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!
I asked Ms. Yong questions about her shop, how she got started, her products, and FASHION/BEAUTY questions! :) Yay! This is a great read for those of you who are interested interested in opening a small boutique or business one day.
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.
How long does it take to make soap?
-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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