Featured Maker: Una Biologicals
Operating an independent business is a journey, and no two paths are the same. We welcome you to meet the folks behind some of our favorite businesses as they share their stories, the fuel behind their craft, and the passion that keeps them making.
This month, we are so excited to introduce you to Jessica Graves of Una Biologicals!
About Una Biologicals:
Q: Tell us about how Una Biologicals came to be.
A: Una Biologicals began in my kitchen over 20 years. I have worked with plants as healers since I was a little kid. By the time I had children, I had worked on organic farms and studied as an herbalist. Meeting our family's need for sensitive skin friendly, organic products that were affordable became my personal mission. Whole Foods wasn't in Pittsburgh back then and access to affordable organics didn't really exist. Necessity is the mother of invention, so I began harnessing my plant lady witchy woowoo magic and started making products. We still make the same Wound Wonder, Luxe Face Cream and Lip Balm that I did back then.
Q: What does a typical day or week look like to you?
A: With two locations and 9 staff members, my day is now split between Herbal HQ and our Boutique in Lawrenceville. I typically spend the morning working on the business side of Una - accounting, marketing, planning, all that jazz. I also work with our maker team to ensure that as a team we are able make all of your fave products. We have special days set aside for new product work - where we test new ideas, try new scent blends and generally try to make a dent in the long of list of new products that come from clients and staff, day dreams alike. In the afternoon, you can usually find me at the boutique - hanging out with the Una client family, pestering my amazing retail team, and making new displays in the store. My days look different now that we have a staff, but I love sharing the making and the relationships build with our team.
Q: Is there any interesting trivia or a fun fact behind your brand you'd like to share?
A: I have met someone from every continent with the name Una. We have also shipped our products all around the world - including Australia and DuBai.
Q: What’s your advice for overcoming challenges in the independent biz space? Is there any advice you'd give your younger self starting out?
A: I think the two most important things we can do is 1) set our ego aside so that we can learn more and 2) spend more time with people more experienced than ourselves. Many independent business owners get so busy with their company they don't make time to mix with other professionals. Over the years, I've found that spending time with other business owners gives me opportunity to solve problems or better my business. This leads back to point 1 - we can only learn once we realize that there is so much more. To learn that we simply can't have all the answers ourselves.
Q: What do you feel sets you apart in the independent biz/maker space?
A: Una Biologicals stands apart thanks to both the amazing product quality and premium client experience. We believe in putting the best out there - both in product and from ourselves. We only use the most amazing all-natural ingredients possible and we pair that with impeccable customer service and authentic relationships with our Una family clients. People want real products from real people whom they feel good about supporting.
Inside the Una Biologicals storefront. Photo courtesy of Una Biologicals.
Q: We LOVE the workshop & classes you've offered over the years (especially yoga with Kendell!). Why is this important to you and what's in store for 2022??
A: Our mission at Una Biologicals is to help people live their healthiest + happiest lives. This means having the opportunity to learn and experience new ways of being. It also means being connected to a positive and uplifting community.
We are excited to have dedicated space in our new location at 3703 Butler Street for events. 2022 will have monthly tarot and astrology readings from several teachers. We will also host mindfulness workshops, yoga, Ayurvedic wellness, gardening workshops, solstice events, how to herbals, girls night out, and more!
Q: What have you learned about yourself or in general since the pandemic started?
A: I have learned that we are far more resilient as a population that we thought. I've also learned that I don't mind the slowness as much as I thought - being forced to slow down (first with the pandemic and then the fire) was actually a much needed lesson.
Also, I've learned how much I value the opportunity to bring joy to people. It has actually shifted how I look at my work and the role I personally play these days. Chief Joy Spreader might be my new title.
____________________
About Jessica - and, go!
Q: What’s your go-to coffee and/or tea order?
A: Latte (morning) and London Fog (afternoon).
Q: Markets or Online Shop?
A: Markets.
Q: While working/making: Podcasts, Playlists, or Streaming?
A: Playlists.
Bonus Q: What are you listening to or watching right now??
A: Morning Classical Playlist on Spotify
Q: Early Bird or Night Owl?
A: Early Bird.
Q: Favorite makers we must know about!
A: Fjord & Fable candles are making my house lovely. I'm crazy about my new Yellowcake Shop dress I just treated myself to. Ellembee silly homewares are cracking me up and in store now. I need you all to come by for the last of the Seattle Chocolate Truffles in the boutique before I eat them all. Finally, Fallen Aspen Farm's wooden spoons are the maker product I touch daily that bring a smile to my face.
Q: Your favorite product or service that YOU offer?
A: Luxe Face Cream - all day long!
Support Una Biologicals:
Where to follow Una Biologicals:
- Instagram: @una_biologicals
- Facebook: @UnaBiologicals
- Website: www.unaBiologicals.com - scroll down to sign up for the newsletter
Upcoming launches/events:
Come see the NEW Store! 3707 Butler Street in Lawrenceville. We have 2 floors of amazing handcrafted products, books, crystals, jewelry and of course all things Una Biologicals.
Anything else we should know?
Giving back & raising up is a central part of our ethos. Not only do we donate to essential organizations, but we also intentionally purchase product from independent makers for our boutique. For us, the store is a platform for building community in all ways!
____________________
Giveaway
Enter the giveaway with this link!
TWO lucky winners will receive an Una Biologicals Self-Care Bundle and a pair of SASHA Shortened Earrings & Balance Bracelet in the colors of their choice! (each prize has a total retail value of $125.50!)
Each Prize will include: (1) Una Biologicals Sweet Almond Body Butter, (1) Una Biologicals Cuticle Rescue, (1) Una Biologicals Sacral Chakra Oil, (1) Una Biologicals Rhassoul Clay Face Mask, (1) Una Biologicals Luxe Face Cream (sample), (1) Una Biologicals Provence Lip Balm, (1) pair of SASHA Shortened Earrings, and (1) SASHA Balance Bracelet.
Now through Thursday 1/27/22, enter with this link for one entry. You can enter as many times as you’d like, but will only be added to the Una Biological and SASHA email lists each once. A winner will be announced on Friday 1/28/22.
Good luck!
____________________
Read the entire Maker Story series here.
Are you a maker or small business owner interested in being featured in a future maker story? Contact us!