The Rise of Old Whaling Company: How April Budney Built a Beloved Bath and Body Brand with Grit and Creativity

Get inspired by an incredible rags to riches entrepreneurial story! On this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe sits down with April Budney, founder and president of Old Whaling Company. When April started handcrafting bath products in her tiny kitchen in 2012, she had nothing more than a dream of turning her passion into a business. Flash forward a decade, and Old Whaling Co. has blossomed into a thriving multi-million dollar company with a nationwide presence. In an uplifting interview, April shares how her creativity, grit, and unwavering commitment to quality paved the way for massive growth. From humble homemade beginnings to running a beloved brand, her journey proves that entrepreneurial dreams can become extraordinary realities. Tune in to hear April's inspirational story, how she pioneered gentle bath and body products long before clean beauty was mainstream, and her advice for aspiring founders ready to take the leap. You'll walk away motivated and believing that with dedication, anything is possible!

About April Budney: April is the founder and president of Old Whaling Company and has turned her childhood dream of entrepreneurship into a remarkable success story. With a passion for crafting exceptional bath and body products, she established Old Whaling Company in 2012 with the goal of providing gentle and simple alternatives to drugstore products.April's entrepreneurial journey started from humble beginnings in a tiny kitchen. Her unwavering determination, grit, and creativity paved the way for Old Whaling Company's extraordinary growth. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication and a dream pursued relentlessly.Old Whaling Company, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, has blossomed from its modest origins into a thriving multi seven-figure enterprise. Today, you can visit any of their three charming retail locations in downtown Charleston. Old Whaling Co also serves 1,200 wholesale accounts nationwide, and operates a thriving e-commerce business, all run from its Charleston headquarters.April's passionate commitment for crafting bath and body products is at the heart of Old Whaling Company's success. She is driven by a commitment to quality and authenticity, which has made her brand stand apart in an extremely competitive industry.April Budney's remarkable journey as a businesswoman has garnered her products numerous accolades and distinctions, having been featured in numerous publications such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Southern Living, Country Living, and Magnolia Journal. Old Whaling Company's growth under her leadership is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication.Outside of her thriving business, April is a devoted wife and mother of five children, including four teenagers. She, along with her husband and children, resides in Charleston, specifically on Johns Island, South Carolina.