Welcome to the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast, a weekly conversation about mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. I'm your host, doctor Joy Hard and Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information or to find a therapist in your area, visit our website at Therapy for Blackgirls dot com. While I hope you love listening to and learning from the podcast, it is not meant to be a substitute for a relationship with a licensed mental health professional. Hey, y'all, thanks so much for joining me for session three eighty four of the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast. We'll get right into our conversation afterword from our sponsors.

Welcome to the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast, a weekly conversation about mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. I'm your host, doctor Joy Hard and Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information or to find a therapist in your area, visit our website at Therapy for Blackgirls dot com. While I hope you love listening to and learning from the podcast, it is not meant to be a substitute for a relationship with a licensed mental health professional. Hey, y'all, thanks so much for joining me for session three eighty four of the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast. We'll get right into our conversation afterword from our sponsors.

Hi.

Hi.

I'm Be Dixon and I'm on the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast today. I'm in session unpacking the journey and future of my company at the Honeypot Co.

I'm Be Dixon and I'm on the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast today. I'm in session unpacking the journey and future of my company at the Honeypot Co.

Hey.

Hey.

Sis, we're seeking an experienced and passionate ad sales strategists to join our team here at Therapy for Black Girls. Were looking for somebody who can help us to strengthen and maintain our existing brand partnerships and who can help us identify and cultivate new brand partnerships that align with our mission. If you are someone who has five to seven years in AD sales or media buying, or similar position with a proven track record of success, we love to chat with you. Go to Therapy for Blackgirls dot com slash ad Sales to learn more about the position or to apply. Did you know that November is National Entrepreneurship Month. Being a business owner looks different for everyone, whether you're a therapist scheduling back to back clients or a candle maker keeping our homes smelling incredible. In acknowledgment of all the incredible black women entrepreneurs in our community, we've prepared a series of conversations that provide insight into what it looks like to grow your business while also maintaining a healthy wellbeing. This week, I'm in conversation with b Dixon, the founder of plant based feminine care brand, The Honeypot. Dixon is one of the first forty women of color to raise one million adventure capital and has been featured in The Today Show, New York Times, l Essence, and Forbes, to name a few today The Honeypod company's products can be found online and in stores nationwide at Target, Walmart, Walgreens, bed Bath and Beyond, Wegman's, Whole Foods, and more. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of using your intuition when running a business, lessons b has learned from controversy, and what the future of the Honeypot looks like post acquisition. If something resonates with you while enjoying our conversation, please share with us on social media using the hashtag TVG in Session or join us over in the sister Circle to talk more about the episode. You can join us at community dot therapy for Blackgirls dot Com. Here's our conversation.

Sis, we're seeking an experienced and passionate ad sales strategists to join our team here at Therapy for Black Girls. Were looking for somebody who can help us to strengthen and maintain our existing brand partnerships and who can help us identify and cultivate new brand partnerships that align with our mission. If you are someone who has five to seven years in AD sales or media buying, or similar position with a proven track record of success, we love to chat with you. Go to Therapy for Blackgirls dot com slash ad Sales to learn more about the position or to apply. Did you know that November is National Entrepreneurship Month. Being a business owner looks different for everyone, whether you're a therapist scheduling back to back clients or a candle maker keeping our homes smelling incredible. In acknowledgment of all the incredible black women entrepreneurs in our community, we've prepared a series of conversations that provide insight into what it looks like to grow your business while also maintaining a healthy wellbeing. This week, I'm in conversation with b Dixon, the founder of plant based feminine care brand, The Honeypot. Dixon is one of the first forty women of color to raise one million adventure capital and has been featured in The Today Show, New York Times, l Essence, and Forbes, to name a few today The Honeypod company's products can be found online and in stores nationwide at Target, Walmart, Walgreens, bed Bath and Beyond, Wegman's, Whole Foods, and more. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of using your intuition when running a business, lessons b has learned from controversy, and what the future of the Honeypot looks like post acquisition. If something resonates with you while enjoying our conversation, please share with us on social media using the hashtag TVG in Session or join us over in the sister Circle to talk more about the episode. You can join us at community dot therapy for Blackgirls dot Com. Here's our conversation.

Will be.

Will be.

It is so good to see you again. Thank you so much for joining us on the podcast.

It is so good to see you again. Thank you so much for joining us on the podcast.

Good to see you, Thank you for having me.

Good to see you, Thank you for having me.

Yeah, absolutely, absolutely always love talking to you about your story. So we are going to get into all of the incredible successes you've had, but I want to kind of get started by you talking a little bit about some of your early experiences and how that really has translated into your business. So you've worked several odd jobs, You've talked very openly about being homeless for a while, So what from that journey do you feel like you have incorporated into your business journey. Even now, I think that.

Yeah, absolutely, absolutely always love talking to you about your story. So we are going to get into all of the incredible successes you've had, but I want to kind of get started by you talking a little bit about some of your early experiences and how that really has translated into your business. So you've worked several odd jobs, You've talked very openly about being homeless for a while, So what from that journey do you feel like you have incorporated into your business journey. Even now, I think that.

Every single thing that I've ever done has prepared me for now. For example, I used to work in pharmacies, like in hospitals, I worked in chemo labs, I did all kinds of stuff. But I think what that really gave me a glimpse into is wellness and health. It wasn't a space that I wanted to stay in because I believe in Western medicine deeply right, I personally just did not necessarily want to work within Western medicine.

Every single thing that I've ever done has prepared me for now. For example, I used to work in pharmacies, like in hospitals, I worked in chemo labs, I did all kinds of stuff. But I think what that really gave me a glimpse into is wellness and health. It wasn't a space that I wanted to stay in because I believe in Western medicine deeply right, I personally just did not necessarily want to work within Western medicine.

But what it taught me was just the understanding of what that was.

But what it taught me was just the understanding of what that was.

It instilled a lot of respect in me for what life and death is. It instilled a lot of respect for me as it relates to just overall wellness and medicine. It helped me to understand what you needed to do to treat an illness. As a person that was probably born as a healer, I think that I needed to really under and innerstand that world a bit in order for me.

It instilled a lot of respect in me for what life and death is. It instilled a lot of respect for me as it relates to just overall wellness and medicine. It helped me to understand what you needed to do to treat an illness. As a person that was probably born as a healer, I think that I needed to really under and innerstand that world a bit in order for me.

To be successful. And then I left there and I went to work at Whole.

To be successful. And then I left there and I went to work at Whole.

Foods, you know, and between that I started my own cleaning business. But working at Whole Foods gave me a glimpse into the other side of what healing can do because it was very Eastern medicine. Are you vedic medicine, herbs plants, The culture was very non toxic. It was just beautiful at that time. You got a better discount if you were healthy, right, It just was interesting. Right. They actually brought people in to do your blood and test you and check your cholesterol and your blood pressure and all that kind of stuff. I don't know if they still do it now, but that taught me a lot about my body. I think it also taught me a lot about how to treat people, because this is in the days that Whole Foods would let you literally, if you said you liked something, I had the authority as a person that worked in the store to sign it off and just give it to you. So the customer service was like bar none, you know what I mean. It was crazy, And I think that that taught me what customer service was. It taught me how to take care of humans that shocked in our store. Working in the cleaning business taught me a lot about humility, right, what it means to clean somebody's toilet, not everybody respects you, which is ridiculous because they should because it takes a lot of dignity to do that as a person.

