Amazed by the saponification process during a soap making class, Katie White of Royalty Soaps started her business at only 17 years old. Her gorgeous soapy creations are full of color, texture and personality. Active on YouTube with over 50 videos of cold process tutorials and product reviews, Katie’s soaps and fun personality are truly inspiring. Read on to learn more about what motivates Katie, and how she got started soaping.
How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I learned how to make cold process soap in the fall of 2010 at the homeschool co-op my family attends when I was 16, but had experimented with melt and pour when I was only 12. My creative and inspirational teacher, Mrs. Mendez, took the time to explain the chemistry and science behind soap making and I was hooked instantly.
I was dazzled by the process of saponification and the different effects special oils and butters have on your skin. I knew within my first semester of taking the class that I wanted to take my hobby to a professional level. On September 15, 2011, almost exactly a year and multiple recipes later, I began Royalty Soaps.
What sort of advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
There are a few things I wish someone would have told me when I first started. First of all, write down EVERYTHING you purchase for soap from the very beginning. Get into the habit of having this list up to date and detailed. Having this has helped me so much when comparing prices for supplies and charting my growth.
Also, use high quality ingredients (like the ones at Bramble Berry) for every product. I have found that my recipes act better, my fragrances are stronger, and my colors are brighter if I purchased from a reputable supplier. Finally, keep making soap. No matter how tired you are, how discouraging a day you’ve had, and despite any negative feedback from others you’ve received.
What is your favorite type of product to make?
Most definitely my cold process soap loaves. Every soap is different and the variety and unique attributes of each batch keeps me excited and enthusiastic about what I’m creating.
What inspires you to create?
Gee, everything?! I seriously got inspired by a funny card a friend of mine gave me as a joke. I liked the pattern and off to the soap shed I went! Movies, costumes, nature, people, animals, art, fashion runways, vintage styles, beautiful jewelry and even words have fueled my imagination for soap designs at some point in time. My head is a big loop-da-loop of colors, shiny things, and soap ideas!
How did you come up with the name for your business?
Well, I got a big piece of paper and wrote about 50 words that I just love to death. Then, I scribbled down everything I wanted my business to be about, every adjective I wanted my customers and friends to feel when using any product my hands have created. (luxurious, pampered, etc.) I have always had a soft spot for crowns, scepters, and princesses; anything…well…royal! It just clicked. After brainstorming a few hours, the name Royalty Soaps was born and I couldn’t be happier.
Royalty Soap’s Summer Melon Supreme
What is your favorite Bramble Berry product?
Ooo, that’s a tough question! Though nearly impossible to pick just one, I would definitely have to say the Small 9 Ball Silicone Mold. I use this almost every time I make a soap log with Bramble Berry’s Low Sweat Melt-and-Pour and place them on top of the bars. I just love the perfect circles this mold creates!
Also, I can’t live without my mini mixer. It makes blending colorants of all types a breeze. Finally, the Bramble Berry Champagne Fragrance Oil is the absolute best I’ve ever tried. It’s always in my fragrance oil cupboard and mixes wonderfully with both fruity and floral scents, especially Crisp Anjou Pear, Pineapple Cilantro, and even Black Raspberry Vanilla.
Royalty Soap’s Pineapple Cilantro Soap
Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself!
Just between you and me, I’m really not that interesting. However, I do have 7 brothers and sisters (that’s more than most people!) and I was homeschooled for all of junior high and high school. I guess you could qualify those two facts as unique and unusual! 😀
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Katie is just an amazing & inspirational person all around 🙂 Everything she does radiates with her special joy and I’m so happy that she has chosen to share her magic with all of us!!!
Hi Tammi!
Me too!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello, I have not been able to find information about whether there is a difference between Palm Kernel Oil and Palm Kernel Flakes. I can easily find Palm Kernel Flakes, but not so much for Palm Kernel Oil.
Are these the same product only in different forms? And very importantly for my purposes in soap making, can they be used in equal amounts interchangeably?
Hi Elaine!
Our Palm Kernel Flakes are Palm Kernel Oil in flake form. So they are the same thing!
You can use them up to 15% of your oils. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Free Beginner’s Guide to Soapmaking: Common Soapmaking Oils: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
Oh wow, I love Katie White! I was forever hoping you would feature her. She is my soaping hero!! I love watching her videos and she is such a nice girl.
Hi Cameryn!
I love watching her videos too. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Royalty Soap’s has inspired me to be bold and artistic. I adore Katie’s video’s and find her to be uplifting, even when she herself is down. My next gift to myself will be to finally try her soap. In fact, the Sweet Lemon Cream Soap is calling my name 🙂
Hi Jennifer!
Sounds like it would be a fun soap to try out. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love watching you on YouTube Katie! I absolutely love your videos and love the way that you are so upbeat and you keep your audiences attention. Soap on Katie!
Hi Rachel!
They’re so fun to watch!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love watching Royalty Soap Youtube videos they are always so full of energy and I love her soaps
Hi Nashonta!
Me too! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Katie White I am so inspired by her. She is amazing and a fantastic example to young girls as well as boys . I know they love watching her videos too. Her soap is amazing and her family life is something you do not see every day sadly anymore . Thanks Bramble Berry for interviewing Katie. She is a great example to soaping. Katie is so right about using quality product, love that embed mold too!
Hi Cindee!
So glad you liked this interview!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I connected with Katie in Soaping 101 and her personality made me smile. She’s really grown as a soap maker and is always willing to help others. If you haven’t tried her soap, I highly recommend it. The quality is top notch and her designs are just fun – a reflection of Katie herself. You are special, Miss Katie !
Hi Suzy!
I love her intricate designs. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love Katie and her videos! She is so sweet and nice. An uplifting, friendly lady who also makes gorgeous soaps! Thanks for interviewing her! She is one of my inspirations! I totally agree with her on that Champagne Fragrance Oil too. Probably my fave BB scent ever.
Hi Margaret!
She is such an inspiration. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I have watched many of Kaies videos. She is so much fun to watch and her soap creations are beautiful
Hi Darlene!
I love watching her videos too. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Katie you have truely inspired me. You are a talented young lady, and I have enjoyed, and been subscribed to your you tube videos for quite while. Keep up the good work.
Hi Diana!
She is very talented!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
kana