PHK Biocosmetica is an online retailer of pre and post-operative sensitive skin care products, paramedical camouflage cosmetics, mineral powders, specialty brushes and anti-aging specific serums. Helen Klatsky, owner and founder of www.PHKBio.com says, "These products are meant to change peoples appearances and lives by helping to camouflage specific skin conditions such as rosacea, postoperative bruising, swelling, acne, scars, tattoos."
Although the products are geared toward a niche market, they can be used by anyone. Helen handpicks the products on her website and makes sure that they are all of the highest quality ingredients and made in the USA.
Helen created www.PHKBio.com to subsidize her income after her husband Paul stopped working due to the effects of multiple sclerosis. At one time he had a career in the US space program. "Paul has been instrumental in helping me attain my goals by supporting and advising me on many different areas of my business, "says Helen. She even named the company after her and her husband: Paul, Helen Klatsky-PHK Bio. The business includes their daughters Sheryl and Danielle who pose as models on the website, and their sons Jordan and Justin were also instrumental in giving advice during the creation of the company.
Before PHKBio.com was created, Helen and her brother-in-law Dr. Stanley A. Klatsky had entertained the possibility of a business venture for skin care products. As it turned out, Helen started PHKBio.com on her own and used the suggestion to market products to her targeted niche market which she has chosen to include the paramedical camouflage cosmetics, pre and postoperative skin care products.
Helen personally answers all of her own e-mails and makes sure the business has a high level of customer service. "I have not added many new products, but focus on carrying and promoting the same line so that customers know where they can go to get their repeat orders." she says.
When starting her business, Helen initially hired a web developer to create a site for her. However, the solution didn't allow her to make her own changes to the web site's administration, limiting the control she had over her web store. "Without having the opportunity to make changes through the administrative portion of that site, I decided to purchase a software program that would give me the freedom and ability to be in charge of my own web site," she says.
Helen then made the switch to BV Software, and has been very happy with the results. She says, "With BV Software, I was able to learn how to make any changes at any time and even when I run into an issue the support team is always there to help me out. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty for me!" Implementing the software was not difficult for her. She says, "BV Software is very creative and easy to learn. As a non-professional and novice computer user, it was not difficult to learn and especially with the instruction that is provided online as well as the phone support."
She says, "So far, everything is going as expected with this software package. There have been updates and each time the package seems to provide even more service and functionality. I would recommend anyone who wants the freedom to be self-employed to purchase a software program that gives the ability to be in control. With BV Software, they stick by their customers and provide the utmost respect."
Helen feels that she is on the road to success. "Success online is having the ability to show the products or services through an easily visible and manageable website. The success of having a software package that gives you full administrative control to make changes anytime is invaluable. The amount of business created by the website is just another avenue of advertising, but has unlimited opportunities with site optimization and exposure," she says.
"By having the visibility of an on-line store it is easy to show people what your business is all about. This is just one avenue used to advertise my products but it has been a continuous process. Learning and promoting my business will take a lot of effort and time," Helen says."
There are financial risks and it does take a lot of time to perfect the copy and the design," says Helen. "With BV software it was easy to make visual changes and within a couple of months I was able to say that I would not change very much." In addition, Helen feels that it's important for customers to have a simple, easy to manage and understandable shopping experience. "After a customer has made the decision to make a purchase, the last thing you want is for her to log off because she could not easily pay for her order."
Helen says, "My website is a success because it's absolutely beautiful in appearance, functional and easy to navigate." She says that she's using her website to show off her dream of having her own business, and that she loves helping people with special skin care needs look and feel their best.
"These specialty products can be used by anyone, and anyone can create the perfect looking complexion by using camouflage cosmetics," says Helen. "These cosmetics are used world wide by movie stars, recommended by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and aestheticians worldwide. People who do not have natural looking flawless complexions can achieve that look with my cosmetics and everyone will think they were born with perfect skin."