Foods, you know, and between that I started my own cleaning business. But working at Whole Foods gave me a glimpse into the other side of what healing can do because it was very Eastern medicine. Are you vedic medicine, herbs plants, The culture was very non toxic. It was just beautiful at that time. You got a better discount if you were healthy, right, It just was interesting. Right. They actually brought people in to do your blood and test you and check your cholesterol and your blood pressure and all that kind of stuff. I don't know if they still do it now, but that taught me a lot about my body. I think it also taught me a lot about how to treat people, because this is in the days that Whole Foods would let you literally, if you said you liked something, I had the authority as a person that worked in the store to sign it off and just give it to you. So the customer service was like bar none, you know what I mean. It was crazy, And I think that that taught me what customer service was. It taught me how to take care of humans that shocked in our store. Working in the cleaning business taught me a lot about humility, right, what it means to clean somebody's toilet, not everybody respects you, which is ridiculous because they should because it takes a lot of dignity to do that as a person.

So it taught me a lot.

So it taught me a lot.

And I think homelessness taught me because you know, we were homeless when we were kids. Not for a very long time, but but it happened. And then when I was an adult living in Atlanta trying to get by, me and my best friend were homeless for months. We weren't necessarily on the streets, but we didn't have a place to live. Sometimes we would clean people's houses just to get a motel six. But I think what that taught me was that as quick as something in comic can go, you really need to be grateful from like the depths of your soul for everything.

And I think homelessness taught me because you know, we were homeless when we were kids. Not for a very long time, but but it happened. And then when I was an adult living in Atlanta trying to get by, me and my best friend were homeless for months. We weren't necessarily on the streets, but we didn't have a place to live. Sometimes we would clean people's houses just to get a motel six. But I think what that taught me was that as quick as something in comic can go, you really need to be grateful from like the depths of your soul for everything.

And it just made me value my life.

And it just made me value my life.

I think it's important and to understand what it's like to have and also to understand what it is to not have, and these kinds of things can happen like that. But the other thing that it gave me was a level of hustle and drive that is ridiculous because I know what that is, right, and so I don't want to go back to that, and so I came out of that period of my life like, this can't be my life. I have got to pull it together. That timeline that I just ran through was not in order, you know. But life has a way of teaching you things, and it's important for you to pay attention and listen and not take it for granted.

I think it's important and to understand what it's like to have and also to understand what it is to not have, and these kinds of things can happen like that. But the other thing that it gave me was a level of hustle and drive that is ridiculous because I know what that is, right, and so I don't want to go back to that, and so I came out of that period of my life like, this can't be my life. I have got to pull it together. That timeline that I just ran through was not in order, you know. But life has a way of teaching you things, and it's important for you to pay attention and listen and not take it for granted.

I appreciate you sharing that story about Whole Foods and having the authority to sign off, because I feel like I can definitely see some of that flavor in the customer service for the honey Pot, Like I don't know that there's any community event I've ever gone to where there weren't Honeypot products being given away, because it feels like y'all are always like just wanting to be of service people and like let people try it and like really having that human touch with customer service. I appreciate you sharing it. So a part of the origin story for a honeypot is your own experience with bacterial veaginosis. It led you to looking for a cure and you talk about the cure coming to you through a dream from your grandmother. I mean, I feel like the vagina and like just vaginal health is something that still feels like taboo to talk about even in twenty twenty four, So can you talk about the importance of being more open with those kinds of conversations.

I appreciate you sharing that story about Whole Foods and having the authority to sign off, because I feel like I can definitely see some of that flavor in the customer service for the honey Pot, Like I don't know that there's any community event I've ever gone to where there weren't Honeypot products being given away, because it feels like y'all are always like just wanting to be of service people and like let people try it and like really having that human touch with customer service. I appreciate you sharing it. So a part of the origin story for a honeypot is your own experience with bacterial veaginosis. It led you to looking for a cure and you talk about the cure coming to you through a dream from your grandmother. I mean, I feel like the vagina and like just vaginal health is something that still feels like taboo to talk about even in twenty twenty four, So can you talk about the importance of being more open with those kinds of conversations.

I think that we need to be comfortable with talking about our bodies, right, These are things that we should be extremely comfortable with. They are just as important as the air we breathe, the water we drink. And I just think that these should not be things that are taboo. These should not be conversations that should have a stigma.

I think that we need to be comfortable with talking about our bodies, right, These are things that we should be extremely comfortable with. They are just as important as the air we breathe, the water we drink. And I just think that these should not be things that are taboo. These should not be conversations that should have a stigma.

But they're not easy conversations to have.

But they're not easy conversations to have.

But I feel like when we can free ourselves up to be able to have conversations about things that are just as normal as everything else. Because infections are normal, older is normal, itchiness is normal, right, Diseases are normal. They've been here since probably vaginas and penises have been on this planet.

But I feel like when we can free ourselves up to be able to have conversations about things that are just as normal as everything else. Because infections are normal, older is normal, itchiness is normal, right, Diseases are normal. They've been here since probably vaginas and penises have been on this planet.

You understand what I'm saying.

You understand what I'm saying.

These things are very average things, and I just think that we would free ourselves as a human race if we could find freedom and being able to talk openly.

These things are very average things, and I just think that we would free ourselves as a human race if we could find freedom and being able to talk openly.

The taboo and the stigma.

The taboo and the stigma.

Is what part of the problem is when you don't want to face your problems, or when you don't want to face the disease or the older or the infection or the whatever the thing is. I used to be that person. I used to be the person who didn't want to go to the doctor because I was afraid of what the doctor would tell me.

Is what part of the problem is when you don't want to face your problems, or when you don't want to face the disease or the older or the infection or the whatever the thing is. I used to be that person. I used to be the person who didn't want to go to the doctor because I was afraid of what the doctor would tell me.

But that's ridiculous, because then what am I going to do?

But that's ridiculous, because then what am I going to do?

Go ten years later and then find out that I have some then that could have been taken care of if I just would have you know what I mean. Unfortunately that has happened to me. And so it's like you live and you learn. But I just deeply believe that we are in control as much as possible of our health. That doesn't mean that things aren't going to come that you're not in control of, but you do have the control of being able to go and get help right. Go and get the medicine, Go and eat the foods that you need to eat, drink the water, take the herbs, do whatever the thing is right. Also to make sure that you're taking the medicine right. If something's wrong and you got to take a round of antibiotics, don't be ashamed of that shit. Take the antibiotic and then follow that up with all the good stuff.

