How did Star Care Products Start?
Star Care Products was started by Susan Starkey as a byproduct of her devotion to her family. When her eldest grandson was young, the Starkeys were planning a vacation to the beach. Her daughter had mentioned that she was having a difficult time finding sunscreen for her son, as he seemed to be allergic to the chemicals in over the counter sun protectants. Sue knew she could make a homemade sunscreen with wholesome ingredients, that would protect his skin from the harsh rays of the sun. The first product line was born, the summer’s “Fun in the Sun” Line.
Shortly after the sunscreen was produced, Sue put another “Fun in the Sun” product together: The After Sun Spritz, an aloe-based spray that has a cooling effect on sunburnt skin, for those of her children that refused to put sunscreen on, no matter how many times they were reminded. From there, she started making body butters, scrubs, and lip balms. Today, there are a variety of lines, for men, women, children, and pets.
Sue’s love of making things started much earlier in life. The summer after her eighth grade, she bought a Woodstock crafts book in Cape Cod, that had recipes and inspired her love of crafting, sewing, and creating things with her hands.
She loves making body butters the most, but jewelry-making is also a passion that she has done on and off for years. She has been inspired by different gems, beading techniques, and tutorials. Even Star Care Products lines have inspired some of her items, including the sunflowers she has incorporated into different pieces. The challenging pieces, though, including the beading technique called “chain mail” linking are the most rewarding. Stamping different pieces has also become a favorite activity for her.
With fall setting in, and winter right around the corner, her favorite current scent is apple cinnamon, and the body butter is her favorite item to use this time of year for dry skin. Her second favorite? The eye serum that Star Care Products recently released, has caffeine in it and feels rejuvenating.
Star Care Products is currently being run out of her house, mostly the kitchen and dining room. This leads to challenges, such as space, but the challenge, and the opportunity to always learn new things, is something that Sue really enjoys about running a business. However much fun it is to make the items, the newest challenge is selling the products, getting publicity, and fighting the stereotype of “hobby versus business.”
But no matter what obstacles stand in her way, Sue will tell you her inspiration has always been her family and friends. Different people throughout her life have inspired different items, even the family dogs. Their support has made running the business more rewarding and watching those around her enjoy the things that she creates has been the greatest gift.