MONIQUE Mclymont, a solopreneur, is founder of Very Essential Limited, a two-year-old company which produces earth-friendly, non-toxic, cleaning and home care solutions.

Operating from both St Ann and Kingston as well as an online platform, the company manufactures a line of sustainable eco-cleaners such as a plant and mineral multi-surface spray for everyday surface wiping and fighting bacteria, and “a range of plant-based air fresheners that elevate one’s mood; a durable cleaning scrub; a non-toxic bleach alternative; reusable not-paper towels; coconut-derived dish liquid; and floor cleaners”, as described by the entrepreneur.

Mclymont told the Jamaica Observer, “The primary motivation for starting this business was to lessen the worries of navigating my parenting journey as a new mom and looking for safe alternatives to child development.”

Realising that there was a need for health-supporting products, a gap which was not being adequately served, Very Essential was created.

McLymont also took into consideration individuals with illnesses, particularly those battling respiratory diseases and cancer.

Finally, cleaning products were expanded as a segment which does not currently offer a wide enough selection for consumers.

“Cleaning is somewhat of an overlooked item in the household, and we hope to have our clients rethink the choices they make in this category of consumer goods and how they can make healthier choices that will be beneficial to their overall well-being and the well-being of our earth,” McLymont told Sunday Finance.

The entrepreneur started as a small, home-based, e-commerce business, making her start up cost minimal. Through research the company’s current catalogue has expanded to include the line of sustainable eco-cleaners for surface wiping and fighting bacteria.

Mclymont says, “Our sustainable main-line products are housed in glass packaging, and we encourage our consumers to refill or reuse these bottles and jars.”

Products are primarily stocked in boutique health food stores and pharmacies around Kingston and through Very Essential’s e-commerce platform.

Demand

The entrepreneur is still researching the current market size, noting that the eco-cleaning options currently available on the island are primarily imports.

She said, “We are still a very young company, therefore we are still analysing where we fit by market share. While the commercial home care sector is significant, we focus primarily on sustainability and health.”

For this very reason, there is hope of significant growth.

The company CEO states, “Very Essential is unique because our cleaning solutions are refillable, earth-friendly, non-toxic, and local. They are safe enough to clean with a newborn around. Our everyday surface cleaner, dish liquid, and air fresheners are the most in demand due to these items’ high usage and effectiveness.”

Very Essential has not had any unsolvable challenges since start up, Mclymont says, as “We’re taking a baby step approach to business in Jamaica.” However, she notes the problems posed by the challenges of product export, packaging shortages, importing raw materials, and now inflation.

The eco-products company is now operating within the $1-million to $2-million range in annual revenue, with the goals in 2023 expected to exceed that.

The entrepreneur said, “We’ve seen a 40 per cent profit increase from year one to year two. Yes, we’ve recouped our initial investment, and all proceeds go back into expanding the company and research.”

In 2023 Very Essential will be adding its first full-time hire to join the team. Current workers are on contract and range in number from 3-5 personnel, as needed.

The micro company has been seeking funding via grants and equity financing. McLymont says, “We look forward to seeing what 2023 has in store.

“Moving forward, we’re looking to expand our consumer catalogue and focus on unconventional distribution channels locally and internationally.”