Go ten years later and then find out that I have some then that could have been taken care of if I just would have you know what I mean. Unfortunately that has happened to me. And so it's like you live and you learn. But I just deeply believe that we are in control as much as possible of our health. That doesn't mean that things aren't going to come that you're not in control of, but you do have the control of being able to go and get help right. Go and get the medicine, Go and eat the foods that you need to eat, drink the water, take the herbs, do whatever the thing is right. Also to make sure that you're taking the medicine right. If something's wrong and you got to take a round of antibiotics, don't be ashamed of that shit. Take the antibiotic and then follow that up with all the good stuff.

Right.

Right.

Take care of what's going on, sort yourself out. So I think that if we get more comfortable with these types of conversations, and whether that's a conversation that's happening with your friends or with your doctor or whomever, it's just important because it's your body, it's your health. I do think it's important to understand why you're feeling shame so that you can face it, so that you can take care of yourself because there's nothing wrong with you. Things happen every day.

Take care of what's going on, sort yourself out. So I think that if we get more comfortable with these types of conversations, and whether that's a conversation that's happening with your friends or with your doctor or whomever, it's just important because it's your body, it's your health. I do think it's important to understand why you're feeling shame so that you can face it, so that you can take care of yourself because there's nothing wrong with you. Things happen every day.

So you're the very public face of the honey Pot, but I think a lot of people may not know that your brother and best friend, Simon, is also a co founder. So can you talk a little bit about how y'all have navigated preserving your relationship while also navigating this business relationship.

So you're the very public face of the honey Pot, but I think a lot of people may not know that your brother and best friend, Simon, is also a co founder. So can you talk a little bit about how y'all have navigated preserving your relationship while also navigating this business relationship.

We have a really great relationship, but it's had its challenges. It can be challenging running a business with your family with somebody that you're really close to. So it's had it's really beautiful, incredible ups. We've been able to be extremely successful together and then it has its downs when I mean there's been points of time where we haven't talked, and I think that kind of like the conversation that we were just having about shame and taboos and things of that nature. I think that those are things that can just happen in a relationship. But the beautiful thing about our relationship is that we always get through it.

We have a really great relationship, but it's had its challenges. It can be challenging running a business with your family with somebody that you're really close to. So it's had it's really beautiful, incredible ups. We've been able to be extremely successful together and then it has its downs when I mean there's been points of time where we haven't talked, and I think that kind of like the conversation that we were just having about shame and taboos and things of that nature. I think that those are things that can just happen in a relationship. But the beautiful thing about our relationship is that we always get through it.

Is that we love each other really deeply.

Is that we love each other really deeply.

And we know what we have and so doing the greatest good with that is really what I think is the ultimate thing that we focus on. But it's amazing and it can be hard, but I think that's like that with anything.

And we know what we have and so doing the greatest good with that is really what I think is the ultimate thing that we focus on. But it's amazing and it can be hard, but I think that's like that with anything.

Yeah, yeah, of course. And I'm curious, were there any conversations that you all had on the front end of the business that kind of helped you to navigate maybe better?

Yeah, yeah, of course. And I'm curious, were there any conversations that you all had on the front end of the business that kind of helped you to navigate maybe better?

Honestly, man, it's so funny, doctor Joy. We just were flowing. We were just doing our thing. We had no idea what we were doing, but I knew.

Honestly, man, it's so funny, doctor Joy. We just were flowing. We were just doing our thing. We had no idea what we were doing, but I knew.

That that's how a lot of businesses start, right Yeah.

That that's how a lot of businesses start, right Yeah.

Yeah, Like I knew I needed him and he knew he needed me, and we just held on for dear life, and we have just continued to just press on. In the beginning, we didn't know what we were supposed to be talking about. We didn't even have paperwork that said this is how much equity you have, this is how much equity I have. There was no contract, it was just verbal, but I think we just trusted each other and we just.

Yeah, Like I knew I needed him and he knew he needed me, and we just held on for dear life, and we have just continued to just press on. In the beginning, we didn't know what we were supposed to be talking about. We didn't even have paperwork that said this is how much equity you have, this is how much equity I have. There was no contract, it was just verbal, but I think we just trusted each other and we just.

Went with the flow.

Went with the flow.

And honestly, like, if I had to do it again, probably would do it the same thing, because I think that ignorance can be blissed, especially when you're doing a new business, because when you know you may not take risks and you may not decide to go down that road that was less travel, you may be like, oh, well, I know that this happens when that happened.

And honestly, like, if I had to do it again, probably would do it the same thing, because I think that ignorance can be blissed, especially when you're doing a new business, because when you know you may not take risks and you may not decide to go down that road that was less travel, you may be like, oh, well, I know that this happens when that happened.

So maybe we shouldn't do that.

So maybe we shouldn't do that.

I feel like a lot of the mistakes that we made or the things that we didn't know which led us down the path that was definitely less travel, I think it was good for us because a lot of times we might have gotten into a room that we weren't supposed to get in, or you just never know what can happen when there's a certain level of ignorance and when you have no idea what you're capable of, and then when you also don't have anything to lose. That's a really powerful combination. And I think it takes you to really, really really strong heights. It's hard to do it's remarkably hard to do. I mean, what we've managed to accomplish in the past, call it twelve thirteen years, has been insane. Still doing, frankly right, the work hasn't stopped. But I'm grateful for him, and I'm grateful for his love and his partnership and his friendship and all the contributions that he's given and will continue to give.

I feel like a lot of the mistakes that we made or the things that we didn't know which led us down the path that was definitely less travel, I think it was good for us because a lot of times we might have gotten into a room that we weren't supposed to get in, or you just never know what can happen when there's a certain level of ignorance and when you have no idea what you're capable of, and then when you also don't have anything to lose. That's a really powerful combination. And I think it takes you to really, really really strong heights. It's hard to do it's remarkably hard to do. I mean, what we've managed to accomplish in the past, call it twelve thirteen years, has been insane. Still doing, frankly right, the work hasn't stopped. But I'm grateful for him, and I'm grateful for his love and his partnership and his friendship and all the contributions that he's given and will continue to give.

Right, we wouldn't be where we are if he wasn't there.

Right, we wouldn't be where we are if he wasn't there.

More from our conversation after the break, but first, a quick snippet of what's coming up next week on TBG.

More from our conversation after the break, but first, a quick snippet of what's coming up next week on TBG.

I remember when I was becoming a dietitian, it was super common for dieticians to be known as the food police or just making people feel bad about their food choices, where they came in and they left the office just feeling judged and looked down upon. And that's definitely not what we want. There's nutritious foods from all cultures, there's plant foods from all cultures, and it's like, okay, well, how can we figure out a way to incorporate more of those foods? And also like foods that aren't considered as healthy, they still have a place. But how can we make some modifications or maybe have them less often so that you don't feel like you're restricting everything that you love or that you grew.

