Raya and Petals for Jean

Feb 10

Written By Editors

I spoke to Raya several times this year at different local fairs. Every time I was greeted by a well laid-out booth, fitting cards & décor, and of course, her welcoming smile. Raya knows her stuff; she has an eye for good design, a flair for running a growing business, and a passion for healthy beauty products. It’s no wonder she’s been so successful for over a decade in business, so I just had to do an interview.

Can you describe what your business does?

Petals for Jean is a product-based business that offers organic, vegan hair and body care made from organic avocados.

Where did the idea come from?

Petals for Jean was created after my journey of undergoing immunosuppressant therapy which resulted in me losing my hair. The recipes and formulations I use to this day are the same that helped other patients and I regrow our hair. I took a special interest in the foundations of Naturopathic Medicine and the key principles of sustainability and plant-based practices. As a born-and-raised California girl my love of avocados was an easy choice to build a business on, however, avocados have a short shelf life, making the fruit a high waste item. Using avocados bound for landfills is a cornerstone of Petals of Jean dedication to sustainability.

Can you describe your typical work day?

All products are made at home and handmade. Each ingredient is ethically sourced and always plant-based.

What is your best-selling product?

Our best-selling hair care product is our Herbal Hair Wash. I believe that making a sustainable inclusive solid shampoo for curly and wavy hair makes otherwise marginalized people feel welcome and encourages eco-conscious hair care. For body care our best-seller is our Cucumber Flowers Body and Lotion Bar. It is also our signature scent and unlike anything else out there. Our herbal hair Wash ranges from $25-$35 for 6 months of shampoo and body lotions range from $15 to $20.

What sets you apart from other businesses?

Sourcing ethically made and harvested plants, powders, and proven formulations are just a few things that make Petals for Jean so unique. Our use of waste avocados to make something beautiful is something that we cherish and our partnership with our growers is truly something special. All of our products are vegan and with our business expanding, our products are still handmade in-house.

How is social media important to your business?

More so than social media, I prefer to focus on in-person connections with my customers. We build local relationships with our customers and have been doing so for over 10 years. Instagram can be a good resource for business owners, but nothing compares to in-person shows, events, and engagements with the community.

What are your thoughts on technology today?

I use my iMac desktop and my phone. My favorite app is Canva for creating my marketing materials.

Regarding all the work that the business requires, do you hire contractors or does your family participate?

One of the best things I did for business growth was to hire a small team of freelance artists to do things that allowed me to focus on making products and doing events. I currently have freelance photographers, designers, and website managers on my team.

For finding new customers, doing outreach, and marketing, how do you manage this?

I have a very active newsletter that enjoys freebies and exclusives. Customers can sign up in person at the booth and online.

Practically speaking, how do you balance work, growth, and personal time?

My number one recommendation for work-life balance is to have hobbies and activities that have nothing to do with running a business. I cherish my time watering my plants, reading, and crafting.

Regarding the environment, social issues, and being a partner to the community, do you have any specific things your business focuses on?

Petals for Jean has an emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. Although carrying certified organic and vegan ingredients does increase costs, paying our farmers fairly is pivotal to who we are and what we stand for. Creating texture-inclusive hair care is important to highlighting communities that have typically been excluded from plant-based eco-friendly communities and conversations.

What do you see as the outlook for the future of your business?

The hair care and body care industry is huge. Offering plastic-free alternatives to offset the environmental impact of such a huge industry leaves Petals for Jean at the forefront of change. The future for us is bright and success looks and feels like helping more people regain confidence in healing their hair and body with plants. It looks like expanding to new locations and new opportunities that align with our ethos as a small business.

Do you have a final thought for the readers?

If no one has told you today: I'm so happy you are here and that you are loved and valued. Regardless of how much you do or don't do, you have value and worth simply by existing. Please give yourself grace and for fellow small business owners don't compare your chapter 1 to someone's chapter 30.

Where can people find Petals for Jean online?

I have a website, I’m on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok: