Features & Articles
Meet Annmarie Andaluz founder of PHreshBox
Today we’d like to introduce you to Annmarie Andaluz.
Annmarie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always knew I wanted to own a business or to be an entrepreneur and be a part of something that I was truly passionate about. However, my story on how PHreshBox came about was with no intent on making it a business. I am a mother of three and during my pregnancy and after my 3rd child was born, I kept going to the Obgyn because I would suffer from BV (imbalanced PH) and had difficulties maintaining my wetness during intercourse and I didn’t know why. After, several attempts of getting rid of the bad bacteria using traditional medicine, I became frustrated when it continued to come back. I need to stop trying to cure this problem and just prevent it from happening in the 1st place. I did some research and noticed soap may cause this imbalance. I began searching for “natural PH balancing wash” to help me. They did not work!!! So, I decided, forget this I’m going to make my own wash. While doing research on ingredients, I came across an article by Dr. JACKIE that said: ” your vagina does NOT ever need soap.” Thinking to myself this is insane how can I possibly smell good throughout the day if I don’t soap my box. That’s when I realized soap is a chemical (which is lye) and that’s what would throw off my PH! I created my blend of ingredients and mixed it up at home and I no longer had any issues with my PH and I was PHresh all day, my vagina walls started to tighten post birth (thanks to the confirmation of my boyfriend lol) and I was well moisturized and it felt so gentle and wonderful on skin. I started to give some to family and close friends who gave me wonderful feedback and encouraged me to share this with women around the world. That was how PHreshBox was born.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it was not a smooth road. Starting a business is hard work. Plus, I am a single mom and have a full-time job and a part-time job. Time was not on my side. Also, I made so many different batches until I finally found the perfect mixture.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with PHreshBox LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in making ladies most intimate areas fresh, tight and wet:-). I am known to be very straight forward, raw, not filtered and aka the #streetgynecologist lol. My brand is a reflection of that and a reflection of me, which makes me extremely proud. PHreshBox is pure natural ingredients, authentic and not filtered with anything that will dilute my products or my brand. Love, passion, and joy go into making my products, not just a mixture of things just to make a quick buck. That is what sets PHreshBox apart from others. I do not seek to be like others or give people what they THINK they need (such as soapy or foamy products to feel like they have clean their selves properly) but instead, I believe I am providing people with a product that meets a need. Showing women everywhere if you give your body what it needs naturally, it will do what it needs to do. Cut out the chemicals!
How would you describe the type of kid you were growing up?
I was brave, bold, creative and outspoken. Never afraid to try new things or make my own path, once I put my mind to something I go after it. Very ambitious.
Contact Info:
-
Website: www.PHreshBox.com
-
Email: support@phreshbox.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phreshbox/
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHreshbox/
Today we’d like to introduce you to AnnMarie Andaluz.
AnnMarie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Initially, I started PHreshBox for my personal use. I was looking for a natural feminine wash that would not throw off my PH or cause irritation to my vagina. After trying several “Natural” feminine wash, I finally decided that I was going to create my own because existing products were not working for me. I realized that in order to keep this product 100% natural, it would not be possible to make it sudsy or foamy to get a good lather. I was aware that in order to get the feminine wash I wanted to create for myself to lather, I would have to add synthetic ingredients. However, that did not sit well with me. I wanted only natural ingredients on my box, not chemicals!
I began using PHreshBox daily and gave some samples to my family and close friends. In addition to the great feedback they all gave me, I also noticed I was no longer having issues with my PH being imbalanced; which can lead to several other issues, such as yeast infections, BV (bacterial vaginosis), etc. I was and still am overjoyed that PHreshBox is actually working! At that point, I decided to make it a business, but also most importantly I knew it was my responsibility to teach everything that I had learned.
It dawns on me that the conversation of intimate body parts was a bit taboo. Although, the importance of a well balanced genital hygiene would play an important role to pursue the culture behind PHreshBox.
Following extensive communication on the topic of holistic genital care, I realized that not only should women take care of their PH, but also men should be educated on the topic as well. I then started to go to different cosmetology schools to inform both men and women on the importance of my natural products used on their skin, rather than artificial chemicals.
I have participated as a vendor in many local events, but I am most proud of the word of mouth advertisement my product has received. On top of that, my other accomplishments are that I am able to market to people in 12 different states within my first year and follow my passion to pursue an honest and beneficial business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, it took me a very long time to come up with the perfect formula for my product. I wanted the right consistency and after several different batches, I was finally able to create PHreshBox. Another issue was to change the public perspective to non-lather genital products. In the genital area, soap is not advised to be used due to harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (LYE). In addition, promoting my brand on social media has been a difficult process since most sites consider it sexual content when in reality it’s a skin and body wellness.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in organic genital-care products and known for using natural ingredients. I’m most proud of the appreciation my brand has gotten; it’s been a humbling experience. I started this business independently because I believe that I can carry out my vision the way I have always imagined. What sets me apart from other businesses is the authenticity of my brand and the devotion I bring into each product.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I had a non-traditional mindset that set me apart from the rest of my family. I’m more in tune with my body and after many years I really started to listen to her. Learning who Annmarie is has been an enlightening experience for me. I’m a very outspoken, honest, and strong-minded individual, who “believed she could; therefore she did”. My interests include being an independent businesswoman, not working for ‘The Man”. I’ve always been a hard worker, understanding that nothing worth having comes easy. “My entire life can be summed up in four-word: I hustled. I conquered”.