I remember when I was becoming a dietitian, it was super common for dieticians to be known as the food police or just making people feel bad about their food choices, where they came in and they left the office just feeling judged and looked down upon. And that's definitely not what we want. There's nutritious foods from all cultures, there's plant foods from all cultures, and it's like, okay, well, how can we figure out a way to incorporate more of those foods? And also like foods that aren't considered as healthy, they still have a place. But how can we make some modifications or maybe have them less often so that you don't feel like you're restricting everything that you love or that you grew.

Upon basis, we're seeking inexperienced and passionate ad sales strategies to join our team here at Therapy for Black Girls. We're looking for somebody who can help us to strengthen and maintain our existing brand partnerships and who can help us identify and cultivate new brand partnerships that align with our mission. If you are someone who has five to seven years in AD sales or media buying or similar position with a proven track record of success, we love to chat with you. Go to Therapy for Black Girls dot com slash ad sales to learn more about the position or to apply. So you also have described yourself as a medium and somebody who's incredibly intuitive, and I want to know more about how that has played out in your business and how you manage to take care of that gift as somebody who's in a business that I think can be a little cutthroat, right like being in retail, and you know all of the things that you've had to jump through, So tell me more about how that's incorporated into the process and how you protect it.

Upon basis, we're seeking inexperienced and passionate ad sales strategies to join our team here at Therapy for Black Girls. We're looking for somebody who can help us to strengthen and maintain our existing brand partnerships and who can help us identify and cultivate new brand partnerships that align with our mission. If you are someone who has five to seven years in AD sales or media buying or similar position with a proven track record of success, we love to chat with you. Go to Therapy for Black Girls dot com slash ad sales to learn more about the position or to apply. So you also have described yourself as a medium and somebody who's incredibly intuitive, and I want to know more about how that has played out in your business and how you manage to take care of that gift as somebody who's in a business that I think can be a little cutthroat, right like being in retail, and you know all of the things that you've had to jump through, So tell me more about how that's incorporated into the process and how you protect it.

I think the biggest way that it's incorporated into the process is through the intuition that comes with it. I think now more than ever, we live heavily inside the data, right because we're at a stage now where we can afford to invest in the data, the data to build to decide what we're going to do or we're going to come out with what works what doesn't work.

I think the biggest way that it's incorporated into the process is through the intuition that comes with it. I think now more than ever, we live heavily inside the data, right because we're at a stage now where we can afford to invest in the data, the data to build to decide what we're going to do or we're going to come out with what works what doesn't work.

Right.

Right.

But back in the day, I mean, and even still sometimes today, our gut was what we had to go on. We didn't have the money to go out and field and mine all of our customers and the general market, and we didn't have products in stores at retail. We had no data, We knew nothing about nothing. So I think the way that it showed up back then was we really had to heavily rely on our gut. We had to heavily rely on our intuition. We also had to be willing to fail fast, you know what I mean.

But back in the day, I mean, and even still sometimes today, our gut was what we had to go on. We didn't have the money to go out and field and mine all of our customers and the general market, and we didn't have products in stores at retail. We had no data, We knew nothing about nothing. So I think the way that it showed up back then was we really had to heavily rely on our gut. We had to heavily rely on our intuition. We also had to be willing to fail fast, you know what I mean.

We had to be willing to pay attention to our mistakes.

We had to be willing to pay attention to our mistakes.

And it's funny because there's like bouts in time where I can be like really in it and can feel things and be really intuitive, and then I'll end up in a period in my life where I'm extremely busy and I'm running all the time, and so I'm not really able to tune in because all I have the ability to do is just be present.

And it's funny because there's like bouts in time where I can be like really in it and can feel things and be really intuitive, and then I'll end up in a period in my life where I'm extremely busy and I'm running all the time, and so I'm not really able to tune in because all I have the ability to do is just be present.

If I try to do.

If I try to do.

Too much or feel too much, it can really take me down. And so it's interesting because I happen to be at a point right now where I'm really busy and I'm being pulled in a lot of directions, and I've just got a lot going on, and so I find myself giving myself a lot of grace and just trying to take care of me because a lot of times when things come up intuitively or it sounds very esoteric, but when spirits want to talk, you have to be in a place energetically to receive that because it takes a lot out of you. And so I think the way that I try to manage it is just to know what mode I'm in, because right now I'm in like grind mode. I'm focused, I'm worried about this team. We're focused, we're working, We're grinding. I've got my work, I've got my amazing relationship, i have my family, i have a very small group of friends. I get a little tiny bit of time for myself, and so I really have to protect my peace. But sometimes things still come up. And when those things come up, and you are a person who does have those kinds of gifts, another thing that you have to do, whether you want to or not. Sometimes you just have to share it so the person that's trying to communicate can let you, because sometimes they'll be like, hey, you know, like that happened to me on a plane once. I was sitting next to this lady and her mom wanted me to talk to her, and I'm like, I can't. And people may hear this and think I'm crazy, but I know that I'm not. How did I know that her mom had transitioned? She eventually told me that her mother had transitioned. And that can be hard because I'm a stranger to this person. They don't know me, and so sometimes you have to let it be and like apologize. But then there's times where it might be a loved one or a friend and something comes up and then it's more warm. And sometimes with strangers it can be warm too, but you can tell if somebody's open to that or not.

Too much or feel too much, it can really take me down. And so it's interesting because I happen to be at a point right now where I'm really busy and I'm being pulled in a lot of directions, and I've just got a lot going on, and so I find myself giving myself a lot of grace and just trying to take care of me because a lot of times when things come up intuitively or it sounds very esoteric, but when spirits want to talk, you have to be in a place energetically to receive that because it takes a lot out of you. And so I think the way that I try to manage it is just to know what mode I'm in, because right now I'm in like grind mode. I'm focused, I'm worried about this team. We're focused, we're working, We're grinding. I've got my work, I've got my amazing relationship, i have my family, i have a very small group of friends. I get a little tiny bit of time for myself, and so I really have to protect my peace. But sometimes things still come up. And when those things come up, and you are a person who does have those kinds of gifts, another thing that you have to do, whether you want to or not. Sometimes you just have to share it so the person that's trying to communicate can let you, because sometimes they'll be like, hey, you know, like that happened to me on a plane once. I was sitting next to this lady and her mom wanted me to talk to her, and I'm like, I can't. And people may hear this and think I'm crazy, but I know that I'm not. How did I know that her mom had transitioned? She eventually told me that her mother had transitioned. And that can be hard because I'm a stranger to this person. They don't know me, and so sometimes you have to let it be and like apologize. But then there's times where it might be a loved one or a friend and something comes up and then it's more warm. And sometimes with strangers it can be warm too, but you can tell if somebody's open to that or not.

And so when those times come.

And so when those times come.

Whether I'm in the mode or not in the mode, I try to be responsible to the gift. And that can be really hard because, like I said, it's a lot of responsibility and it's a lot to carry.

Whether I'm in the mode or not in the mode, I try to be responsible to the gift. And that can be really hard because, like I said, it's a lot of responsibility and it's a lot to carry.

