From Flaky to Fabulous: How Reina Blocker Transformed Her Struggles into a Successful Skincare Business

Lexington Mom Turns Personal Struggles into Successful Skincare Business

Lexington, NC — Flaky skin and dry hair were once a daily struggle for Reina Blocker and her daughter, Janelle. Frustrated by the lack of effective products on the market, Blocker decided to take matters into her own hands, leading to the birth of Butters by Janelle, a local hair and skincare company that has quickly gained traction.

“I began in 2024 with hair butter,” Blocker recalls. “I wanted something for me and my daughter’s hair. Even if this didn’t work out as a business, we would still have quality products.” Initially, her venture was a personal project, but it soon blossomed into a full-fledged business.

After being laid off from her job in the medical claims field, Blocker dedicated herself to Butters by Janelle. What started as a small operation selling to friends and family has rapidly expanded. Within a year, she began showcasing her products at vendor shows and festivals, and her product line now includes body butter, body oil, sugar scrubs, and perfumes, all crafted from natural ingredients like shea butter and grape seed oil.

Her unique scents, such as Book Nook and Soft Whisper (a blend of amber and vanilla fig), have become popular among customers. “I am always looking for ways to make my scents different,” Blocker said, emphasizing her commitment to quality and innovation. “My peach has something extra. I do that with all my scents.”

Blocker’s products are now available in several local stores, including Open Market Collective in downtown Lexington, The Artisan Barn in Mount Ulla, and The Mercantile on Market in Concord. She is also set to launch her products in a new store in Gibsonville soon.

One of her standout offerings is the body oil, which has become her top seller. “People like a good fragrance and they like to be moisturized, especially after a shower,” she explained. Blocker believes her products stand out from mass-produced alternatives due to their unique emulsifiers, which create a softer texture.

As she looks to the future, Blocker plans to return to vendor shows in 2025 to connect with diverse demographics and gather feedback for product development. “What is popular in Lexington might not do well in other places, and vice versa,” she noted.

With a growing customer base and a commitment to quality, Reina Blocker is not just addressing her own skincare needs but also providing a solution for others facing similar challenges. Butters by Janelle is more than a business; it’s a testament to resilience and the power of turning personal struggles into a thriving enterprise.