Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianna Henry.
Marianna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I guess I have always been an entrepreneur without realizing it. I started my own little babysitting business at the age of 11, complete with top-notch marketing a la Microsoft Word Art fliers in my neighbors’ mailboxes. Growing up, I remember “playing” pretend restaurant or museum or retail all the time. I loved seeing my ideas come to fruition and forcing my parents and friends to serve as clients or patrons. I didn’t really have any mentors or guides in entrepreneurship, though, so I never took any steps to go beyond that. I ended up in Public Relations as a major in undergrad, which taught me so much about communication, messaging, writing, and design. But my heart didn’t feel right about moving into a corporate or “bottom-line-focused” career; I always fell into nonprofit or public professional spaces. I wound up loving my work in higher education, which is where I still am in my day job! However, I was able to expand my perspective in choosing my graduate program – Social Entrepreneurship, a combination of sociology and nonprofit organization. It was a fantastic fit and provided me with tools and ideas that sparked my current path. As grateful as I am for my work and experience in higher education, it can be slow to progress and creates lots of red tape, which is frustrating for someone like me who likes to jump into things and get moving! I knew it was time for me to have some additional creative outlets that allowed me to activate and achieve in my own way and at my own pace. The pandemic also sped this along for me. Thus, in 2020, MH Success Coaching was born. My work in higher ed introduced me to the world of coaching. Much of my fulfillment has come from helping students discover and develop their strengths, explore and affirm their career paths, and make progress in their academic journeys. I love providing strengths-based ADHD, academic, and career support to clients outside of the university! I started seeing clients on weeknights and weekends, and it’s been constant ever since. The following year, 2021, is when I formed my second LLC, October 31 Apothecary. I have always been into skincare, ingredients, cosmetic chemistry, etc. I also deal with sensitive/reactive skin and something called fungal acne. I wanted to start formulating my own products because it’s so hard to find good (and fun) ones for my type of skin; I figured others could benefit too! The final push came from visiting a small farmer’s market in Torrey, UT while vacationing at Capitol Reef. I bought from someone selling handcrafted beauty items. It just clicked. As soon as we got back, I started formulating, blending fragrances and oils, and trialing everything. Halloween has always been a huge passion for me, so it was the most natural and obvious theme for this venture. Vegan, cruelty-free products are also an important part of my mission. I don’t source from suppliers or manufacturers that practice or condone animal testing, nor do I use animal ingredients or by-products. I also try to be as eco-conscious as possible. I try to use only biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, or reusable packaging. Now back to the social entrepreneurship piece! Both of my small businesses donate 5% of profits to a local non-profit organization that holds a special place in my heart. I’d like to do more as I expand, but I feel good about where I am now too.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It absolutely hasn’t been a smooth road! Figuring things out without a lot of help has been challenging. The time it takes to meet with clients or make products and then attend markets or other events; it’s a lot. This, on top of a full time job, plus being a partner and a mom – has been the biggest struggle. I know it’s a sacrifice now to be able to create the life I want later, but it can take a toll. Sometimes a client doesn’t work out. Sometimes the audience at a certain event or market isn’t into my products. It definitely stings. There have been moments where I felt like giving up, but I saw a quote that essentially said, and I’m paraphrasing, “You can quit. You can give up. But don’t do it when things are bad. Do it when things are good. And if you still want to do it when things are good, it might be the right choice. But if you realize you don’t want to quit, then keep going.” That’s stayed with me! When things are good, I feel fulfilled and bright and motivated; it feels right.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For MH Success Coaching, I offer strengths-based ADHD, academic, and career coaching. I follow a holistic and strengths-based coaching paradigm. As a credentialed member of the International Coaching Federation, I also follow the ICF Code of Ethics and Core Competencies. It’s important for me to create an environment of belonging, authenticity, open-mindedness, accessibility, and inclusion. Coaching is a collaborative effort, a partnership which requires non-judgment, trust, communication, and empathy. Every background, character, strength, and story is different – there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Therefore, I like to prep for each session with the mantra, “Stay curious a little longer.” I love helping clients, students, teams, and organizations implement a strengths-based mindset and culture. I am most proud of my clients and the changes and progress they make in their lives and seeing their confidence reinvigorated.
For October 31 Apothecary, I offer premium, handcrafted, vegan, small batch, Halloween-themed skincare. Facial products are fungal acne safe. 5% goes to nonprofits. I try to be eco-conscious. I think what sets me apart is my theming and branding, the care that goes into sourcing ingredients and supplies. and the fungal acne safety (which I’ve heard from clients is also fantastic on their sensitive or even rosacea-prone skin). It’s extremely hard to formulate facial products with limited ingredients as to not trigger a breakout. Anyone can put together a serum or mask, but it takes extra research, care, and testing to make it fungal acne safe! I am most proud of how far I’ve come in just one year of business, and of the positive feedback, I get from so many repeat customers. I love them!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t consider myself “lucky” in a traditional sense. I never win raffles, giveaways, or slot machines, lol. I feel like I take calculated risks – sometimes they work out, and sometimes, they don’t. I put myself out there. I take chances. I’m a first-generation American; I barely have any family in the United States. I don’t have connections or a huge network. I’ve had to make those on my own. So I ascribe to the “make your own luck” philosophy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariannahenry.com and www.october31apothecary.com
- Instagram: @mhsuccesscoaching and @october31apothecary
- TikTok: @mhsuccesscoaching and @october31apothecary
Image Credits
@mtphotography_co
