Interview with the Maker: Nanny Reen’s Rollers

Artisan:  Maureen Coburn, Nanny Reen’s Rollers

1. What is your name and how did you decide on your business name?

  My name is Maureen Coburn. The name of my company is Nanny Reen’s Rollers. When I’m not making rollers and obsessing over oil blends. I also take care of babies. A few years ago, a friend of mine referred to me as “Nanny Reen” and it has stuck with me. 

2. What inspired you to create your product?

  When I was introduced to oils I was amazed by their magic. I immediately started diffusing them in every room in my house. As I learned more about them, I found myself making rollers for everyone. My mom got one for her arthritis, my sister got one for her tension headaches and I sent my nephew off to college with a hangover roller and a study roller. When someone suggested that I sell them it just made sense!

3. Which of your products most inspires other people?

  I have a roller called #manythanks. It’s filled with oils that include Frankincense, Patchouli, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Geranium, Lemon, Palmrosa and a couple others. These oils together are known as the Law of Attraction oils. I’ve had so many people tell me that when they roll themselves in this, they find that financial opportunities seem to arise all around them.

4. How do you find time to balance your craft with other areas of your life?

  I have 4 boys between the ages of 11 and 2. And like I mentioned before, I watch babies for a living so finding the time is not always easy! I usually make my rollers late at night when everyone is in bed. Thankfully I have a supportive husband and family who help with taking the kids on weekends so I can sell at craft fairs and other vendor events.

5. Name one tool or product that is most helpful to you as a small business owner.

Microsoft Excel. Not me, but my husband uses Excel for everything from our inventory, to recipes, to cost analysis, to taxes. It is the one thing that has helped us from the start.

6. Where do you see your business going in 2020?

I have many new ideas for my company in 2020. I’m looking into selling my products in stores and I would like to attend a lot more craft fairs. I will also be selling diffuser blends starting in February!!

7. What is something you hope to get out of the Marketspace platform this year? 

Although I have only done one event with Marketspace, it was one of my favorites. I think you do a great job at not just promoting yourselves but helping all the small businesses that work with you. I just hope to do more events with you this year! 

8. Anything new we can do for or offer you?

Nothing comes to mind. You already let me know about new events and you have great policies that promote a good selling environment.

Thanks you for your story, Maureen! Thank you for working your magic with your oils for all of us. Save us one of those special ‘financial opportunities’ roller!