Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Margaret Norcott (Amama)
The South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre is pleased to welcome a new cohort of 2021 Starter Company Plus participants including Margaret Norcott of Amama. Amama’s natural skincare line helps the eco-conscious consumer who wishes to increase their overall well-being and nurture their skin by providing 100% natural body care. Pure food for your skin.
Margaret is such a kind person and on first introduction, you’ll witness her passion and care for the products she creates. Everything from foraged ingredients and intentional recipes, Amama is a local leader in natural skincare.
Read on for a Q+A to learn more about Margaret and Amama.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur? I enjoy connecting with other like minded individuals and also have the freedom to create products that benefit my customers
What inspired you to start your business? I was inspired to start my company when I began raising my young family and discovered commercial skin care products were laden with toxic chemicals. I also have a synthetic fragrance allergy and wasn’t able to find skincare products that I was able to use without having a reaction.
What takeaways are you looking to get out of the Starter Company Plus program? I always love connecting with other entrepreneurs as I learn so much from others and find it inspiring. I’m also looking forward to learning ways to promote my new shopify website.
What services or products do you offer? Amama offers a line of natural skincare products consisting of: Rosemary Face Cream, Peppermint Lip Salve, Lavender Hand and Foot Softener, Facial Clay Mask, Rose Facial Toner, Facial Cleanser, Herbal Healing Salve, Bergamot Lavender Body Lotion and 9 shades of lipstick.
Who do you look up to for ideas and inspiration? My customers are my inspiration! I love receiving feedback and am always open to new ideas and suggestions for the line.
How did you come up with the name for your business?
Over 20 years ago, another local mom and I discovered that we shared a passion for herbs. As devoted mothers, we were searching for natural ways to nourish and heal ailing family members. We were both making our own herbal remedies and were thrilled to compare notes and ideas. Thus began the partnership, Two Herbal Mamas.
When my partner retired over 7 years ago, and I decided to continue the business on my own, I struggled to come up with a new name. Amama seemed like the perfect fit!
Who is your biggest cheerleader (and why)? My biggest cheerleaders are my valued customers.. They love the products!
Why South Georgian Bay? I have had the opportunity to live in this beautiful area for over 28 years. I have travelled quite a bit but have never found a place more beautiful than where I call home!
What are you favourite local spots to visit on a day off? I never get tired of the beautiful local beaches and love discovering hidden undisturbed beaches along the shoreline while paddle boarding
What’s your favourite product or service that you offer? I love making the herbal healing salve since it’s comprised of four local medicinal herbs I’ve gathered over the summer and captured their essence in organic virgin olive oil. Once infused, I strain out the plant material and blend with unrefined beeswax from my own hives. Pure alchemy
What is something you are great at cooking? I love to bake. I worked as a pastry chef for over 20 years and still love to make homemade sweet treats.
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday? Paragliding at Revelstoke!
What was one new experience you tried that was completely unknown or uncomfortable to you at the time you tried it? Beekeeping. I had no previous experience, I just happened upon a one day introductory course a few years ago – and I was hooked. Bees are such incredible insects, they never cease to amaze me
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Give Amama a follow and check out their website to browse their goods.
Website: https://www.amama.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amamaskincare/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amamaskincare