Meet Heather Henderson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Heather Henderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I would say I would describe myself as a glass half full kind of person. I think that’s part of my DNA. Part of it I ascribe to the support I have always had from my family. My parents always gave me room to follow my bliss, which I am so grateful for. Whether it was what I wanted to study in college, spending a semester in Spain, leaving jobs that I hated before I had another one lined up, all these things add up. My sister, my brother, my brother-in-law, and my niece and nephew are really my biggest fans and provide me with constant love and support. I am grateful for all things in my life, the good and the bad, because every experience leads me forward on my path. Being a founder is like being on a roller coaster, there are some very exciting days, some very frustrating days and some days when you wonder if the business is going to succeed, and my family is always there to keep me grounded.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the Founder of Chance of Sunny, a personal care brand that uses plant-based ingredients and essential oils to calm and soothe the body and mind. More than six years ago I looked at my shower gel and realized there was not one ingredient I could pronounce. I decided I was going to make my own products so that I could be confident in the ingredients that I put on my skin every day. I began taking classes in aromatherapy and am now a certified aromatherapist. I found my mentor, Amy Galper, in NYC and took classes on plant-based body care and then spent a few years formulating in my kitchen.

I am very excited about the formulas I created as there were different variations and different products leading up to my current assortment. I reached out to friends and family to get their opinions and I narrowed my collection to a gentle wash, lotion, and oil. I launched my business almost one year ago with an intent on helping people with sensitive skin. I really focused on what I wanted to feel on my own skin, and I use essential oils to soothe the mind, I am very intentional about the ingredients I use and spent a lot of time choosing ingredients that I use across the different products. I was also very intentional about using high quality ingredients in products that were affordable.

My tag line is a hug in a bottle, and I really mean that! I get excited when someone tells my how soft and moisturized their skin feels, especially if they have sensitive or delicate skin, or when someone tells me they use my products on their kids,

We are launching a new citrus scent in late January/early February.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that helped me in my journey were, be curious, be passionate, and have something that helps you release stress.

I started my journey because I didn’t like the ingredients in my shower gel. I was curious about how I could make my own products. I began a course in aromatherapy and I fell in love with the healing property of essential oils. I didn’t have any knowledge about plant based ingredients or how to make these products. It was a long process and I am so fortunate that the right people always seem to find me when I need them,

You have to be passionate about what you’re doing because you are going to spend a lot of time and money starting a business and it may not make it.

The process can be very stressful so find things that help you relieve stress. I go to the gym a three days a week and have been getting back into my yoga practice.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I am facing right now is balancing my time between Chance of Sunny and my brother’s animal hospital where I still work full time. I juggle responsibilities for both depending on where I need to focus my attention. Right now, I am working 7 days a week, plus I volunteer at a local hospice and a local nursing home. Right now I don’t want to give any of that up, but I will be happy when my business is doing well and we don’t have as many issues that need my immediate attention.

Staying healthy is vital to maintain this schedule. I always make sure I have time for the gym and yoga and go to the gym at 6am because if I don’t, I won’t get there. Once my day starts I go full throttle. I try to cook during the week so I have multiple meals ready to go because there are so many nights I am too tired to do anything but heat something up. It’s also extremely important for me to make time for friends so I prioritize getting lunch or dinner with friends as often as possible.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photo credits: Chance of Sunny

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