How Butters by Janelle Came to Be, How It’s Evolving, and What’s Next

How Butters by Janelle Came to Be, How It’s Evolving, and What’s Next

Launching Butters by Janelle in May 2024 was such a huge moment for me. For years, I toyed with different ideas, but nothing ever really stuck—not enough for me to take the leap and make it official. But creating and crafting products? That was something I knew I could do and do well. So, when I was laid off from my job, I took a chance on myself and made it happen. 

Finding My Voice: Why I Created This Blog

I started this blog as a way to stay connected with all of you. Yes, I’ve shared plenty of mini vlogs on Instagram about my failures and successes (because this journey has been anything but a straight line). But I also wanted something more—something that lets me share the behind-the-scenes of my business and my growth as a creator and entrepreneur. 

It’s been a learning process. Blogging, like running a business, evolves over time, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned so far. This space allows me to reflect and share ideas with you all while staying grounded in why I started this journey in the first place.

The Original Vision: How It All Started

When I first dreamed about Butters by Janelle, my goal was to show my daughter, Janelle, that life is about more than being defined by an employer or a 9-to-5 job. I wanted her to see that you can create something of your own.

At first, I envisioned a brand that focused on body butters and hair butters—that was it. These were products I made for myself and my family because I was tired of wasting money on so-called "natural" options that weren’t really natural at all. Knowing that these products would work for us gave me the confidence to test and create.

I started with small, experimental batches, like a lemon crème hair butter made with real lemon peels. I quickly learned that lemon on skin and sunlight are not friends, so I scrapped that idea. I also tried making hair oils, which were simple and effective, but as I kept experimenting, my attention shifted to other ideas.

Looking back, those early days taught me so much about trial, error, and perseverance. I still dream of revisiting some of those original products, like the lemon hair butter, but I want to take the time to research and craft them more thoughtfully.

Adapting and Changing: Finding My Core Products

Every business needs a foundation—those core products that are reliable and loved by customers. For me, that’s body butters. I spent so much time perfecting them, but shipping in the warmer months proved to be a challenge. After seeing other businesses struggle to ship heat-sensitive products, I decided to stop shipping them during the summer altogether.

That pivot made me focus on other items, like body oils. Customers loved them, and it became clear they would be a core part of my business. Toward the end of summer, I introduced emulsified body butters (a heat-stable alternative) and sugar scrubs, which have also been big hits.

Along the way, I’ve had plenty of ideas—creating themed body butter names, adding turmeric to formulations, or even launching a chocolate-inspired line—but I’m not a big business with unlimited resources. Every idea has to be carefully tested, and I’ve definitely spent more than I’d like to admit figuring it all out. But every mistake has been a lesson, and every success feels like a victory.

What’s Next for Butters by Janelle

In 2025, I’m focusing on what works:

Core Products: Body butters, emulsified butters, shaving butters, body oils, and sugar scrubs.
Streamlining Costs: Simplifying the product line will allow me to manage expenses better and leave room for experimenting with new items.
Expanding Locally: I plan to add accessories that cater to local customers while making them available online for everyone.
In February, I’ll be launching limited-edition edible products (yes, you read that right!), and I’m also working on new formulations to enhance existing products. Plus, packaging updates are on the way because presentation matters just as much as quality.

A Heartfelt Thank You
To every single person who’s purchased from Butters by Janelle, left a comment, or interacted with me in any way—thank you. I’m so grateful for your support. Every dollar spent and every kind word shared helps me keep building this dream.

Running a small business isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding because of customers like you. So, here’s to an exciting 2025 filled with creativity, growth, and products that bring joy to your self-care routines. I couldn’t do this without you!