Yeah, do you feel like you found a good way to balance the intuition that you feel like really lived to maybe some of the early success of the company with more of the data and quantitative kind of things that you're really embracing now.

Yeah, do you feel like you found a good way to balance the intuition that you feel like really lived to maybe some of the early success of the company with more of the data and quantitative kind of things that you're really embracing now.

Even though there's a.

Even though there's a.

Bunch of quantitative data, I'm still very much a person who lives in my gut, and so my team it's their job to make sure that we're balancing out and we're listening to the data, and we're listening to the strategy and we're doing all the things. But if my intuition or my gut is telling me something, I'm definitely going to share that. I'm definitely going to say, you guys, I know what A B and C is saying, but like I don't know if that's it, And sometimes.

Bunch of quantitative data, I'm still very much a person who lives in my gut, and so my team it's their job to make sure that we're balancing out and we're listening to the data, and we're listening to the strategy and we're doing all the things. But if my intuition or my gut is telling me something, I'm definitely going to share that. I'm definitely going to say, you guys, I know what A B and C is saying, but like I don't know if that's it, And sometimes.

Just listen to and sometimes it isn't. And that's okay.

Just listen to and sometimes it isn't. And that's okay.

Too, because I think that the way that I want them to trust me, it's really important that I also trust them, and so I definitely think that it's a balance and it's one that's important to have. I very much believe in democracy, and at Honeypot, in this company, we do very much run like that. People's voices are heard, and so it's a balance, but it definitely still shows up.

Too, because I think that the way that I want them to trust me, it's really important that I also trust them, and so I definitely think that it's a balance and it's one that's important to have. I very much believe in democracy, and at Honeypot, in this company, we do very much run like that. People's voices are heard, and so it's a balance, but it definitely still shows up.

It's just that we're in a great place that everything doesn't have to ride on that, you know what I mean, And then we find out later that that was the wrong decision. But I'm grateful for those beginning days because that was the foundation and that was just the way that it was supposed to be, and so it worked out.

It's just that we're in a great place that everything doesn't have to ride on that, you know what I mean, And then we find out later that that was the wrong decision. But I'm grateful for those beginning days because that was the foundation and that was just the way that it was supposed to be, and so it worked out.

So for those who may not be familiar or haven't used organic feminine products, can you tell us the difference between like organic products and those that are not.

So for those who may not be familiar or haven't used organic feminine products, can you tell us the difference between like organic products and those that are not.

The main product that we make that's organic is our organic cotton pads and our organic cotton tampons.

The main product that we make that's organic is our organic cotton pads and our organic cotton tampons.

Now, when it comes to the.

Now, when it comes to the.

Rest of our portfolio, those are plant derived. They have some ingredients that are organic, but everything in them is an organic. Everything in them doesn't need to be organic, right because that would also set our price way way way high. But the thing that's important to know about organic cotton as it relates to menstral care products, is that it hasn't been sprayed with all of the toxic pesticides. Typically, the way that it's cleaned is a type of a peroxide solution, so they aren't using chlorine bleaches and things like that to bleach the cotton. They also don't use this chemical soup that's used on conventional cotton, and so when you're using organic cotton, it is definitely a better for you option. Sometimes non organic cotton because of all the chemicals and all the things that they use, can actually cause you to bleed more, right, Whereas when people switch over to organic menstrual products, they typically say that they actually have a period where they bleed less.

Rest of our portfolio, those are plant derived. They have some ingredients that are organic, but everything in them is an organic. Everything in them doesn't need to be organic, right because that would also set our price way way way high. But the thing that's important to know about organic cotton as it relates to menstral care products, is that it hasn't been sprayed with all of the toxic pesticides. Typically, the way that it's cleaned is a type of a peroxide solution, so they aren't using chlorine bleaches and things like that to bleach the cotton. They also don't use this chemical soup that's used on conventional cotton, and so when you're using organic cotton, it is definitely a better for you option. Sometimes non organic cotton because of all the chemicals and all the things that they use, can actually cause you to bleed more, right, Whereas when people switch over to organic menstrual products, they typically say that they actually have a period where they bleed less.

I just had a lady.

I just had a lady.

Tell me yesterday we were shooting something at Alta and she told me that she used to have a fourteen day period. Well, she switched to another organic tampon and then to us to an organic pad, and now her period has gone down to seven days. So I think those are some of the differences. Organic cotton breathes better, it feels better, it feels softer, it's got great absorbency. We have paths that have herbs in them. We have paths that are just a premium cotton organic pad, and so we definitely make a really, really, really incredible and beautiful product.

Tell me yesterday we were shooting something at Alta and she told me that she used to have a fourteen day period. Well, she switched to another organic tampon and then to us to an organic pad, and now her period has gone down to seven days. So I think those are some of the differences. Organic cotton breathes better, it feels better, it feels softer, it's got great absorbency. We have paths that have herbs in them. We have paths that are just a premium cotton organic pad, and so we definitely make a really, really, really incredible and beautiful product.

So let's talk a little bit more about your herb infused pads. So I am sure that you are familiar with the thousands of hilarious memes about, you know, the pads that make your vagina feel spicy. I personally had that experience when I first tried them. I was like, Oh, I didn't read the packaging. I didn't know what that.

So let's talk a little bit more about your herb infused pads. So I am sure that you are familiar with the thousands of hilarious memes about, you know, the pads that make your vagina feel spicy. I personally had that experience when I first tried them. I was like, Oh, I didn't read the packaging. I didn't know what that.

Yeah, so can you talk.

Yeah, so can you talk.

To us about the importance of adding the herbs to the products that you have and like why they function that way?

To us about the importance of adding the herbs to the products that you have and like why they function that way?

Yeah, So they really function that way for a lot of reasons. Our paths are infused with mint, alo rose, lavender, and an herb called tuna.

Yeah, So they really function that way for a lot of reasons. Our paths are infused with mint, alo rose, lavender, and an herb called tuna.

They're made with.

They're made with.

Essential oils of these herbs that I just mentioned. One of the things that I think is really beautiful about them, that cooling effect that you get is because when you think about just in life, our vulva is always hot. It could be zero degree outside and you're hot. So then you add on the fact that you're on your cycle, now you're really hot, right, and so the cooling effect of the pads are beautiful because it's.

Essential oils of these herbs that I just mentioned. One of the things that I think is really beautiful about them, that cooling effect that you get is because when you think about just in life, our vulva is always hot. It could be zero degree outside and you're hot. So then you add on the fact that you're on your cycle, now you're really hot, right, and so the cooling effect of the pads are beautiful because it's.

Almost just like a fan.

Almost just like a fan.

That's how I feel, So the cooling effect is incredible. We've had customers tell us and testimonials that people actually see a benefit with their cramps where they have less cramps or it helps to soothe their cramping. That's not a claim that we make, but it is something that we've heard from our customers. The different herbs are beautiful because they really help as it relates to just soothing calming. We can't make claims because technically these are herbs and these pads are not medicine, so we can't make any really strong claims on them. But the other thing that I really love about them is that when you're on your cycle, you take on the scent of that herb blend, so you're not necessarily smelling like you're on your period because blood has a bit of a copper smell. And then being that you're shedding your lining, and this is really the period of time where your body is cleansing itself. It's a really beautiful time, but it can cause odor during that time, and so these pads also help with that, which I really love, but the cooling is incredible. I don't know, it just feels good.

