443: From Hobby to Skincare Empire: Bethany McDaniel of Primally Pure on Ancestral Living, Clean Beauty, and Growing a Thriving E-Commerce Business

Podcast Summary: The Bossbabe Podcast – Episode 443

Title: From Hobby to Skincare Empire: Bethany McDaniel of Primally Pure on Ancestral Living, Clean Beauty, and Growing a Thriving E-Commerce Business

Host: Natalie Ellis
Guest: Bethany McDaniel, Founder of Primally Pure
Release Date: December 26, 2024

1. Introduction to Bethany McDaniel and Primally Pure

Natalie Ellis opens the episode by expressing her admiration for Bethany McDaniel and her brand, Primally Pure. She highlights Bethany's journey from launching a regenerative livestock farm, Primal Pastures, to discovering the benefits of clean beauty products through personal wellness experiences. Bethany joins the conversation, expressing her excitement to share her story.

Notable Quote:
Natalie (00:00): "I am interviewing the founder of a brand I have really fallen in love with."

2. Brand Story: From Personal Struggles to Founding Primally Pure

Bethany recounts her initial struggles with acne during high school, which led her to explore natural skincare solutions after conventional treatments proved ineffective. Her family's establishment of Primal Pastures exposed her to the benefits of real, whole foods, prompting a dietary change that improved her skin health. This transformation inspired her to create natural alternatives to toxic bathroom products, starting with deodorant.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (01:26): "I almost started this business by accident. I started it as a hobby."

3. Transition to Tallow-Based Products and Ancestral Living

Frustrated with the conventional skincare industry's oversight on ingredient safety, Bethany delved into ancestral living practices. She discovered tallow—a nutrient-rich fat used by ancestors for skincare—and integrated it into her products. The use of tallow not only nourished her skin but also balanced the abrasive effects of baking soda in her deodorant formulation.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (06:00): "Tallow is just an ingredient that's incredibly nourishing and balancing to the skin."

4. Addressing Myths: Is Tallow Pore-Clogging?

Natalie raises concerns about viral claims that tallow clogs pores. Bethany shares her experience with an employee who initially reacted poorly to switching skincare routines, attributing it to underlying gut issues exacerbated by prior medication. She emphasizes that tallow's comedogenic properties should be assessed within the context of the overall product formulation and usage methods.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (11:16): "I don't fully agree with the notion that you shouldn't use that tallow is inherently pore clogging."

5. Business Growth: Harnessing Influencers and Affiliate Marketing

Bethany discusses the early days of Primally Pure, leveraging influencer partnerships and an innovative affiliate program to drive growth. Starting in 2015, the brand capitalized on niche marketing in clean skincare, which proved effective even before the broader market recognized the trend toward clean and regenerative products.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (16:08): "The affiliate program really helped to grow the business. That was like our main source of marketing."

6. The Rebrand: Elevating the Brand Aesthetic and Sustainability

In August of the current year, Primally Pure underwent a significant rebranding to reflect an elevated aesthetic and enhanced sustainability. This included transitioning to pulp packaging and colored glass bottles to maintain eco-friendliness. Despite initial backlash over perceived plastic use, Bethany clarified the packaging changes, leading to increased sales and brand visibility through strategic billboard campaigns in major cities.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (19:50): "It was time for a refresh... to reflect an elevated aesthetic of the brand and also with a focus on sustainability."

7. Team Structure: From Solo Founder to a Thriving Team

Bethany outlines the evolution of her team from a one-woman operation to a robust organization with over 112 employees. Initially hesitant to hire, she eventually embraced the necessity of delegating tasks to sustain both her growing business and her personal life. Collaborating with a trusted co-CEO allowed her to focus on product development and brand education, aligning her role with her strengths.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (26:00): "To me, it can look different for everyone, but that's like the role that I've kind of gotten into and I'm really happy there."

8. Balancing Business and Motherhood: Navigating Guilt and Flexibility

The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with motherhood. Both Bethany and Natalie share experiences of managing guilt associated with dividing time between business and family. Bethany emphasizes the importance of being present, setting boundaries, and allowing flexibility to adapt to different life seasons, such as family road trips or intensified work periods.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (32:18): "I'm going to be present with my daughter... making the decision to do your best wherever you're at at that moment."

9. Ancestral Living and Diet: Advocating for Clean Eating

Bethany passionately discusses the detrimental effects of the standard American diet and the importance of adopting ancestral living principles. She advocates for whole foods, raw milk, and reducing chemical intake, highlighting the positive impact on her family's health. The shift towards raw milk and mindful eating has significantly benefited her children's well-being, reinforcing her commitment to clean, regenerative practices.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (35:14): "The standard American diet is so terrible... we just need to take more personal responsibility."

10. A Day in the Life: Integrating Wellness and Work

Bethany provides a glimpse into her daily routine, balancing homeschooling, business operations, and wellness practices. Her day includes flexible waking times, nutritious breakfasts sourced from her farm, outdoor work environments to minimize EMF exposure, and incorporating wellness activities like walking with weighted gear, sauna sessions, and facial massages using Primally Pure products.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (40:50): "I have to have kind of, like, pauses in that workload for the day."

11. Skincare Routine: Embracing the Oil Cleansing Method

Bethany elaborates on her comprehensive skincare routine, emphasizing the oil cleansing method. This approach uses oil to dissolve impurities without stripping the skin, promoting relaxation and enhanced circulation. She also highlights the importance of using complementary products like toners and serums to maximize product efficacy and skin health.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (46:48): "The oil cleansing method... dissolves like, the bacteria and grime and buildup in your skin."

12. Product Recommendations and Audience Engagement

Bethany recommends Primally Pure's deodorant and plumping serum as essential starting points for new users. She explains the benefits of key ingredients like astaxanthin and bakuchiol, positioning them as superior alternatives to conventional skincare components. Bethany encourages listeners to try these products using a special code provided by Natalie.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (48:33): "Our deodorant for sure... And then our plumping serum is really incredible."

Conclusion

Natalie and Bethany conclude the episode by sharing promotional offers and directing listeners to Primally Pure's online presence and Bethany's new podcast, Grounded Wellness. They emphasize the importance of clean beauty, ancestral living, and balanced entrepreneurship, inspiring listeners to pursue holistic wellness and business success.

Notable Quote:
Bethany (49:32): "Primly Pure is at Primally Pure on Instagram, and then primlypure.com."

Key Takeaways:

Personal Growth to Business Success: Bethany transformed personal skincare struggles into a successful clean beauty brand.
Ancestral Living Principles: Emphasizing the use of natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like tallow for skincare.
Strategic Business Practices: Leveraging influencer and affiliate marketing alongside paid ads to drive growth.
Sustainable Rebranding: Updating brand aesthetics and packaging to reflect sustainability and attract more customers.
Work-Life Balance: Navigating the challenges of running a business while being a dedicated mother through flexibility and boundary-setting.
Advocacy for Clean Eating: Promoting whole foods and raw milk to enhance health and well-being.
Comprehensive Skincare Routine: Utilizing oil cleansing methods and complementary products for optimal skin health.

Resources Mentioned:

Primally Pure Instagram: @primallypure
Primally Pure Website: primallypure.com
Bethany McDaniel's Personal Instagram: @bethanyj.mcdaniel
Grounded Wellness Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Special Offers:

Listeners are encouraged to use the code "boss babe" for discounts on Primally Pure products as mentioned by Natalie towards the end of the episode.

This detailed summary encapsulates the essential discussions and insights shared by Bethany McDaniel on Episode 443 of The Bossbabe Podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for both existing fans and new listeners.