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1. Who are you, what do you do, and how did it all begin?
I’m Alice Lin, Founder & President of Wonderland Organics. My brand is a natural skincare company based in San Jose. My love for skincare started when I was young, and I’ve been using anti-aging products since the age of 20. There were so many products that promised unblemished skin and perfect coverage, but I was never able to commit to any certain product or company.
When I moved to Taiwan, my skin issues flared up, and I started doing more research into natural skincare companies. After my marketing day job, I would visit skincare shops and strike up conversations with the salespeople. I was genuinely curious about which ingredients were better and why, and what types of essential oils and carrier oils worked out best for skin types.
After three years of market research, I moved back to California, where I took skincare classes and started research and development. Word spread to extended family, friends, and acquaintances who were interested in trying out my products. Currently, there are three types of facial oil serums: Balance, Soothe and Sublime.
Now in 2014, you can find Wonderland Organics at my website, www.wonderland-organics.com and on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/wonderlandxorganics
2. Where can we find you on social media?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wonderlandorganics
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wonderlorganics
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wonderlandorganics
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/wonderlorganics
3. What is your favorite hashtag?
My favorite hashtag is #makersgonnamake. I first heard about it via my professional organization, the Indie Beauty Network. It’s a great pun, and just inspires me to keep making great beauty products.
4. Why do you use social media?
Social media is useful to keep up with current trends in the skincare industry. It’s also great for finding prospective customers, and introducing Wonderland Organics to people that may not have heard of the company before. Networking has been a plus (that’s how I got to know Little Farm Media!)
5. Which tools do you use for creating or posting content?
I love Canva, as most of their artwork is free, and it has a very user-friendly interface.
6. What effect does social media have on your business?
Being on social media means that you’ll be able to connect with people who previously wouldn’t have known about you! The best part is that customers know exactly how to reach me: I’m always happy to answer questions about ingredients and skincare!
7. How do you measure success on social media?
Brand recognition! Whenever I see new followers on any of my social media accounts, I count them as people who are interested in natural skincare to my daily musings on social media.
8. What aspect of social media do you find most challenging?
I’d definitely say creating content! It takes a lot of effort, but once you know who your target market is, it becomes much easier. The best part of course is finding great content from Pinterest or Instagram (I’m incredibly uncreative, so I admire people who are).
9. What makes you follow another brand back?
Solidarity! I know how challenging it is to start your own company, so I’m always interested in following new brands and seeing how they put together a voice on social media. This is especially true if they’re professional and consistent across social media.
10. Which brands have social media you admire?
I love Tiny Hands Jewelry—all of her creations make my mouth water, and the actual food photos that she posts for inspirations look incredible. I also love Nordstrom Rack’s cheeky Instagram photo captions.
11. Any advice for other brands just getting started on social media?
Be genuine, and find your own unique voice to stand out on social media!