Hi Kimberly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was little, I didn’t dream of being a soapmaker. Professional surfer? Yes. Prima Ballerina? Hell yes. But self-care?? It wasn’t even on my radar. Honestly, it wasn’t on most people’s radar, let alone a little midwestern girl in the 1990s. I still wake up some days and have to ask myself… sooo you make “self-care products” for a living?! How the heck did that happen? The short story is, I was living out of my friend Mark’s living room with my dog Bodhi. I was working as a studio assistant for a jeweler and an artist couple during the day and creating my own artwork on a foldable table next to my futon at night. I love making art and working with my hands, but I always felt like I was missing some part of the picture. That feeling is something I perpetually struggle with. Ever since I was young, when I thought about what I wanted to do with my life, I knew I wanted to “help”. I didn’t know what that meant then and figuring it out is a lifelong journey for me, but my passion for the health and harmony of our earth and the humans, plants, and animals that live on it has always pulsed strongly within my heart. This is what pushed me to combine my creativity and talents to forge a new path.
So, in 2010 I started Bodhi Basics, an environmentally conscious self-care company created for sensitive people like me. I cut my hours significantly at my day job and ventured out on my own. I had no money. No investors. I taught myself how to make soap from books I found at the library. I drew and printed my own labels. I set up my workspace in Mark’s kitchen during off hours when he wasn’t using it and tucked everything away after I was done. His laundry room shelves became my soap drying racks and I opened an Etsy shop online. Without Mark’s kindness, it never would have happened, but ten years later my company has its own brick and mortar, a beautiful spacious workshop, and a loyal and loving customer base. Bodhi Basics has grown and changed a lot over the years and I am not sure what lies in its future, but my goal in life remains the same now as it ever was: to help. And I’m proud to say, with all the work I have done and continue to do, that I am accomplishing that goal.
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?
Bumpy. Wild. Topsy turvy. Those are all the terms I would use to describe the road conditions. I have struggled a lot with the stress that being a single female entrepreneur has had on my mental health. But, those challenges and “bumps in the road” have also been my greatest teachers. Also, the dog-eat-dog world of our capitalist society has been very very difficult for me to understand and accept. As someone who strives to live their life with love and kindness as the main foundation for all I do, being a small business owner has put the strength of those pillars that I live by to the test. It has taught me to be more cautious with whom I invest my time, money, and heart in AND to truly cherish those rare individuals and businesses who operate with integrity and love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Bodhi Basics is an environmentally conscious self-care company created for sensitive people. It is one of the creative projects of Kim Vorperian, a local artist and creative based out of St Pete. Bodhi Basics specializes in handmade plant-based products for those looking to feel good about what they are using on their body and in their home. We are known for our organic soaps, deodorants, skincare, and incense. Everything crafted by Bodhi Basics is made by people and for people with highly sensitive skin (and souls). What sets us apart is our devotion to the health of our planet and the prosperity of our community. Our products are all made from scratch from organically grown and locally sourced ingredients. We work with small scale local farmers and growers to supply us with the highest quality, lovingly grown botanicals. Our products are always available through our website online, at our retailers, and at our pop-up brick and mortar retail shop (when available).
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t really believe in luck. The world is a strange, strange place that doesn’t make a whole lick of sense. Is it good luck? Bad luck? Life is one thing for sure: good, bad, and ugly. But, it’s important to take it all in and stay present. I’ll just say that I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had and have learned a lot from mistakes that I have made.
Contact Info:
- Address: Pop-Up Retail shop Open this December 2020 @ 240 Dr MLK Jr St N, St Pete, FL 33705
- Email: bodhibasics@gmail.com
- Website: www.BodhiBasics.com
- Instagram: @Bodhi_Basics
Image Credits
Photos by Bodhi Basics