That's how I feel, So the cooling effect is incredible. We've had customers tell us and testimonials that people actually see a benefit with their cramps where they have less cramps or it helps to soothe their cramping. That's not a claim that we make, but it is something that we've heard from our customers. The different herbs are beautiful because they really help as it relates to just soothing calming. We can't make claims because technically these are herbs and these pads are not medicine, so we can't make any really strong claims on them. But the other thing that I really love about them is that when you're on your cycle, you take on the scent of that herb blend, so you're not necessarily smelling like you're on your period because blood has a bit of a copper smell. And then being that you're shedding your lining, and this is really the period of time where your body is cleansing itself. It's a really beautiful time, but it can cause odor during that time, and so these pads also help with that, which I really love, but the cooling is incredible. I don't know, it just feels good.

It gives you.

It gives you.

Something to feel good about why you're on your period. I think that's one of my favorite reasons why.

Something to feel good about why you're on your period. I think that's one of my favorite reasons why.

I love it.

I love it.

Thank you for sharing that. More from our conversation after the break so B, we haven't talked about this, but I wrote a book in twenty twenty three and there was a version of the book. It didn't make it to the final edit. But I talked about your experience in twenty twenty two where there was all this public criticism about the ingredients changing and there was something added to some of the products for preservation, right for shelf life, and there was all this criticism. So can you talk to me a little bit about that experience and what you feel like you've learned as a public figure about public scrupiny based on that experience.

Thank you for sharing that. More from our conversation after the break so B, we haven't talked about this, but I wrote a book in twenty twenty three and there was a version of the book. It didn't make it to the final edit. But I talked about your experience in twenty twenty two where there was all this public criticism about the ingredients changing and there was something added to some of the products for preservation, right for shelf life, and there was all this criticism. So can you talk to me a little bit about that experience and what you feel like you've learned as a public figure about public scrupiny based on that experience.

Oh Man, that experience was very hard. First of all, the first time we went viral. First of all, I think I was more prepared because we had hit scale, but we hadn't necessarily hit the scale that we were at when this last time happened. The first time, it was a very positive viral moment. As it related to our community the second time. I won't say that it wasn't positive. It just put us in a position where our community was questioning us, and that's always a hard position to be in, especially when you're trying to make choice that are for the betterment of your brand and for what you're doing and the products. And that's really what that change was about, right, It was trying to make sure it was in the right direction. And because of that, we dial down the packaging. We were redoing our clinical trials because anytime you change any kind of formulation, you have to retest. But one thing for sure is that we should have done a better job communicating those things prior to us doing them, and I think that was one of the big takeaways that we learned. Our community is paying attention, and so that is really the blessing in it is that they are paying attention, they're focused on us, they care about what they're doing, they care about what they're using on their body. They're informed, they're educated, they know their bodies, they know their products, and specifically as it relates to Honeypop products. And so, even though it was hard because this work that I personally do is very much my life's work, and so this isn't just business for me. The humans that we serve, I take it very seriously. I take it very personal. I am very devoted to them. And so when you're in a place of scrutiny where that is really what you wake up in the morning to do, and then you've got millions of people saying that you're trying to do the opposite, that's hard. Energetically, that's really hard, especially if you're a person like me who's very empathic and can feel that you know. But I also am grateful that it happened, because it only makes you stronger. It kind of goes back to what we were talking about about being a human that has been unhoused. It's good for you to know what it's like to be high in business, and it's good for you to know what it's like to be low.

Oh Man, that experience was very hard. First of all, the first time we went viral. First of all, I think I was more prepared because we had hit scale, but we hadn't necessarily hit the scale that we were at when this last time happened. The first time, it was a very positive viral moment. As it related to our community the second time. I won't say that it wasn't positive. It just put us in a position where our community was questioning us, and that's always a hard position to be in, especially when you're trying to make choice that are for the betterment of your brand and for what you're doing and the products. And that's really what that change was about, right, It was trying to make sure it was in the right direction. And because of that, we dial down the packaging. We were redoing our clinical trials because anytime you change any kind of formulation, you have to retest. But one thing for sure is that we should have done a better job communicating those things prior to us doing them, and I think that was one of the big takeaways that we learned. Our community is paying attention, and so that is really the blessing in it is that they are paying attention, they're focused on us, they care about what they're doing, they care about what they're using on their body. They're informed, they're educated, they know their bodies, they know their products, and specifically as it relates to Honeypop products. And so, even though it was hard because this work that I personally do is very much my life's work, and so this isn't just business for me. The humans that we serve, I take it very seriously. I take it very personal. I am very devoted to them. And so when you're in a place of scrutiny where that is really what you wake up in the morning to do, and then you've got millions of people saying that you're trying to do the opposite, that's hard. Energetically, that's really hard, especially if you're a person like me who's very empathic and can feel that you know. But I also am grateful that it happened, because it only makes you stronger. It kind of goes back to what we were talking about about being a human that has been unhoused. It's good for you to know what it's like to be high in business, and it's good for you to know what it's like to be low.

Right.

Right.

It's good for you to go through things like that because it teaches you that shit isn't always sweet. And I'm a deep believer in experience, because that's really our best teacher. And so it was hard, but I'm grateful. I'm grateful to our community. I'm grateful that they keep us on our toes. I'm grateful that they're paying attention. I'm grateful that they love us so much as a business person, as a leader, as a human.

It's good for you to go through things like that because it teaches you that shit isn't always sweet. And I'm a deep believer in experience, because that's really our best teacher. And so it was hard, but I'm grateful. I'm grateful to our community. I'm grateful that they keep us on our toes. I'm grateful that they're paying attention. I'm grateful that they love us so much as a business person, as a leader, as a human.

I think it made me.

I think it made me.

Better, Yeah, And I think that's why I was so mood to write about it, because I feel like you extended so much grace in your response to everything that was happened that was happening at the time, Like, yes, people have a right to be concerned, like what is this thing that I love that change? But I think especially with Black women, who I think have been maybe a lot of your earliest supporters, I think there's a lot of sensitivity to these products that we love that like change. And so I just saw you respond in a way that really took into account how people may be feeling, but also trying to tell the truth about it. And then you brought in all these scientists and all these things. So I just thought it was a masterclass in really taking care of your community even when you maybe make a mistake.

Better, Yeah, And I think that's why I was so mood to write about it, because I feel like you extended so much grace in your response to everything that was happened that was happening at the time, Like, yes, people have a right to be concerned, like what is this thing that I love that change? But I think especially with Black women, who I think have been maybe a lot of your earliest supporters, I think there's a lot of sensitivity to these products that we love that like change. And so I just saw you respond in a way that really took into account how people may be feeling, but also trying to tell the truth about it. And then you brought in all these scientists and all these things. So I just thought it was a masterclass in really taking care of your community even when you maybe make a mistake.

