E29 Crafting Purpose through Self-Care Products with Dimitri Cotman

In a bustling city filled with ambitious entrepreneurs, Dimitri Cotman stands out as a beacon of resilience and creativity. His story is one of determination, community support, and the transformative power of self-care. I got to sit down and talk to Dimitri as he shared his inspiring journey of founding Z.nith Point, a business focused on handcrafted candles, body butters, and room sprays for self-care and relaxation.

Dimitri’s entrepreneurial odyssey took flight in 2020, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As fate would have it, being laid off from his job became the pivotal moment that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and set him on a path of purpose-driven work.  He started making self care products for essential workers.  

What started as a humble venture soon blossomed into a full-fledged business. Dimitri’s vision for Z.nith Point was not just about creating high-quality products, but also about promoting the significance of self-care. His personal experiences and observations became the cornerstone of his business, as he recognized the need for relaxation and rejuvenation after long shifts in the healthcare industry.

Community support played an integral role in Dimitri’s journey. From his formative years serving in homeless shelters with his grandfather to his involvement in community service, Dimitri emphasized the invaluable impact of a supportive community. This sense of belonging and reciprocated support has been fundamental for both his personal and professional growth, and has played a central role in sustaining his entrepreneurial endeavors.

As with any business, challenges are inevitable. Dimitri candidly shared his experiences of facing upfront costs, sourcing materials, and determining the optimal pricing for his products. He acknowledged the learning curve and the initial hurdles of finding the right suppliers and optimizing his inventory management. Yet, through perseverance and strategic planning, Dimitri overcame these obstacles and steered Z.nith Point toward success.

He was accepted into a startup accelerator through Collab which became a game-changer for his business. The support and resources provided by Collab not only helped him refine his business strategy and connect with his target audience, but also served as a testament to the power of collaboration in propelling his business forward.

Dimitri has been getting placed in local stores finding new territories to offer his range of products, including signature scents tailored for specific shops.  He also had dreams of opening up his own shop one day.

Dimitri’s story echoes the essence of finding purpose in work. Through his unwavering dedication to promoting self-care, fostering a sense of community, and embracing collaboration, he exemplifies how one can work towards a greater purpose while making a tangible impact in the lives of others.

To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform.