Interview with Marcela of Majestic Bliss Soaps

Marcela of Majestic Bliss Soaps creates gorgeous cold process soap with lots of color and intense swirls. Marcela’s soaps are not only beautiful, they also make a difference around the world. Every month a portion of the proceeds from Majestic Bliss Soaps are donated to world-recognized charity organizations. In addition to beautiful soap for people, Majestic Bliss Soaps also creates FUR PAWS, a line of soap created for canines. Read on to learn more about Majestic Bliss Soaps, including Marcela’s tips for selling wholesale and giving back to charity. -A.M. 

How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I’ve been happily soaping since April of 2014. Majestic Bliss Soaps was created to help my clients extend their bliss beyond a therapeutic session. As a bonus, we saw the opportunity to extend assistance to organizations that help humans and animals thrive. 

What sort of advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
Research all legal requirements in your area for establishing a business—whether it’s home-based or brick and mortar. Also, research and invest in good accounting software. These two steps will save you a lot of time, money and headaches down the line. And above all, don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients. As is often said, “The greatest invention started out as the biggest mistakes.” Also, inform yourself on FDA labeling. Personally, we used and resort to Marie Gale’s book titled “Soap and Cosmetics Labeling: How to Follow the Rules and Regs Explained in Plain English.”

From top to bottom: Guru Rinpoche, Soul Centered, Buddha’s Nature, Arhat Soap

What is your favorite type of product to make?
FUR PAWS, our exclusive line of doggie soap. Our inspiration for FUR PAWS came from our own fur baby, Gonzo, a Rat Terrier, and the love for all animals. Gonzo is prone to allergies caused by grass. He loves to roll around in it but soon afterwards his belly and eyes flare up. After getting him the proper vet care, we set out to formulate a special soap that would be mild enough for our pups. We infuse the olive oil with oatmeal and flaxseed, add a few other great oils and butters and top it with a gentle and soothing blend of Lavender & Tea Tree essential oils.

On the left are cold process salt bars and FUR PAWS soap. On the right, FUR PAWS soaps are being expected before being sold.

What inspires you to create?
I’m inspired by knowing that what we are handcrafting serves a higher purpose. Paying it forward is a huge thing for us.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
I was playing around with key words and phrases but none seemed to hit that “feels right” button. Then one day, my good friend Sarai said, “How about, Majestic Bliss Soaps?” My heart swelled up with joy and the “feels right” button went off the charts.

You donate a portion of your proceeds every month to charity. What advice do you have for small businesses who want to give back?
Research and select one or a few reputable organizations that align with your mission statement. Giving back to those in need through monthly proceeds, time or products gives your company and team members a sense of accomplishment that builds strong character and a family like culture.

On the left, two colorful soap loaves just waiting to be cut. On the right is Marcela’s stunning Kundali Rising cold process soap.

Customers can find your products in several Whole Foods locations. What have you learned from distributing your soap in a large retail setting?
Order your materials in bulk ahead of time and have a good inventory system set up for this purpose. Whether you are distributing on a small or large scale, the last thing you want is to not deliver on, or before, the agreed-upon time. Large retailers love a great exchange program and similar perks. Come up with something that works for you both. For example: we offer hassle-free exchange of slow moving stock and on items that begin to discolor or lose their scent. Commit to hosting demos in the store. Face-to-face time with your customers is important to the success of your company. And never give up when 90% of doors close on you. Remember, there’s that 10% who are waiting for your knock on their door. Persistence, discipline, confidence and a great mission will make your products stand above the rest.

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
Oh my! You’re putting me on the spot here. It’s difficult to choose. But I have to say that the 5-pound silicone liners are my favorites. When we went big with Whole Foods, these were my go-to liners. I hold a very special place for them in my heart as a reminder of our success.

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself!
I meditate every morning. This helps me to connect, focus, prioritize, and accomplish my daily goals. 

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
I’m a holistic health practitioner and instructor. I love spending quiet time with my husband, kids and fur baby (doggie).  And definitely melting into my comfy couch to watch The Awesomes on Hulu.

On the left are three gorgeous soap loaves, on the top right are a collection of Marcela’s products, and on the bottom are Fur Paws soap for pets.

What is your number one soaping tip?
Canola oil isn’t as bad as its reputation dictates on the Internet, but hey, everything on the web is true, right? He he he! I really like working with canola oil for its oleic properties and slow trace time. This means swirl-extravaganza!!!

Have you ever experienced a horrible soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
Oh yes!! Our second ever batch seized on me as soon as I poured in the fragrance oil. Unfortunately, I had to trash the entire batch. I learned that cheap isn’t always good. I purchased that fragrance oil from a less-than reputable vendor. We learned very soon not to make that mistake again. 

What do you love most about creating bath and body products?
I love that our energy, vibes—or whatever people like to call it—is extended onto our products and thus onto our customers. Playing with color schemes, layering, swirling, you name it soapy fun, we love!

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