Yeah, because here's the thing, mistakes are inevitable. Change is as serious and as constant as death and taxes, and we as a community have to do a better job, I think, at holding each other to a standard that cannot be met.

Yeah, because here's the thing, mistakes are inevitable. Change is as serious and as constant as death and taxes, and we as a community have to do a better job, I think, at holding each other to a standard that cannot be met.

Like, I'm not saying.

Like, I'm not saying.

Don't hold me or my other female founders at a high standard, right, I'm not saying don't do that. It can also be abusive to do so, because we are human beings just trying, just like everybody else. We're running businesses just like everybody else. We make mistakes, just like everybody else.

Don't hold me or my other female founders at a high standard, right, I'm not saying don't do that. It can also be abusive to do so, because we are human beings just trying, just like everybody else. We're running businesses just like everybody else. We make mistakes, just like everybody else.

And we are in our companies running them and moving and shaking, and sometimes you have to make changes, right. I remember during the COVID times there were times when certain ingredients just wouldn't even.

And we are in our companies running them and moving and shaking, and sometimes you have to make changes, right. I remember during the COVID times there were times when certain ingredients just wouldn't even.

Be available, and what are you going to do?

Be available, and what are you going to do?

You have to make a choice because you have to make sure that you can make your products.

You have to make a choice because you have to make sure that you can make your products.

But you also can't expect.

But you also can't expect.

Your customers to Really, it's not their job to understand how business works. It's not their job to understand how consumer package goods works, and manufacturing works and formulating works and all the things.

Your customers to Really, it's not their job to understand how business works. It's not their job to understand how consumer package goods works, and manufacturing works and formulating works and all the things.

Right, it's not their job to know that. Right.

Right, it's not their job to know that. Right.

They want to have things that work for their body, and they're going to invest their money in that. And I understand you want to know what you're using. You want to know what's going on, and when you've invested in something. You want to know that that investment is appreciated. I just think that we have to balance that wanting to know that we appreciate the dollars and the time that they've invested in us. That's important, and it's important to understand what it takes in order for us to create these companies and build them and scale them and grow them and do all the things. We're in the trenches every single day, right, and the things that you're seeing us do sometimes feel like they're fucking impossible to do, right, And so sometimes we need grace extended to us because sometimes we have to make choices and we have to do things that people may not understand. But we shouldn't necessarily be shot down for that because a lot of times, the smaller companies, they're held to a lower standard than we are, and yet they have way more money than we do, they have way more resources than we do, they've been around longer than we have, and I just think that people.

They want to have things that work for their body, and they're going to invest their money in that. And I understand you want to know what you're using. You want to know what's going on, and when you've invested in something. You want to know that that investment is appreciated. I just think that we have to balance that wanting to know that we appreciate the dollars and the time that they've invested in us. That's important, and it's important to understand what it takes in order for us to create these companies and build them and scale them and grow them and do all the things. We're in the trenches every single day, right, and the things that you're seeing us do sometimes feel like they're fucking impossible to do, right, And so sometimes we need grace extended to us because sometimes we have to make choices and we have to do things that people may not understand. But we shouldn't necessarily be shot down for that because a lot of times, the smaller companies, they're held to a lower standard than we are, and yet they have way more money than we do, they have way more resources than we do, they've been around longer than we have, and I just think that people.

Have to have a respect for that.

Have to have a respect for that.

Yeah, And I feel like another place where we see this kind of show up, which brings me to my next question is earlier this year, is confirmed that you were entered into a partnership with computs diversified to be acquired. So can you talk about like the significance of being acquired and how there's also concern about oh it's honeypop steel black owned, like all these conversations like what does it mean to be acquired and what do you want people to really know about that.

Yeah, And I feel like another place where we see this kind of show up, which brings me to my next question is earlier this year, is confirmed that you were entered into a partnership with computs diversified to be acquired. So can you talk about like the significance of being acquired and how there's also concern about oh it's honeypop steel black owned, like all these conversations like what does it mean to be acquired and what do you want people to really know about that.

We all know what venture capital is, we all know what private equity is. There has been a bit of an entrepreneurship boom call it in the last five years, right, especially in the black community, because we were not so much today, But between twenty nineteen and twenty twenty three, it was very cool to invest in humans of color, right, It was a very cool thing to do, and so a lot of humans of color and business were able to understand what it means to be able to receive investment because these aren't places that we have been given access to. Right now, the numbers look even more abysmal than what they look like before the Dei Theater that's happened over the past few years. I don't mean any disrespecting that, but it's just the truth.

We all know what venture capital is, we all know what private equity is. There has been a bit of an entrepreneurship boom call it in the last five years, right, especially in the black community, because we were not so much today, But between twenty nineteen and twenty twenty three, it was very cool to invest in humans of color, right, It was a very cool thing to do, and so a lot of humans of color and business were able to understand what it means to be able to receive investment because these aren't places that we have been given access to. Right now, the numbers look even more abysmal than what they look like before the Dei Theater that's happened over the past few years. I don't mean any disrespecting that, but it's just the truth.

Right.

Right.

But what you have to understand is the day that you take a dollar of venture capital or private equity money that is setting you up, and even angel investors, even family and friend rounds write any kind of institutional investor that's setting the presidents that you are in the future, call it three four or five years, going to have to go through some sort of an acquisition or an IPO because you have to make those investors hoole. When institutional investors invest in a business, they're not investing in it because they like you. They're investing in it because they're going to get their money back. Because it's business. It's dollars and cents, and it's business. And even as it relates to angel investors and family and friends who are able to invest, you also want an acquisition to happen, probably even more so for them because they've been going with you on the journey for years and years and years. I mean, we've got people on our cap table that have been with us since twenty seventeen twenty sixteen, and so acquisitions have to happen in order for you to make yourself whole. So the type of acquisition that we had was a majority acquisition where they bought nearly eighty five percent of the business. The good thing is that our team is still able to keep their equity, which is powerful. We were all given a new set of equity, which makes Compass a really incredible private equity fund. And then also I was able to invest fifty percent of what I had left into the business. Right, and so I'm still very much a big owner in this company. May not sound like it's big because I just told you how much of the company we sold, but it is big because it's powerful.

But what you have to understand is the day that you take a dollar of venture capital or private equity money that is setting you up, and even angel investors, even family and friend rounds write any kind of institutional investor that's setting the presidents that you are in the future, call it three four or five years, going to have to go through some sort of an acquisition or an IPO because you have to make those investors hoole. When institutional investors invest in a business, they're not investing in it because they like you. They're investing in it because they're going to get their money back. Because it's business. It's dollars and cents, and it's business. And even as it relates to angel investors and family and friends who are able to invest, you also want an acquisition to happen, probably even more so for them because they've been going with you on the journey for years and years and years. I mean, we've got people on our cap table that have been with us since twenty seventeen twenty sixteen, and so acquisitions have to happen in order for you to make yourself whole. So the type of acquisition that we had was a majority acquisition where they bought nearly eighty five percent of the business. The good thing is that our team is still able to keep their equity, which is powerful. We were all given a new set of equity, which makes Compass a really incredible private equity fund. And then also I was able to invest fifty percent of what I had left into the business. Right, and so I'm still very much a big owner in this company. May not sound like it's big because I just told you how much of the company we sold, but it is big because it's powerful.

