The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with last fall.
Meet Shelby DeGroot and Hemp+Heart Co
Shelby & Hemp+Heart Co offers a handmade, hemp-based, original-recipe skincare line. Instead of using artificial colours and scents, Shelby focuses on the core functionality of the products, the wellbeing of customers, and the widespread impact of operations; all while providing a luxury experience in day-to-day life. When it comes to your skin, what's in the products you use is just as important as what's not—and Hemp + Heart Co. products always put quality and you first!
Interview with Shelby
- What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
What I love most about being an entrepreneur is being a leader that gets to follow a passion to create transformation. Being able to create something out of nothing and bring that to life and share it with others is a blessing. Entrepreneurs show others what is possible—they transform the world around them by breathing life into a concept—and I hope to do that as well as my journey evolves.
- What inspired you to start a business?
I hope to create change and be a part of a larger positive shift in the world where conscious choices influence our future. Entrepreneurs look at the world and see an opportunity for positive change and instead of waiting for others to make that happen, an entrepreneur takes action to create and bring a transformation to others. That process inspires me and is what made me want to take the leap to start my business.
- What services/ products do you offer?
We create handmade, hemp-based skin care products and sell related lifestyle products. We make our products from ethically sourced raw material, made expertly, with our impact on our clients and the world at large prioritised at every level; from where we source our materials, to how we create our products, to how the products will impact your life. We sell soap and offer a way to do better for your own health and the health of the world around you.
- Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
There are so many individuals – regular people, who put everything they have at stake to follow their passion, to support the growth of an industry that offers people alternative options to things like pharmaceuticals for common issues and harmful substances like alcohol. These individuals are just like you and me, and they decided following their passion and the good they can do in the world matters more than their fears, doubts or personal comforts relying on a paycheck from a 9-5.
- How did you come up with your business name?
The name Hemp+Heart Co. embodies its inspiration. Hemp can change the world in so many ways and making sure that is highlighted at the forefront of every endeavor made by this brand is key to its presence and mission. Heart is a natural pairing as the mission this organization is built on is exactly that, from the heart and for the heart. Hemp+Heart Co. is built on the love of hemp and the heartfelt goal of making the world a better place through handmade products inspired by and made with love for each individual. The act of nourishing and caring for our bodies with hemp products made from the heart is an act of love and has a ripple effect beyond that is more than skin deep.
- What is unique about your business?
What's unique about this business is the products themselves and the mission inspiring their creation. While many artisan soap makers focus on scents and aesthetics, we’re focused on the core functionality of the products, the wellbeing of the clients using the products and the widespread impact of our operations, all while providing a luxury experience in your day-to-day life. We aim to help the world live more authentically and through our skin care products, we’re able to achieve that on an individual level through small, inspired, personal steps of action.
- What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself on my entrepreneurial journey is how our ingrained and limiting beliefs show up in our actions and thought processes. Who knew creating a business and learning along the way was such a reflective journey?
- What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
Believe in yourself and take the first step. You’re going to make mistakes, but you’ll learn from them—it’s part of the growth process. There’s more support and resources out there than you realize. The first step in reaching your goals is to start. Take the leap and put yourself out there.
- What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
With the support and structure of the Starter Company Plus program my goal is to build an effective toolbox of skills, insights and resources. In building my toolbox, I’m excited to use the knowledge I gain to build a high-level business plan that will support my fundraising efforts. I’m also looking forward to gaining experience presenting my business plan and representing my business to a committee. By speaking to a panel of experts about my business and its value, I will be more prepared for real-world presentations and funding opportunities.
To learn more about Shelby and Hemp+Heart Co, visithempandheartco.com. Follow Hemp+Heart Co on Instagram to stay informed.
Learn More About the Starter Company Plus Program
To learn more about the Starter Company Plus program, reach out to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia today at smallbusiness@barrie.ca or 705-720-2445.