Daily Inspiration: Meet Whitney Mortenson

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Mortenson.

Hi Whitney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up loving all things beauty. I enjoyed getting dolled up when I was younger.

When I was twenty, I went to beauty school to develop my skills and learn new techniques. I became a makeup artist in 2020 for about three years and loved it. I started developing allergic reactions to everything I was applying and selling to clients, which forced me to leave my position.

December last year, I decided I wanted to create my own products for people like me who have struggled with finding self-care items that they can use. Now, I officially have my own business and have three collections on Etsy and soon on TikTok shop. I have plans to expand into more products, and I hope to sell them in local shops soon!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey started off rough. I’ve had to create formulas and recipes with no prior knowledge or guidance. I don’t use any artificial preservatives or toxic ingredients, which made it harder to find resources to learn. All my recipes are my own formulas, and it took time to get them just right.

It took a lot of failures and a ton of adjustments to get my products where they are today. One of my other struggles was finding the money to invest in everything I wanted to start creating. Organic ingredients are more expensive, especially in bulk, but it’s a huge part of my value to sell what I would use.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in handcrafting nontoxic beauty and self-care items. I am the most proud of my progress and overall journey. I’ve struggled with finding my voice and my passion. I finally had the guts to go beyond fear and any self-doubts I had to create products I love and want to share with everyone.

My business sets me apart by using clean ingredients for individuals who struggle with allergic reactions or those who want to live a cleaner lifestyle. I am a Halloween-obsessed, vegan, lesbian witch, so I am definitely a bit unique. My biggest goal is to reach crowds who are looking for vegan, spooky, and witchy products to help them on their self-care journey.

My business is a safe space for everyone, and I hope to draw in anyone who needs a place to feel welcome.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I would have to say getting my makeup done at MAC Cosmetics when I was thirteen. I went with my best friend and her mom, and she paid for us to get mini makeovers together. My makeup artist was queer, confident, and full of pride.

He was such a joy to be around, and it showed me that I could be like him one day when I was ready to be out. It also helped me find my love for all things beauty. I ended up working for MAC for two years, which started my path to where I am today.

Pricing:

• Body Scrub 4oz: $9.99 8oz: $14.44
• Body Oils $16.66
• Body Butter 4oz: $11.11 8oz: 18.88
• Lip Scrub $9.99 comes with a free lip brush

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bootifulenchantments.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bootifulenchantments
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092007817562&mibextid=JRoKGi
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bootifulenchantments?_t=8jtjMzkyPl5&_r=1

Image Credits
Kristen Wyatt @kittythunderrr