and that creates a very positive environment to grow a business. Our spouses and children are very supportive of our ambition and our drive and that is a huge benefit. Honestly we couldn't do this without the support of our families.

NAOTW: What advice would you give others who are considering starting a family business?
MONICA: Be specific about your expectations of one another. Respect the strengths and roles each person plays in the company. Communicate honestly and regularly to stay on target. Plan, plan, plan! Without a written plan and strategy valuable time and money is wasted. Just because you're family don't loosely run, start or build a company.

NAOTW: Bottom Line: Where we choose to spend our dollars really does make a difference.