Right.

Right.

These types of things is what you get in business for. You get in business to make money. Get in business obviously to make beautiful products or offer really amazing services. Sometimes it's to on some hustle shits. Sometimes it's not always positive, you know what I mean. But when you think of the essence of business, it is economics. It's how we live, it's how we survive, it's how we eat. And so being that honey Pot has had venture capital investment and has had private equity investment, we had to do it. When you take a private equity investment, it's literally in the contract that you are going to have some sort of an event within four years. If you don't do it, guess what then happens? They can force you to do it. So that's just a little bit of information of how these things work. And honestly, it's incredible because you're able to experience some wealth for all that you've put in. I mean, me and CI didn't make a doct in this business. We started in twenty twelve. It wasn't until twenty seventeen, six months into being in Target, that I actually was the first person to make a real salary. Imagine that, from twenty twelve to twenty seventeen, that's five years of having to have a full time job and other hustles to get by. Because what I was making forty or fifty thousand dollars a year working in the world and still was doing honeypop full time and being the breadwinner of my family even at that number. And until your business reaches a place where you're making at least eight figures, you can't really make the kind of salary that's going to make a.

These types of things is what you get in business for. You get in business to make money. Get in business obviously to make beautiful products or offer really amazing services. Sometimes it's to on some hustle shits. Sometimes it's not always positive, you know what I mean. But when you think of the essence of business, it is economics. It's how we live, it's how we survive, it's how we eat. And so being that honey Pot has had venture capital investment and has had private equity investment, we had to do it. When you take a private equity investment, it's literally in the contract that you are going to have some sort of an event within four years. If you don't do it, guess what then happens? They can force you to do it. So that's just a little bit of information of how these things work. And honestly, it's incredible because you're able to experience some wealth for all that you've put in. I mean, me and CI didn't make a doct in this business. We started in twenty twelve. It wasn't until twenty seventeen, six months into being in Target, that I actually was the first person to make a real salary. Imagine that, from twenty twelve to twenty seventeen, that's five years of having to have a full time job and other hustles to get by. Because what I was making forty or fifty thousand dollars a year working in the world and still was doing honeypop full time and being the breadwinner of my family even at that number. And until your business reaches a place where you're making at least eight figures, you can't really make the kind of salary that's going to make a.

Meaningful difference in your life.

Meaningful difference in your life.

And so when you quantify that, that's only been in the last few years. So, like I'm explaining all this so that people can understand that you're gonna do okay, You're gonna be able to live and pay your bills and do all the things right so that you can experience that, so that the blood, sweat and tears that you've put into your business for years and years and years can be realized.

And so when you quantify that, that's only been in the last few years. So, like I'm explaining all this so that people can understand that you're gonna do okay, You're gonna be able to live and pay your bills and do all the things right so that you can experience that, so that the blood, sweat and tears that you've put into your business for years and years and years can be realized.

It's powerful.

It's powerful.

It sounds like the partnership and the acquisition that you all have had has allowed you to remain as the CEO and your team to remain in intact so it has much changed about the day to day workings of the business.

It sounds like the partnership and the acquisition that you all have had has allowed you to remain as the CEO and your team to remain in intact so it has much changed about the day to day workings of the business.

No, I mean, honestly, doctor Joey. We walked away from a.

No, I mean, honestly, doctor Joey. We walked away from a.

Lot of money to be able to remain not only in control of our business, we walked away from a lot to be able to maintain that kind of control and to also.

Lot of money to be able to remain not only in control of our business, we walked away from a lot to be able to maintain that kind of control and to also.

Be able to maintain our team.

Be able to maintain our team.

If we would have made any other one of the choices that we were offered, because there was a few deals on the table, I believe that Honey Pop would be a different company today. And that's okay, it's not a big deal, right. We walked into that decision with our eyes wide open. Whoever we went with needed to be a partner that was going to trust what we had built and trust the team that had built it, and trust us to be able to scale this until we have to do it again, because at some point we will. And so it's a beautiful thing, it's a powerful thing. It's important to have the right partners and Compass definitely was the right decision and they are the right partner for us, and they've done a beautiful job allowing us to maintain our business because they know that we know it best. And it's a very intimate company, not just because what we make is intimate care products, but because of the relationship that we have to our customer. That is a very delicate thing and it has to be treated with a lot of respect, and so that's why they were the ones that we chose.

If we would have made any other one of the choices that we were offered, because there was a few deals on the table, I believe that Honey Pop would be a different company today. And that's okay, it's not a big deal, right. We walked into that decision with our eyes wide open. Whoever we went with needed to be a partner that was going to trust what we had built and trust the team that had built it, and trust us to be able to scale this until we have to do it again, because at some point we will. And so it's a beautiful thing, it's a powerful thing. It's important to have the right partners and Compass definitely was the right decision and they are the right partner for us, and they've done a beautiful job allowing us to maintain our business because they know that we know it best. And it's a very intimate company, not just because what we make is intimate care products, but because of the relationship that we have to our customer. That is a very delicate thing and it has to be treated with a lot of respect, and so that's why they were the ones that we chose.

So recently, the Honeypot also announced a historic collaboration. You are the official body care partner of the Atlanta Dream. So tell us about the significance and what does that mean that you are the official body care partner.

So recently, the Honeypot also announced a historic collaboration. You are the official body care partner of the Atlanta Dream. So tell us about the significance and what does that mean that you are the official body care partner.

I'm just excited to be able to have this type of partnership. We provide them a lot of products in the locker room. We've made an investment into the team, which is amazing as it relates to the types of products that we make. I think that humans with vaginas and sports. They need to have products that work for them because they're in it every day right They're on the court, they're running, they're exercising, they're moving around, and so they need to be able to have the support they need with the products they need. But I just think that it's really powerful that we've been able to have this type of partnership with them, because it also spans out into the humans that look to the basketball team because they're so dope at what they do obviously, but it also spans out to them that we're able to have this partnership. I think that it benefits on many levels, obviously with the players. And then we just did a really cool thing with the Atlantic Dream called the Atlanta Dream Clinic, and we brought in like an obgyn, a dermatologist, somebody that taught financial literacy, somebody that talked about mental wellness, and we had ages in there from thirteen, I want to say, to like eighteen or nineteen, and we took them through all these classes and they were able to ask questions and it was just a really beautiful thing. And so I just think the work that the Atlanta Dream is doing in the community and for their fans is really powerful and I'm really grateful that we can be a part of it.