Discount Vials Customer Highlight - Be Blends
Posted by Melissa Liedtke on Feb 03, 2025
We love getting to know our customers and learning more about the incredible businesses they’ve built. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Stacey, the founder of Be Blends. Be Blends specializes in natural bath and body products, soy candles, and aromatherapy jewelry, all crafted with care and intention. Let’s dive in and hear more about Stacey’s journey, what inspires her, and how Discount Vials plays a role in her business.
Can you tell us about your business and what inspired you to start making your products?
We manufacture all-natural bath and body products, soy candles, and aromatherapy jewelry. We also have a brick-and-mortar store where we carry our own brand and other products that complement what we make.
It all started back in 2006 when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, we had a two-week-old daughter, and I was a brand-new mom. With his diagnosis, I started researching the things we were using in our home. I discovered that a lot of the products we used every day were harmful and could cause negative effects. I made it my mission to start using natural and safe products, but I quickly realized that many of the so-called “healthy” options weren’t actually good for us or they were incredibly expensive. That’s when I started experimenting with making my own products.
Years later, after fully embracing a healthier way of living, I began thinking about turning this into a business. At first, I gave my products to family and friends, and they kept coming back asking for more. My husband eventually suggested I start charging for them and that’s how the business began. We started by selling at farmers’ markets and events, anywhere we could find an audience. It was all about getting the word out and building something meaningful from what was initially a personal mission.
Be Blends initially started as "Be Essential" because we were focused on using essential oils in the very beginning. However, as I gained more knowledge about trademarks and running a business, I discovered that the name was already trademarked by another company. I had to pivot and rebrand as Be Blends. While our URL still reflects "Be Essential Blends," that connection is something only we know internally.
Where do you currently sell your products? How and where did you start?
Right now, we sell our products online, wholesale, and at our warehouse storefront location. We’ve also expanded onto Amazon with one of our gift sets.
We started at markets and events, which was a mix of successes and challenges. Some markets were great, while others didn’t work out as well, but we always made it a point to give samples and get our products into people’s hands. After taking a break from markets for a while, we started getting back into them last year, and it’s been rewarding to connect with new faces and spread the word about our brand.
We used to have a store on a busy main street, but managing that retail space required so much attention that it started to detract from other areas of the business. I loved that location, but I wanted to focus more on growing our wholesale and online presence. In August 2024, we moved into our warehouse and set up a small storefront up front. This new setup has been fantastic—it’s open four days a week, which gives me more flexibility to attend markets and focus on brand growth. So far, it’s been going really well, and I’m excited about this direction for the business!
How do you differentiate your business from competitors in the natural body and home product space?
I ask myself this question all the time because so many of us in this industry use similar ingredients and make comparable products. For me, the biggest difference is rooted in how I developed our brand. When I started, I remembered how hard it was to find truly healthy, natural products that weren’t outrageously expensive. I wanted to make a line that was not only safe and effective but also accessible and affordable so people could purchase it regularly without breaking the bank.
That’s the core theme of our business, making natural products that everyday people can afford and use consistently. We’re also very family-centered. My family is deeply involved in the business. My husband helps out whenever he’s not working, and we all work together to create a relatable, community-focused brand. We’ve built strong relationships with our customers, and we love connecting with them on a personal level.
What makes us stand out is that we’re just normal people making safer, better products for other normal people. While there are many great brands out there, I’ve always believed that if I can’t make our products affordable and accessible, then why am I doing this in the first place?
How did you discover Discount Vials, and what role do we play in your business?
I discovered Discount Vials through a Google search when I was just starting out. Back then, I didn’t know much about sourcing packaging, so I was searching everywhere for options. I tried a few different brands at first, but I’ve stuck with Discount Vials because you’re so reliable. I know I can always count on getting the right products, and the customer service is great.
If there’s ever an issue, it’s handled really quickly, which makes a huge difference for my business. I know some people shop around for prices, and I do that occasionally, but when I find a product that’s reliable and a company I trust, there’s no reason for me to switch.
A huge thank you to Stacey for sharing her story with us! We’re so glad to have Be Blends as part of the Discount Vials family and can’t wait to continue supporting their growth. Be Blends is a family-owned and operated business passionate about creating safe, natural products for your home and family. From handmade bath and body essentials to aromatherapy and more, every product is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients you can trust. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your product line, Discount Vials is here to provide the packaging solutions you need.
Discover handmade natural bath and body products, aromatherapy essentials, and more! SHOP BE BLENDS HERE