Pooka: is a line of natural bath and body products! We like to call them "Something good for your skin to eat!" We focus on making great products and educating people about being a little healthier.
iCrowdNewswire -
Aug 31, 2015 3:11 PM ET
Personal Story
My name is Dawn Fitch and my company is Pooka! I’m a graphic artist by trade but in 1995 I began feeling sick. After going to multiple doctors and getting no sound diagnosis I decided to be pro active with my health. I began changing my eating and reading labels. After reading a great article about how many things enter your system through your skin, I decided to only put healthy things on my skin as well. I began making products for friends and family and it started to take off. Since I was a graphic artist I decided to put neat labels on everything and give them a name. The name Pooka came from my mom, she always called us her Pookalitas :-)
At the urging of friends I took my natural products to a festival and sold out, thats when the business was born.
In 2006, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I am battling the disease holistically. Through my business I can help others to eat better and live a more holistic life to fight illness and just be a little healthier! Being an entrepreneur has it’s ups and down when you have an illness. I can take the time I need to rest when I’m feeling ill but health care is always a challenge.
Through the ups and downs of illness I’ve been able to run a successful business and hope to inspire others not to give up when times get tough :-)
Business Description
Creating products that were “good for your skin to eat” became a passion in September 2000. The company has grown from me making products on my stove in my apartment to a boutique in Newark, NJ. The products are currently sold in various Whole Food markets, online and through various distributors.
I am proud that Pooka has been featured on The Today Show, CBS Evening News, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Network Journal, Michael Baisden Radio and various media outlets. I was the recipient of the Influencer Award for Entrepreneurship given by the Urban League, the Black Executive Award given by the African American Chambers of Commerce, the Agent of Change award from the National Council of Negro Women and Pooka Pure and Simple was named a Local Hero by Whole Foods Markets.
I knew that as a small business owner it was imperative to maximize various social media platforms and worked to develop social media strategies for Pooka. In March 2012 I was recognized for my social media skills and was blessed to be on the cover of Black Enterprise Magazine!
2014 the Pooka Body Boutique opened in Newark and has become a must see destination for many Pooka fans! The Pooka boutique is where shopping, education and great conversation are always a must.
What is the purpose of this loan?
$5,000 will go towards fixing the facade of my store by adding a new sign
With the new Prudential tower now completed we are on the verge of turning things around at the store. We moved into our space two years ago seeing the vision for what this up and coming area in Newark, NJ could be. Little did I know what that would mean financially. My store opening was delayed for six months due to problems with securing the certificate of occupancy followed by an additional 18 months of being in a construction zone. We lost customers due to lack of parking and the area has had little walking traffic due to construction. was very slow for walk by traffic. We held on believing in the future opportunity, however it put a financial strain on the business and I exhausted my personal financial resources. I have a great product, I need to get people into the store. I need this KivaZip loan to help me get a sign so that I will be visible to the people walking and driving around the Prudential tower.