Contact Info:
-
Website: www.phreshbox.com
-
Email: support@phreshbox.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phreshbox/
-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHreshbox/
Rising Stars: Meet Annmarie Andaluz
Founder of PHreshBox & owner of PHreshBox Holistic Healing Day Spa
Today we’d like to introduce you to Annmarie Andaluz.
Hi Annmarie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Approximately 5 years ago, the story of PHreshBox’s holistic healing journey began. In the heart of its founder’s home, the kitchen is the center of love in the home. CEO, AnnMarie Andaluz, a licensed and professional science nerd begin her passion for natural alternatives for not only her generation but generations to come.
Today, teaching, coaching, and being of service to the community prove to be the secret formula to a “fairytale-like” story. PHreshBox is patented progress of science and useful arts within its community with, 2 spa locations and expanding with its 3rd Florida location this summer.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not essentially been a smooth road. The entire journey comes with multiple obstacles and challenges along the way.
If one believes this road of serial entrepreneurship is easy or smooth, truthfully one will be disappointed. In this game of life, we will soon learn that no level of success is greater than the challenges that come with it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
PHreshBox provides natural products and holistic healing services. We specialize in affordable self-care services & organic alternatives for the body.
We are proudest of the standards of integrity within our business, receiving 5-star quality feedback. In addition, cultivating our own formulas and manufacturing them in-house as a family-owned business, sets us apart from others within the field.
Currently, Grandma grows the herbs in her yard and scientific formulas are curated by yours truly. The packaging and other indispensable roles are managed by the other tribe members of our business.
Any big plans?
Our future consists of growth. We look forward to expanding the business, teaching and coaching others to share a pleasurable self-care experience or build a holistic healing routine.
Any big changes… stay tuned!
We had the good fortune of connecting with Annmarie Andaluz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Annmarie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
PHreshBox goes beyond the community. It is a brand that is needed across the world. Let’s rewind to 3 years ago. I started PHreshBox just trying to make a product that catered to my needs. I am a young black woman with 3 beautiful children. After I had my third child my pH levels were constantly off balance. Several doctor visits later, I was still left with the same issue and told the same thing. I began to make my own product, not to fix the issue of an imbalanced pH. However, I began to make a product that prevents an imbalance of pH. We know prevention is better than cure, right? Little did I know I was on the path of unique greatness. I was making a product that is yet to be introduced to all women & now men across the world. PHreshBox is the world’s first 100% organic non-lathering genital cleanser that is multifaceted. There aren’t any chemicals or animal fat put into our products. Only pure natural undiluted ingredients. The world needs PHreshBox, it is the beginning of nature healing our womb for this generation & generations to come. I am just a vessel being used to bring forth what each and every single human being needs, and that is change.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I started PHreshBox I was taking a leap of faith. I knew trying to sell a product that no one has ever heard of, saying it does things that no one would expect it could do and it’s manufactured by a regular jo shmo would be entirely risky. I’d definitely have to say that thinking outside of the box and cultivating the 1st non-lathering cleanser, would be what sets PHreshBox apart. Getting women & men to see that a soap-like product should not be used was definitely and still is the most difficult part in growing my brand. I get the confused or funny looks when I tell others I haven’t used soap to wash my vagina in 3 years lol. However, I do educate my customers on the chemistry of our skin & body as well as presenting them with proven facts. Once, they seem to understand that part, then the holistic alternative just makes complete sense. I’ve learned many lessons along the way. Some, I wish I didn’t have to feel so hard. However, understanding that along this journey of entrepreneurship comes with many lessons. Being the 1st entrepreneur in my family is innovative but a bit difficult as well. I would have to go out and find the resources and sometimes I find it a little too late. Nonetheless, with all the bumps in the road, I wouldn’t change it for anything else. I want to be able to tell my story to my audience and they’ll know I am extremely passionate about my brand. Although, my path was not necessarily easy I still pushed forward. I am persistent and I never give up. My goal is to change the world’s view on genital hygiene and care for this generation and generations to come. Who knows I may write a book one day.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My itinerary for an exciting week would go a little something like this for my bestie: Sun – Downtown Hollywood for some delicious food and super chill lounge Mon- Visit friends/family we have not seen in a while & Pamper me spa day Tues- Taco Tuesday Wed- Netflix & Chill at home. Thurs- Ladies night in South Beach Fri- Grand Cafe Afrobeat night Sat- Relax
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely have to give recognition and thanks to the Most High for everything. My close friends and close family members have absolutely been great support from the very beginning as well. Also, my networking besties are very very awesome and I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and support they all have shown. In addition, I have to recognize all of my customers, without them there would be no PHreshBox. I wish I could name all but honestly, the list would be extremely long. I am a firm believer in two old sayings, “it takes a village” & “it’s not what you know but whom you know”. Throughout my journey of becoming a successful entrepreneur, multiple individuals have assisted me in growing my business from a one-woman show to a praiseworthy community.
