Conversations with Christina Chiarizzio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Chiarizzio

Hi Christina, 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 currently live in Raleigh with My husband, my 2 nearly grown sons and my 2 dogs.
We relocated from NJ in 2015 and never looked back.

A little backstory on how Little Giraffe Company came into fruition.
Both my sons suffered from allergies & eczema for years when they were younger. They were on so many steroids that weren’t making a difference.
In 2012 Someone suggested I try all natural body butter. I couldn’t find any that made much of a difference despite trying quite a few.
It was then I decided to look up some recipes to make myself.
I didn’t love any of those either., I decided to try my hand at coming up with my own recipe. It took a year and a couple close attemps until I got it right.
My sister in law saw what it was doing for my boys and asked for some and was impressed. She gave some to another Mom and then people started asking if I sold it. So, I started a business.
There are only 4 ingredients in my body butter: shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil & olive oil. I do use a pure fragrance oil that is not cut with anything ( this is what often causes most bad reactions) and it is triple filtered.
I took a 5 year break when we relocated from NJ to NC, and then relaunched October 2023.
Over the last few years I’ve added Sugar scrubs, mango butter soaps & soy wax candles & melts.
I pride myself on purchasing as many ingredients as locally as possible and I’ve been committed to creating non toxic products in small batches.
I absolutely love how this area supports and champions small businesses. The pop up markets in the area have been key for my growth and the people who try my products have given great feedback and constructive criticism that’s been well received.
We are still small scale and I do everything from soup to nuts myself and I absolutely love it. One day soon I’ll need help and I’m looking forward to that growth in the future.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t always a smooth road, and sometimes there are still challenges, but that is how you learn.
In the beginning I was using glass jars, and found that they would sometimes break or leak during shipping. I switched to plastic with a liner in the lid to remedy that.
Sometimes choosing fragrances guessing what will be popular leaves Overstock that didn’t sell, so that can be a challenge (I’ve learned to ask a few people what they think about scents and follow market trends.)

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a part time bartender which allows me to run my small business.
There were quite a few years I worked in small firms with attorneys & accountants. Most often as an office manager or executive assistant. Right before starting this business I also worked in small business marketing.
I had always felt like I needed a more creative outlet or career while I was doing that work.
I’m proud that I figured out how to do something that brought all my previous work experience and my creative nature together doing something I enjoy.
I really think the minimal, good for you ingredients, along with my back story and my why, sets me apart from most bath & body businesses,

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m always happiest when I’m centered. Being in nature, sunsets and practicing yoga have really brought me a sense of peace. This is especially true and helpful when life can be chaotic and unpredictable.

Pricing:

• 8 oz body butter $20
• 8 oz sugar scrub $15
• 5oz mango butter soap $9
• 10 oz 100% american soy wax candles $20

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlegiraffeco_nc/profilecard/?igsh=a295N2tkNmZoMzJv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550605022167&mibextid=LQQJ4d