Today we’d like to introduce you to Mai Asker.
Hi Mai, 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.
My name is Mai Asker, and I am a Palestinian mother of six children, including five boys and one girl named Aminnah. Inspired by my daughter, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, creating AMINNAH, a brand that reflects my commitment to high-quality, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and natural products.
Starting from my home, I began crafting luxurious bath bombs and body butter using only the finest, ethically sourced ingredients. I was determined to offer a product that not only made people feel pampered but also aligned with their values. Each ingredient in my creations is carefully selected to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality while remaining vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and derived from natural sources.
Initially, I started by setting up a small booth in Brandon Mall, where I could showcase and sell my handmade products. However, just as my business was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing me to shut down my booth. Determined to keep my business afloat, I shifted my focus to the online marketplace.
Renting a small warehouse, I transformed it into a production space where I could continue crafting and expanding too much more than just bath bombs and body butter. During this time, I was also juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time working mom while pregnant with twin boys. Despite the challenges, my dedication and hard work paid off, and AMINNAH began to attract a growing number of clients and customers.
With an increasing demand for my products, I decided to invest in a larger warehouse and expand my operations. Today, I proudly own a full manufacturing facility that allows me to meet the needs of both local and international customers. AMINNAH has gained recognition and can now be found in prominent stores like T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, Walmart, Kroger, Amazon, and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Additionally, my brand is available in over 300 boutiques, salons, and spas across the United States and worldwide.
The success of my business has led to exciting opportunities, such as partnering with subscription box services like Ipsy, BoxyCharm, TheraBox, Alltrue, and soon to be featured in the Be Kind Box by Ellen Degeneres. These collaborations have helped introduce my products to a wider audience and garnered even more recognition. Notably, AMINNAH received a feature from none other than Kylie Jenner herself, which was a thrilling moment for me and my brand.
Beyond my entrepreneurial endeavors, I am passionate about supporting women-owned businesses. As a member of the charity group “200 Muslim Women,” I strive to uplift and empower fellow minority entrepreneurs. I believe that achieving success as a minority-owned business is not without its challenges, but I remain resolutely positive, knowing that putting in the effort is key to attaining one’s goals.
Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to quality, AMINNAH has grown from a humble home-based venture to a thriving brand with a strong presence in the market. I am grateful for the support of my customers, the opportunities that have come my way, and the chance to inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to chase their dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Initially, I started by setting up a small booth in Brandon Mall, where I could showcase and sell my handmade products. However, just as my business was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing me to shut down my booth. Determined to keep my business afloat, I shifted my focus to the online marketplace. Along with being a stay-at-home mom and then a working mom, it wasn’t that easy but it took hard work and big support from my family to keep going.
Renting a small warehouse, I transformed it into a production space where I could continue crafting and expanding too much more than just bath bombs and body butter. During this time, I was also juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time working mom while pregnant with twin boys. Despite the challenges, my dedication and hard work paid off, and AMINNAH began to attract a growing number of clients and customers.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
AMINNAH is a vibrant skincare brand that takes pride in creating high-quality, handmade products that are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. We specialize in a wide range of skincare, bath, and body care items, but our whipped body butter is what we’re best known for. Our body butter is carefully crafted with a unique formula that results in a light and fluffy texture, making them a delight to use.
What sets AMINNAH apart from others is our commitment to using only natural ingredients in our products. We believe in the power of nature and its ability to provide effective skincare solutions. We carefully select plant-based ingredients known for their nourishing and beneficial properties, ensuring that our products are safe and gentle on the skin.
One aspect we take pride in is our handmade swirls. Each product is meticulously handcrafted, and we pay special attention to creating beautiful and eye-catching swirl designs. This attention to detail sets our products apart, making them not only effective but also visually appealing.
At AMINNAH, we embrace the philosophy of “all-natural, all fun, all you.” We believe that skincare should be enjoyable and empowering. Our products are designed to make you feel good in your skin, enhancing your natural beauty while providing the care your skin deserves. We want our customers to have a positive and uplifting experience every time they use our products.
In addition to our retail offerings, we also provide manufacturing services, private labeling, and wholesale options. If you have a skincare business or want to create your brand, we can work with you to develop customized products and packaging solutions that align with your vision.
One of the standout features of AMINNAH is our fun and bright colors. We understand that skincare can be both effective and enjoyable, and we infuse our products with vibrant hues that add a touch of excitement to your self-care routine. Our colorful creations not only nourish your skin but also bring joy and playfulness to your daily rituals.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like how Tampa enjoys a pleasant climate for those who enjoy the sunshine and outdoor adventures. Tampa is home to a diverse population, bringing together people from various backgrounds and cultures. Tampa offers a variety of entertainment options and attractions.
My less desirable parts are, like many growing cities, Tampa experiences traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Tampa’s subtropical climate brings high humidity levels, especially during the summer months. Being located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms.
Pricing:
- Body butters $24-$36
- Sugar scrubs $24
- Foaming soaps $24
- Body oils/ serums $29
- Bath Fizz $29
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aminnah.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aminnahskincare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amnhskincare/
