Business
When Jeff Lovett and his wife moved from New York City to southeastern Ohio, they got back in touch with small-town living. It was the early 2000s, and the DIY movement was in full swing. The Lovetts experimented with things like home brewing and soapmaking, among many other endeavors. Whenever they shared their soaps and lotions with people, they received overwhelmingly positive feedback. People loved the fact that the products actually worked, and that they were comprised of simple, clean ingredients that they could trust. The Lovetts realized they were onto something, and even though they had no prior business experience, they decided to take a leap and launch Lovett Sundries.While living in Appalachia, Jeff had been studying the history of company stores. This inspired the branding, product naming, and labeling for their concept. Sustainability was also a driving factor for them, so the Lovetts sourced materials that were recyclable and reusable for their packaging. In this episode, Jeff talks about some of the funnier moments when they were finding their way in the very beginning. Ultimately, it was a trade show back in New York City that helped them to refine their product offerings and build some important relationships in the industry. Today, the Lovetts make all of their products in their studio located in the Wilkinsburg neighborhood, and they also operate a small retail space in the front of the building.If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!YOU CAN REACH ME AT:Website: https://www.proprietorsofpittsburgh.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinvilanoPhone: 412-336-8247YOU CAN REACH JEFF LOVETT AT:Website: https://lovettsundries.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovett_sundriesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovettsundries