Roberta Perry, founder of ScrubzBody Skin Care Products, exemplifies how passion and persistence can lead to entrepreneurial success. Since 2006, she has been creating and selling natural sugar scrubs, lotions, and skincare products with a focus on community connection. From crafting her first batch of scrubs at her kitchen table to running a large store and party space, Roberta’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and personal fulfillment. At EliteX, we are proud to have Roberta Perry as part of the edition: Transformational Businesswomen: Making A Difference, 2024.
Roberta Perry | Founder | ScrubzBody
Roberta’s entry into the skincare industry was unexpected. “I call myself the accidental entrepreneur,” she reflects. When her own skin became dry and chapped, she sought exfoliating solutions but found nothing that truly satisfied her. Determined to meet her own needs, she created a sugar scrub. With encouragement from her late sister, Michelle, what started as a personal experiment blossomed into a business. Their initial operations were modest—selling products at craft fairs, holiday markets, and expos. With each event, they built lasting relationships with customers and nurtured a loyal following. “We loaded our car with products and set up shop wherever we could,” Roberta recalls. These early experiences laid the foundation for the thriving business ScrubzBody has become today. Running ScrubzBody demanded Roberta’s full attention, requiring a delicate balance between family and business. With her children seeing “the back of [her] head as much as the front,” Roberta worked tirelessly from her home studio to manage production and expand online sales. Over time, as the company grew, she shifted her focus to marketing and public relations.
“I get to remind my customers that taking care of themselves should always be a YES, and when they leave here, they always feel better.”
“There is no one better to represent our brand than me,” she says. With Wendy, her best friend and Vice President, overseeing production, Roberta concentrated on storytelling, customer engagement, and building relationships. Her marketing skills became the cornerstone of ScrubzBody’s growth, helping the company evolve from a home-based business to a well-loved brand with a retail store.
For Roberta, the true reward of her work lies in the impact it has on people’s lives. “I get to make people feel good about themselves and their skin,” she explains. ScrubzBody offers more than just skincare products—it provides a reminder that self-care is essential. Hosting “Make Your Own Scrubz” parties has been particularly meaningful, creating opportunities for customers to connect with the brand in a fun, interactive way. Owning a physical store presented Roberta with the challenge of balancing business and personal life. Rather than letting the store consume her time, she structured her schedule to maintain a sense of freedom. “We open at 11 and close early so we can enjoy life, too,” she shares. Wendy and Roberta take turns managing the store, ensuring each has two days off per week. This arrangement allows Roberta time to exercise, run errands, visit family, and recharge. This thoughtful approach to scheduling has enabled Roberta to sustain her passion without sacrificing personal well-being. “It’s really the perfect balance of life and work,” she says, grateful for the flexibility this system offers.
Throughout her career, Roberta has navigated both expected and unexpected challenges. Her background in a family of strong women—her working mother and entrepreneurial grandmother—instilled a sense of resilience. Roberta has also benefited from a strong support network, including a lawyer brother-in-law, a CPA husband, and Wendy, who she trusts implicitly. Though she encountered occasional inappropriate comments while promoting her products at demos, Roberta handled such situations with grace and humor. “I just smiled and asked if they wanted to try the Cherry or the Lavender,” she recalls, reflecting on her ability to defuse awkward moments. A pivotal decision in her career came when she transitioned the business from wholesale to retail. Moving away from large retailers like Whole Foods gave Roberta the freedom to focus on direct customer relationships. “It was liberating,” she says, reflecting on how this shift allowed her to align the business with her values and vision.
“Be yourself because that is good enough. Never stop learning.”
At the heart of ScrubzBody is a culture of kindness, fairness, and respect. Roberta believes in treating customers and employees with genuine care. “We are nice people who treat people with love,” she says. Her team is encouraged to solve problems independently and provide exceptional customer service, creating an empowering work environment. Diversity and inclusion at ScrubzBody are based on merit and kindness. “If you do a good job, we notice,” Roberta explains. She emphasizes that professionalism and respect are the keys to fostering a welcoming environment. Those who align with the company’s values thrive, while those who do not are gently encouraged to move on.
Roberta remains committed to lifelong learning, staying updated on industry trends and exploring new opportunities. “I read, learn, and listen all the time,” she says. However, she is selective about the tools and platforms she uses, focusing on what aligns with her business goals. If she encounters a trend she isn’t interested in pursuing, she registers the business name to protect it but stays focused on tried-and-true strategies. Her leadership style is rooted in kindness, fairness, and clear communication. “I show respect for the work my employees do and make sure they know I see it,” she says. This approach has cultivated a supportive and motivated team, united in their commitment to ScrubzBody’s mission. Beyond her work at ScrubzBody, Roberta is passionate about sharing her experiences through writing. She authored The Power of Free Publicity: How to Build Relationships and Get Press Without a PR Firm and several journals designed to inspire and encourage self-reflection. Her latest literary project involves publishing a series of books she started with her late sister, Michelle. “Bringing them to life in her memory means everything to me,” she says.
Roberta’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Do your homework. Have your game plan. Then go for it!” She emphasizes the importance of listening to intuition, learning from setbacks, and embracing every opportunity. “There is no regret worse than not trying something,” she says, urging others to take risks and persevere. Looking ahead, Roberta believes that women’s intuition and savvy provide an edge in the business world. “I see every market as an opportunity,” she says, encouraging women to leverage their strengths to succeed. For Roberta, entrepreneurship is not just about running a business—it’s about creating meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impact. Whether through ScrubzBody’s products, community events, or her writing, Roberta remains committed to inspiring others and honoring the memory of her sister. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and authenticity. With ScrubzBody continuing to thrive, new projects on the horizon, and a commitment to lifelong learning, Roberta Perry is a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
“There is no regret worse than not trying something, so try it! If it fails, try something else. Rinse and repeat.”
