The beauty industry is almost unavoidably global in nature. Some brands, like mine, get their packaging and ingredients from international sources. Some brands have their whole product assembled at specialty factories overseas. With 30% of containers and lids estimated to come from China, there is a solid chance every brand is affected by tariffs at least a little bit. Despite my brand, Blissoma, mixing, filling, and finishing our products at our USA facility, we cannot avoid the cost increase on our bottles, or our botanical raw ingredients that come from unique sources around the world. 

Public Pressure

We’re hoping that public pressure on elected officials from businesses, large and small, will help end the tariffs before they cause business failures and economic recession. Senate Joint Resolution 49 would terminate the national emergency that was declared to enable Trump to unilaterally impose tariffs without congressional oversight. 

Working Together

We urge other entrepreneurs to contact their elected officials and to take whatever action they can to end the current extreme and damaging tariff policy. If we work together, we have more opportunity to create change. 

My company is currently due for another order with our Chinese bottle supplier, which we’re delaying. By contrast, we did purchase about a year’s worth of some bottles and pumps once we could confirm that the price hadn’t gone up yet. We’ve also tightened up operations to hopefully build a little financial reserve. 

Buying Time

Overall, I’m using my financial and energy capital to “buy” time while I wait to see what happens next. I need to put my energy toward things I can control, not panic, and make wise choices for myself and my team. We can’t know exactly what’s ahead, and having mental and financial reserves ready will be key to navigating this “manufactured” crisis.

About The Author

Julie Longyear began her work with essential oils and herbs in her search for holistic solutions to her own health issues, which include chronic migraines and pain as well as sensitive, acne-prone skin. Following years of research, she launched Blissoma’s skincare line in 2009. She entered the personal care business as an activist with a desire to re-establish trust and transparency between beauty brands and consumers. Blissoma’s mission remains to help as many people as possible to solve their skin problems using natural, sustainable, healthy products.