Take risks and don’t be afraid of what others might say to you and reach for the stars because no one can stop you but you.”
Addiction is devastating. It can ruin a family in so many ways, physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. Denial, embarrassment, shame and the cost of getting treatment often keeps addicts and their families from seeking the help that they need. Recovery costs can vary between a few thousand dollars and tens of thousands of dollar. I know. My family has been there. This is my story and my offer of help.
Hi, my name is Joani DiCampli and I am the Creator and founder of Boobalicious Breast Deodorant. My story starts out simple: I was laid off my job in 2010 and was working in retail to financially support my family.
One hot summer day in July 2012 I was assisting a customer at a boutique and I had that awful boob sweat not to mention an odor, which never happened before, I was mortified in that moment and said to one of my co-workers that there should be a boob deodorant and I am going to make one call it Boobalicious!
Fast forward, I first asked my customers (of course females), if they would wear an all-natural breast deodorant for their boob sweat and to my surprise a better part said yes. After a couple of months of questioning this and constantly talking about it, my husband literally said stop talking about it and just do it. After that comment I went up to my office and started the process on how to make natural deodorant.
By trial and error I came up with natural ingredients that I would want to put on my body and read about everyone to make sure I would want that on my sensitive skin area. I first gave out to my friends to try and then I went on etsy to sell. To my surprise I started selling right away.
Boobalicious was a way to help pay bills until I could find a full-time job, as most of us live pay check to pay check. This is truly what I thought was the purpose of Boobalicious. Little did I know that a couple years later, that Boobalicous would have a bigger purpose?
We all have stories in our life that we don’t talk about it as it can be trying at times. By this time I have a full time job, being a mom to three children, (and 2 dogs and 2 cats), and working on growing Boobalicious. My plan was to really grow my business but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. I put a stop on saving all my investments that I was making and devoted my business to my young adult children. My daughter who at the time was 24 (was diagnose with Bi-Polar at the age of 13), also had an addiction. She was suffering with mental illness and addiction which is called a dual diagnosis. As some of us know this affects the whole family. My daughter came to me and said she was tired of being tired. I instantly told her do the right thing for one year and suck it up no matter how hard it is and I promise you will love being you as I love you for who are today and who will be tomorrow.
I immediately went upstairs while she was in the moment and looked up Miracles Do Happen in Delray, FL as I heard of the woman who is the owner of it and also ran it. Her name is Millie and she truly was my gift from God. My daughter was on her way to Miracles Do Happen within that week. The moment she went away I devoted my business to her to pay for flight, board and other expenses that came with getting her in the right direction.
Now it is a year or so later and my son who was 24 needed me as he was battling an alcoholic addiction and of course I devoted my business to him as well. It did not dawn on me as I was writing this story until last night, as not being a writer my mind is racing on what to put down because there is so much I want to tell but need to keep a limit to this. Anyway, my son came to visit me last night 8/25/2017, he was surprising me as he lives 2 hours away. He took the bus in the morning to see me his mom. I came home walked in the door and there was my son. I have never seen my son as in this moment how amazing he looks. Not only did he struggle with his addiction he struggled with his weight. He was once considered obese and the determination he has had in his weight loss and addiction is freaking awesome!! I want to keep my children’s privacy but if he lets me would love to show you the transformation of him. You are amazing my son.
It is now three years since my daughter went away and I am happy to say she will be celebrating three years sobriety on September 16, 2017 and my son will be celebrating one year sobriety on the same day September 16.
So you see how blessed I am to have both my adult children here with me today to celebrate moments like this. I applaud them for their strength and courage and thank them for inspiring me to be strong and how to be a better parent in every way.
This is where Boobalicous was created for a purpose! I am in the process working with Millie in creating a charity called Miracles Do Happen. I will donate three percent of Boobalicious sales. Anyone who would also like to donate can inquire when I have the charity up and running.
Boobalicious is creating a charitable foundation to provide support of those in need of recovery. Grants will cover the cost of travel to a rehab facility or sober living house and assist with one month’s rent.
Boobalicious works with Miracles Do Happen.
Where did the idea for Boobalicious come from?
The idea of Boobalicious began the summer of 2011, while working in a boutique as a sales associate. While waiting on customers I was sweating between and underneath my breast. I must say I could see the boob sweat on my shirt. So I decided than that there should be a boob deodorant to prevent this. I must have talked about it for months until my husband was tired of hearing me and said stop talking about it and just do it! So that night I started doing research and months later came up with my formulation, gave samples to friends and family, all of whom clamored for more especially, my daughter. Never realized how important it is to use chemical-free products on your skin until I started reading about it.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I work full time as an Administrative Assistant from 8 to 5. So when I get home I usually eat dinner and then I go to my office, look at my orders, print out shipping labels, make products and ship out. Also, do social media for my product.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I don’t even know how I come up with this stuff? I am just so passionate about it that my mind is always racing on what other thinks I can do for the future. I always have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it and how excited this all is for me.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Even though my company is called Boobalicious, I also offer an all natural powder for men. I want to start a trend that once I start developing more products for men who says it has to be a manly name.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
The one habit I do is to make sure I post something at least everyday on social media to keep my brand alive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I started my business at the age 48 and am now 52 and the one advise I would of gave myself as young girl, would be to take risks, don’t be afraid of what others might say to you and reach for the stars because no one can stop you but you.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you?
I tell everyone that my product is going to reach millions and I will be a millionaire.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else?
I always, always agree with my customers and even if I feel they are wrong I will send them a product on me to let them know they are important to me.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I always reach out to others, networking, and not afraid of all the no’s I get as they yes does come along and is so worth it.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur and how did you overcome it?
I was not consistent in the beginning and did not devote as much time as I do now. I am more focused, making sure I do everything now instead of later.
What is one business idea that you are willing to give away to our readers?
I seriously don’t have one at this point – It is still surreal that I thought of Boobalicious as I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur or even tried.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
On my new logo . After 4 ½ years I finally have a company logo, so excited.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Right now I use etsy.com and would like to look into infusionsoft.
What is one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Millionaire Booklet by Grant Cardone as it is teaching me about finances, sales, customer service, and to be focus. Still reading but it has given me so much motivation. Grant Cardone is unstoppable, Great Speaker, Motivat and really great person – he is the real deal.
What is your favorite quote?
“It is what it is.”
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Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.