Tolly’s Treatments
Los Angeles, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Mandi & Family: Tolly’s Treatments
My name is Mandi Tollefson, I'm a mother of two boys, Otis (3 years) and Ansel (1 year) - and wife of an Audio Engineer, Brian. We moved together to Los Angeles 10 years ago from Minnesota to pursue careers in the music and television industries and haven't been able to leave!
Tolly's Treatments was born about 8 years ago when we got married and I was searching for a natural lip balm to use as favors for our guests. After finding nothing I liked, I decided to make my own! Everyone kept asking for more, so I became enthralled with making natural, useful products, and incorporating Aromatherapy as a bonus (and natural fragrance). I'm a DIYer at heart and believe in living as clean as possible, so it became a true passion.
When I was pregnant with Otis, I made a belly butter and sugar scrub for my huge pregnant belly - now my Hydrating Skin Repair and Body Polish. I had a suspicion toward the end of my pregnancy, that me as a producer in the TV industry probably wouldn't suit our lifestyle anymore and Tolly's would become my business. I was right, and I'm very glad.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
Tolly's came from a lifelong nickname of my husband's (now mine) last name of Tollefson. Treatments had a nice alliteration and is the name of my game. Therefore, Tolly's Treatments.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
As I mentioned earlier, Tolly's was born from personally perfected lip balm recipes for our wedding and they are still my best selling items. I am also able to use beeswax from our cousin's apiaries (@mcpheesbees) in Hawaii, which is super inspiring!
The 'Calm' (Lavender and Bergamot) Aromatherapy Mist and Nourishing Oil are also what people come back for time and time again.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
I decided early on that I would blend therapeutic grade essential oils and incorporate Aromatherapy into ALL of my everyday products. It has become much more commonplace since, but still unique nonetheless.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
I don't like to admit it, but my biggest roadblock with this business is being a mom to young kids! I always have to remind myself that being a mom is my first job and to take a breath in the hustle. The time will come. Staying diligent and consistent, and taking time to celebrate even the smallest victories has helped me push through.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
Thankfully, my business and shop are both set up in my home. So I am very fortunate to be able to still work and create in my usual space. Unfortunately, a huge part of my sales and marketing is done by sampling products and being physically present at fairs and markets. I do still have my online shop up and running, which has been busier than ever, so, yay.
I have since shifted my focus into creating new recipes again and working on the back end of the business. I won't lie, it's been very freeing! And I'm so excited to have new products to share. But as we all know, it requires revenue to continue, so I can't wait to get back out there.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
My favorite part of running Tolly's Treatments is creating everyday products that encourage clean living and mindfulness. It can be difficult to self-care until you're presented with the tools to do so. Sharing my knowledge of Aromatherapy and creating simple, natural products that can help everyone is the absolute best feeling.
What is your *must do* local activity?
Los Angeles has a plethora of 'must-dos', but since I'm a huge ocean lover I have to recommend taking a cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway to eat at Neptune's Net. It's a landmark in the Malibu surf scene (you can run across the highway and watch the surfers if you're brave enough), there's always tons of motorcycles parked out front, and I'm definitely a fan of eating fried seafood and drinking beer with the ocean breeze in your hair :)
Where to find Tolly’s Treatments:
Online: www.tollystreatments.com
Instagram: @tollystreatments
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tollystreatments