DISCOVERY SUNDAY'S
The first place that I have discovered is a unique boutique called Threla which is located in Cambridge, MA. Believe it or not, but the boutique was so close to my apartment that I felt foolish for never noticing it before.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THE OWNER:
Tseh-Hwan Yong is a scientist who attended MIT for both undergraduate and graduate school and received her PhD in Biomaterials in 2005. She always had a passion for beauty products and decided that she wanted to create products that were tangible. Ms. Yong uses both science and nature to make all of her products!
NOW FOR THE INTERVIEW!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STORE & PRODUCTS
What exactly is it that you do?
-I create bath, body, and skin products as well as candles, lip balms, and mists. I use all natural materials.
Is this what you imagined you would be doing after you graduated from MIT?
-Not really. My dad built me a chemistry lab when I was a kid, so I though I would be doing something related to that. When I was in grad school I always thought of making products in the back of my mind.
What inspired you to get into this line of work?
-I like beauty products and I like to touch and smell my creations. I quit my job in 2008. Then, I had six months to experiment with chemicals. I eventually got the hang of it and used vegetable oil as an ingredient to make soaps.
Did anyone tell you not do open your store?
-Yes! I was told that there is a lot of competition. I used to be a management consultant, so I knew my income would change.
Do you plan on expanding your store?
-Well, this is my only store. It took my two years to open in 2010. I don't know, I would like to expand and eventually have a bigger space so I can host fun workshops. (sounds fun)!
What is your favorite product from your store?
-I use Golden Dew on a daily basis. It's a hydrating facial lotion.
It seems difficult to make your products. Do you ever make mistakes?
- I make mistakes all the time, but I don't like to call them mistakes. It's not really a mistake when experimenting.
Which product is the most to difficult to make, and how many products do you make a day?
-Definitely lotion! I make two different products a day.
-It takes one day to make and four weeks until it's ready to use.
Where do you see your business in 10 years?
-I see my business in a bigger location so I can host workshops, be more-hands on and maybe even have a spa.
FASHION & BEAUTY QUESTIONS:
What is your favorite type of lipstick and color?
-I like lip-tints, jasmine, very light colors, and pink.
Would you ever create make-up?
-Yes, I'm even talking to a make-up artist now. I'm thinking of making lipstick!
What is your favorite fashion look?
-I like Theory and Banana Republic's Summer Collection.
What is your favorite hairstyle at the moment?
-I'm not sure. I never really change it from a ponytail.
A BIT OF ADVICE:
I would tell anyone who has the idea of opening their own business to have perseverance, good support, and to BELIEVE in your dreams!
CONTACT & STORE INFO.
Threla ships worldwide.
Email: infor@threla.com
www.threla.com
petitethrela.etsy.com
574 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
As always, thanks for reading my beauties! xx
TH is awesome and I love her products...especially her lotions. : )
ReplyDeleteI agree! Her products are just perfect. I also, love the fact that she has her own mini lab in her store where she makes the products! Thanks for reading xx
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