Meet Emily Grummel

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emily Grummel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emily below.

Emily , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

The truth is, I didn’t overcome it all at once. Imposter Syndrome isn’t something that disappears overnight- it’s something I’ve had to unlearn and grow through piece by piece. At first, I thought success would cure it. I figured if I just worked harder, earned more, learned more, and checked every box, I’d finally feel like I belonged. But that wasn’t the case.

What helped me the most was shifting my mindset from proving myself to accepting myself. I started acknowledging the work I’d already done and the value that I bring- flaws, doubts, and all. I stopped waiting to feel “ready” and started taking action even when I was scared. I realized that confidence isn’t the absence of doubt- it’s the decision to show up anyway.

I also surrounded myself with people who were honest, not just successful. People who openly talked about their fears, their mess-ups, and the fact that most of us are figuring things out as we go. That gave me permission to be human, too.

Now, when Imposter Syndrome shows up, I don’t let it drive. I hear it out, then remind myself; I’m not here by accident- I’’m here on purpose.

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?

Hi, my name is Emily Grummel, and I’m the co-founder of E&A Creations, a handcrafted skincare and body product business I built alongside my sister, Amy. Rooted in our shared passion for nature, simplicity, and sustainability, E&A Creations was born from the belief that what we put on our bodies should be as pure and nourishing as what we put in them.

We’re based in Monroe, MI, where we create each product in small batches, using ingredients that are clean, high-quality, and as close to their natural state as possible. From the very beginning, our goal has been to build a business that not only supports our families but lays a foundation for generational wealth- through honest work, intentional design, and products that truly serve a purpose.

Our vision is clear: to offer natural, healing skincare that works with the body- not against it. Every bar of soap, every tube of chapstick is thoughtfully formulated to support skin health without filters, harsh chemicals, or artificial dyes. We take our time with each recipe, using raw, nutrient-rich ingredients like goat milk, local beeswax, raw honey, and organic turmeric- not just because they sound good, but because they deliver results.

Some of our customers favorites-and bestsellers- include:

– Oatmeal & Raw Honey Goat Milk Soap: ultra-soothing and gentle, perfect for sensitive skin and everyday use.

-Turmeric Goat Milk Soap: Known for its naturally brightening properties and anti-inflammatory benefits.

-Beeswax Chapsticks: Made with only a few powerful ingredients, these glide on smooth, lock in moisture, and stay put.

We’re proud to be a local vendor in the Monroe area, participating in community markets and events where people can see, smell, and feel the difference in our products firsthand. And for those outside our hometown, our full product line is available online through our Etsy shop, where we’ve been able to connect with customers across the country who value clean, natural skincare.

At its core E&A Creations is about quality- intentional ingredients, sustainable practices, and timeless recipes that support the skin’s natural ability to heal, protect and thrive. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue growing E&A Creations into a lasting brand that people trust-not just for beautiful products, but for reliable, natural solutions that support healthy skin for the long haul. We’re exploring new formulas, expanding our reach, and always staying rooted in what matters most; honest ingredients, intentional craft, and a legacy built one small batch at a time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:

1. Resourcefulness- Learning how to make the most of what I had- whether it was time, money or ingredients-taught me how to build something from the ground up without waiting for perfect conditions. That mindset helped turn E&A Creations into a functioning business before we had it all figured out.

Advice: Don’t wait to start until you feel “ready.” Start with what you have. The ability to adapt, learn, and solve problems creatively is more valuable than any perfect plan.

2. Commitment to Quality- I quickly realized that in a saturated market, the integrity of your product speaks louder than any marketing trick. With our soaps and chapsticks, we focused on clean, effective ingredients and thoughtful formulation. The quality built customer trust and repeat business.

Advice: Don’t cut corners. Whether you’re making a product, offering a service, or sharing your voice- take the time to do it with care. Your standards will set you apart.

3. Vision- Having a clear sense of WHY I was doing this-beyond sales or popularity- kept me grounded through the slow seasons and setbacks. For me, it’s about creating a legacy, something that supports my family and stands for something real.

Advice: Take time to define what success really means for YOU. Write it down, revisit it often, and let that guide your decisions. A strong “why” will carry you through when motivation fades.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that played a pivotal role in my personal and entrepreneurial development is “You are a badass” by Jen Sincero. I read it during a time when I was juggling fear, self-doubt, and a deep desire to build something meaningful- but didn’t fully believe I was capable of it yet.

Sincero’s voice is bold, funny, and no nonsense, but underneath the humor is a powerful invitation to stop playing small. One of the biggest takeaways for me was this: “Your reality is created by what you focus on and how you choose to interpret it.” That hit hard. It helped me realize how much of my fear wasn’t about what was actually happening- it was about the story I was telling myself about what could go wrong.

Another impactful nuggets was her reminder that self love isn’t just affirmations and bubble baths- it’s boundaries, decisions and action. That shifted how I moved through my days, especially as a business owner and a mom. I started making choices that aligned with the life I wanted to create, even when it was uncomfortable.

And maybe most important: “You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.” That gave me permission to show up boldly in my business, share my products, tell my story, and stop apologizing for wanting more out of life.

Reading that book was like having a pep talk with a mentor who tells it to you straight, but still believes in your potential more than you believe in yourself. It gave me the nudge I needed to trust my gut, take action, and keep building forward- even when doubt tried to creep in.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: E & A Creations
• Other: Etsy: eacreations25.etsy.com