Brand Q&A: Retro Elle
Meet Joshelle, founder of the natural skincare and aromatherapy company Retro Elle that creates products for the busy, modern-day woman.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I’m originally from New Haven, Connecticut but have been living in Atlanta since 2011. I’m a mom to a seven-year-old daughter and a full-time social worker by day. Growing up, I have always been a creative individual as I attended various arts schools where I majored in Dance, Theater, and Art. I’m a social butterfly who loves engaging with different people and helping others
Q: How did you come up with the name, Retro Elle?
A: Retro Elle means “getting back to her.” I came up with the name by combining the word Retro which means going backwards, and Elle, which is from the ending of my name, Joshelle. The word Elle means she/her in French. I wanted to create a company that makes products for women and their self-care needs. I want women to remember to make their self-care a priority and get back to themselves every now and then.
Q: What inspired to start Retro Elle?
A: In college, I first discovered Lisa Price from Carol’s Daughter while watching the Oprah show with my mom. That’s where I first fell in love with the concept of natural beauty products. But it wasn’t until later on in my life that they would make an even bigger impact in my life.
In 2013, I became a mother to a beautiful baby girl. At that time, I was living in Atlanta for only a year, miles away from my family in Connecticut. During that time, I ended up developing postpartum depression. I decided to take matters into my own hands and started on my journey to being happy again.
After researching natural forms of healing, I began creating natural beauty and aromatherapy products to use during my ME time. Even if I only had 15 minutes, I made sure to make my self-care a priority! So, in 2019, I created Retro Elle to encourage women to do the same. Whether you are a mom, wife, student, whomever — your self-care matters!
What are three fun facts about you?
I’m a major foodie! Like...it’s ridiculous how much I love food! I’m always the friend that’s down to try out a new spot of cooking up different recipes in the kitchen.
In 2015, I started my YouTube channel called ElleToshea, where I created DIY home decor videos for people on a budget. I was able to grow my channel to over 17,000 subscribers but took a break last year to start my business Retro Elle. I’m actually getting ready to start back my channel sometime this year but it will become more of a lifestyle channel now.
I’m a candle hoarder! I absolutely love candles. I literally have a ton of candles all over my home at all times. I love how they smell and how soothing they are for self-care. I’m getting ready to add candles to our aromatherapy section and am super excited!
Q:
What are some other local businesses that you’re loving right now?
A: I have absolutely been loving Human Before Handles, a chic accessories brand here in Atlanta! The creator, Ashley Sims (who is also a fashion graphic designer), carries fun statement earrings, hair clips, and accessories for the everyday woman that’s not afraid to stand out!
I have also been loving the brand Working Woman, also here in Atlanta, which was created by film instructor Chioma. Her brand creates comfortable clothing for the everyday woman. I’m so inspired by women who aren’t afraid to do multiple things. We aren’t putting ourselves in a box!
Q: What have been some of the most fun and inspiring collaborations you have done?
A: Early this year I was fortunate to be asked by Kel Lyons from Madewell, a fellow small business entrepreneur of R-KI-TEKT, to be apart of their Atlanta Home Town Hero’s program where they allow local, small businesses to set up a small market in their stores. I hosted an event at the Madewell store at the Perimeter Mall. It was so nice engaging with the local customers and some of my loyal customers stopped by as well! I have also had the pleasure of collaborating on some amazing giveaways and sponsored events with HERMARKET, Becalìa Botanicals, The London Grant Co., PushThru, and more.
Q: How can the community help support you?
A: Retro Elle will be coming out new products this year so sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when they launch! Also, we carry a Retro Experience Sample Pack on our website if you want to try out any of our products without committing to a fuller size. It carries samples of all our skincare and aromatherapy products!
Q: How can we follow along?
A: Website: www.retroelle.com | Instagram: @retro.elle | Facebook: Retro Elle | Email: helloretroelle@gmail.com