Lauren Miller: I try and have fun with it all since soap is just down right fun. I never have a large block of time so I use every little pocket I can get and journal ideas as they come to me. And then when the time opens up – I soap! Perfection can be a big road block so even if I’m not 100% thrilled I give it a try. I would say new designs are about 30% of my time. I’m trying to think two holidays ahead so I can have designs made in time. Keeping on top of shipping and keeping supplies in stock is a big part of my focus.
Soap Queen: What’s your favorite Bramble Berry product?
Lauren Miller: Hands down your oxides! It’s the only colorant I will use. The texture and price are unbeatable. I also love Bramble Berry’s Non Bleeding Red. I cannot find that juicy, red color anywhere else nor do I care to look for it. I adore it and get nervous when I start running low.
My favorite Bramble Berry fragrance oil is Fresh Zucchini Flower– that scent is so incredibly unique and fresh.
Soap Queen: If you had another job, what would it be?
Lauren Miller: I do have another job. Full time, stay at home mom to the sweetest little boys. I worked in corporate America for 10 years before having children and I literally traded it all in and never looked back. This is the hardest job I have ever had but it continues to teach me so much about myself- how to love, patience, forgiveness, problem solving and not to take myself too seriously. And I never have trouble sleeping.
This September marks the beginning of both our boys being in school full time so I will begin a new phase of motherhood. I’m so grateful to have my little soap business waiting for me in the wings. I have plans galore and will finally have 8 hours without interruptions to see them through. I’m opening up for wholesale this September and a whole new packaging scheme just in time for holiday gift giving.
Soap Queen: You manage a great business and a family. Do you have any tips for those of us struggling with work/life balance?
Lauren Miller: Define your focus first. For me, my family is my first focus. I’m lucky to have a husband who helps me identify when work begins to take over. Boundaries are incredibly necessary. Learn to say no, even if your ego wants to say yes. When I first started soaping, I would literally stay up every night till 2 am working in the kitchen on new designs but this lead to an impatient mom the next day. I now have set hours for soaping and stick to a set bedtime during the week. Exercise and eat well. It really does help.
Soap Queen: What did I miss that you want Soap Queen readers to know?
Lauren Miller: Thank you so much for the opportunity, Anne-Marie. And I’m dreaming of getting a matching orange microwave as seen on Soap Queen TV in my new soap kitchen. I adore your company and products and continue to refer customers to you when asked how to get started.
Soap Queen: Thank YOU so much giving us a little glimpse into you life. You are an amazing artist and it sounds like you’ve mastered the work/life balance- something I think we’re all striving to achieve. Good luck with your new soaping adventures and keep us posted!
Awww, the simplicity of Milk and Cookies- a peanut butter cookie that is! Grab your guilty pleasure soap here (with out the calories).
Gotta love these modern little flowers, too. I bought my own set a few months ago and was delighted to see that the design went almost all the way through the entire bar. See all of Lauren’s garden flower soaps here.
