x
Breaking News
More () »

How a domestic violence survivor turned bullying into a successful skincare business with a brand new storefront in Sheffield Lake: First Look

Robinson Family Soaps owner Mary Robinson doesn't sell anything her nephew with Ichthyosis vulgaris can't use on his own skin

SHEFFIELD LAKE, Ohio — They say necessity is the mother of innovation, and that's proved to be true for a successful entrepreneur in Sheffield Lake who just opened a retail space for her online skincare business, which she also uses to support other makers.

When Mary Robinson's nephew, Jayden, was being teased at school because of a skin condition, she found a way to stop the bullying by founding her successful business, Robinson Family Soaps, now available to buy in person for the first time.

"I basically started my business as a need for a better lotion due to my nephew being bullied in school due to his skin condition which makes it look like he has scales on his skin," Mary told 3News.

"It's called Ichthyosis [vulgaris]. Jayden was being teased because of his skin and refused to go back to public school. I did a lot of research and with the help of Jayden we came up with Jayden’s Wish, which is a light blue lotion scented in Vanilla Buttercream."

Mary has also overcome adversity. She shared that early in life she'd hoped to become a lawyer, but felt that was out of her reach due to lasting consequences from domestic violence she said she suffered in 2012.

When she found she was able to help her nephew with her handmade lotion, it made her realize she could still be her own boss, in a different way. She decided to keep going with making natural, handmade bath, body and skin products, and launched Robinson Family Soaps from her home in Elyria in April of 2020 with a focus on helping others.

Posted by Robinson Family Soaps LLC on Wednesday, May 3, 2023

"Every product that I make personally, has already been tested by the people in my family that it needs to benefit," she said. "If my husband and nephew cannot use it because of their skin ailments, I don’t sell it. I keep testing until it works for them, too. All of my products are made for people of all ages with skin ailments to enjoy."

Now, three years after her online launch, Mary has realized her dream of selling her various skincare items from an in-person retail space in Sheffield Lake.

"I still sell online but mostly wholesale and custom orders," she said. "After trying out the Elyria Farmers Market last year and seeing the response from the community about my products, I knew it was time to open a retail space. I wanted to bring natural handmade products to the area for others to enjoy."

Mary needed help to make that happen, though. That's where Jess Harrell, who Mary calls her "Ohio sister," came in, as the storefront co-owner.

"I met Jess in November 2022 when I was selling in a small space at another location," Mary said. "We became great friends from that day on. I told her I would love it if someone could help me financially to open a retail shop. She came and saw the storefront with me, for support. At the end of the tour, I was already agreeing to rent the space and Jess asked if she could sign the lease with me. She became the designer of the store and made it a relaxing spa-type vibe with the colors and product design placement."

Together, Mary and Jess have not only realized Mary's dream, but they're helping support other makers who might not have the ability to open their own retail space.

"The items for sale in the store come from 26 handmade makers from all parts of Ohio and some out of state makers," Mary said. "I wanted to give others the opportunity to sell their bath, body, skincare, and even home products in a retail setting for makers that are just starting out, not able to have the same opportunity to be in a retail space or just want to try first."

Mary added: "Throughout my journey of creating the store, finding vendors, and even to the grand opening on April 2 and daily operations, this wouldn’t be able to happen for me, or anyone else, without the help of Jess."

With this unique model, Mary and Jess are able to rent space as small as a single shelf, allowing makers to dip their toes into selling their products at a store without a huge overhead cost. Mary explained that beyond the rental fee, the store doesn't charge any additional fees for sales made by other makers. That works out great for both sides of the deal, because it allows  Robinson Family Soaps offer a wider variety of products to customers.

💡Vendor Spotlight! Today we'd like to shine the spotlight on Arr'mas Naturals! Her products are handmade, luxurious and smell AMAZING! Watch below to see my favorite! You can find them in store or online! 💜

Posted by Robinson Family Soaps LLC on Thursday, May 4, 2023

"We have a collection of so many different products," Mary said. "If we don’t have the product you are looking for, we try to get it made. For example, when a customer comes in and may have an allergy to an ingredient, we aim to try and have that product made, whether by myself or another maker, without the ingredient that they cannot use."

If you prefer to shop online, you can still do that at the Robinson Family Soaps website, but now you can also do it in person at 4646 East Lake Road in Sheffield Lake.

The storefront is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sundays from noon to 6 pm. The shop is closed on Mondays.

Before You Leave, Check This Out