Jodi Scott started Sierra Sage Herbs with her mother and sister, an organic farmer and backyard beekeeper. Scott brought with her business savvy as well as an M.A. in Health Psychology and a background in western medicine, and a passion for cleaner and more effective body care products. While juggling a family and a bed and breakfast/wedding venue business, Scott has become the face of Sierra Sage’s Southern Butter brand of sensual bodycare products at trade events and currently runs the company’s day-to-day sales and marketing efforts.
In this exclusive interview with XBIZ Premiere, Women in Adult spotlights Sierra Sage Herbs CEO and co-owner Jodi Scott as she offers a glimpse into her ambitious schedule.
I try not to waste time on counter-productive thought and energy; it gets you nowhere and honestly just brings you and your team down. You are much better off turning that frustration into creative energy.
What is your role and responsibility Sierra Sage Herbs?
CEO and co-owner, with my main day-to-day department in sales and marketing. I tend to work most closely with the Southern Butter line on a daily basis since this department I have mostly developed independently, but I am managing the teams in the other sales departments as well.
What is a typical day at the office like for you?
I am not sure there is a typical! Depends if I am traveling, having meetings, visiting with the team, answering emails or orchestrating schedules. Lots of planning and organizing goes into the days. We have a wonderful team of teams really. Whether you are a part of the warehouse and manufacturing, or the sales and marketing, or the IT department, we all work very closely together. Very much a family! Makes you appreciate how all the pieces and parts work together to make the motor turn.
How (and when) did you get into the pleasure products business?
We originally started in the health and beauty industry. It was really our customers who demanded we explore this area and develop products with the same synergy in mind. It was incredibly important to us to not only study the needs of the market but study the products and what would be the healthiest and safe developments. For us, that was first and foremost. There had to be a way to make healthy products sexy, and we didn’t want to apologize for it being sexy. Honestly, they are one in the same, when we feel good everything feels better. So when we are good to our bodies, our bodies are good back to us. Williams Trading was very eager to get started with us and they were one of the first to believe in us and understand our products — which is key for launching something outside the box. Our products do more than offer some hydration, they condition the skin so after continued use it just gets better.
What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
Challenges are a daily part of business, and life right?! Chin up I say, and just keep moving. I try not to waste time on counter-productive thought and energy; it gets you nowhere and honestly just brings you and your team down. You are much better off turning that frustration into creative energy. There is always something you can do for yourself and your company that can be positive.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love the testimonials and hearing from the consumers. I think that is why product demos are so fun. Nothing is better than hearing how our products have made life better, or some nutty story when you think you have heard it all, or a marriage is saved … it never ceases to amaze me and even overwhelm me at times. I think, wow, did we really make that much of a difference? It’s cool and an honor. I always tell my daughter a smile is such a powerful gift, but man, spicing up people’s lives is pretty amazing too!
What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Stay connected mind, body and nature; be vulnerable; and never apologize for being human, we are amazing creatures! I think then you can appreciate the importance of taking care of your body, what you put into it and how you balance and nurture your spirit. Sexual freedom, interpersonal freedom and being with others is allowing yourself to be vulnerable and true to yourself. We have to fight for it every day, but it is a good place to be when you are there. And man, we are human, plain and simple.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
I don’t think I can pick out one thing. I am thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves and that I took on those challenges. I was originally pre-med and just finished my masters in health psychology when I found this old house in Kyle, Texas and decided to open up a B&B, which turned into a fantastic wedding venue. And Sierra Sage, the mother ship for Southern Butter, was a hobby that my mother, sister and myself started. And we soon learned that our customers were thrilled to have these products and that the world needed these products, so we put one foot forward to explore that journey. All of it is has been pretty incredible.
What are your professional goals for 2014?
Keep spreading the Southern Butter love! We have some new cool products in our pocket we will bring to market, but in the meantime, would like to educate more on the benefits of Coconut Oil and make our products more available to the public.
Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
