business interview Archives

Interview with Nora’s Soap Shoppe

February 9, 2019 Filed Under: Business Musings

Nora with Nora’s Soap Shoppe is well known in the soapmaking community. Her wispy swirl designs and expert use of color are instantly recognizable when you’re scrolling social media. She’s also known for her positivity and kindness – she makes sure to let people know when she loves their creations. Learn more about how Nora got started, what inspires her, and her soapmaking tips.

Midnight Waters Soap

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
Back in 2010, I started dabbling in melt and pour soaps. It was such a joy to create handmade soaps for my family knowing what ingredients I put in. By 2012, I transitioned to cold process soapmaking. I became so mesmerized by the whole process of cold process soapmaking that I spent many hours and months researching and learning all there is about this technique. I came across the lovely Anne-Marie, the Soap Queen, online. I watched her first four episodes of cold process soapmaking and couldn’t resist purchasing Anne-Marie’s book, Soap Crafting. Having a resource that gave me the foundations of soaping techniques, safety, equipment, methods, SAP values, etc., was truly valuable to my learning journey as a soapmaker. I am a very visual learner, so having the book and tutorial videos accessible to me was very helpful.

What inspires you to create?
What surprised me the most was the creative side that blossomed in me I really didn’t know I had until I started making soap. I think back to when I was around maybe 10 years old, my mom took me to a cake decorating class. My class project was to make a Barbie cake with a beautiful dress like Cinderella. I can still remember the enjoyment I felt decorating that beautiful cake with pink and white frosting. I think of this time with my mom when I decorate the tops of soaps. With that said, this moment in my life to this day inspires me to create.

You just never know what could be the foundation of inspiration for creating. Family, memories, travel, flowers, the weather – I like to always keep things simple and lovely using inspiration around me. I truly believe this is what makes your soaps that much more special and unique to your brand.

Peppermint Swirl Soap

What advice would you give to makers just starting their businesses?
Research is key and learning all you can about handmade businesses in your area and state. Find out as much information as you can and understand it. This is my least favorite part, as at times it can be very confusing. Never be afraid to ask questions. We have a wonderful soapmaking community and there are many gifted and talented makers out there who are willing to give some helpful insight and guide you in the right direction.

Spend time creating a good quality product and know your costs, create a good marketing plan so in time you can become profitable in your business. Feeling confident and having the knowledge of your product is very important, too!

How did you come up with the name for your business?
Choosing a business name can be tricky and needs a lot of thought put in. It seemed that almost every name that I thought of wasn’t available. Basically, I thought to myself that I was always told I had a unique name, Nora, and being handmade soap was my main product, I decided on Nora’s Soaps. But the name still needed something else. The thought of owning my own soap shop one day is most makers’ dream and goal. So putting that into perspective, I added a little twist of an “e” and there you have it, Nora’s Soap Shoppe. Shoppe has a quaint feel, so it felt just right.

Bubble Bath Scoops

What is your favorite type of product to make?
My absolute favorite product to make is cold process soap. From my very first batch of soap, I knew there was something special about this whole process. There is something just so satisfying about watching the lye and oils mix together into a gorgeous creamy soap batter. I love creating hanger swirls – they have become my most favorite signature technique and they create a gorgeous wispy swirl in each and every soap bar.

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
My very first soap supply order was from Bramble Berry, and almost every other since. So this is a very difficult question because I love just about every product they have! What is my favorite? I’ll have to say their colloidal oatmeal. This was one of the first ingredients I ordered and I continue using today. It blends in so smoothly and I also love its benefits. I also must say that even though we were asked for one favorite, I must add in BB’s Lavender 40/42, which is a perfect lavender essential oil and a must-have for my Lovely Lavender Soap.

Lovely Lavender Soap

Tell us something unique about yourself.
I love everything nostalgia, taking things back to the artisan way of life. A strong focus on family, whom are the most dear to me. Many fond memories of being in the kitchen baking and cooking with my mother and still using family recipes to this day. Reading the classics such as Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. I would even say that this nostalgia that I am drawn to inspired me to make and create soaps.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
If I am not spending time with my family or soapmaking, I am an avid scrapbooking queen. In this time of everything digital, I do enjoy to print out real photos and create beautiful meaningful scrapbooks for my family to enjoy. My scrapbooking creations are a conversation piece in my home when we are entertaining family and friends and to be able to share those memories is very special to me.

I also still love to ski with my family. I can’t keep up as fast as I used to, but I still love being up on the mountain and the feeling of peace and tranquility you experience is just so satisfying.

Blueberry Thyme Soap

What is your number one soapmaking tip?
Stay positive! In anything you do there can always be a negative side. One thing I learned in the soapmaking world is just to stay positive and keep moving forward. Don’t let the haters and negativity get you down or affect your creativity. Soapmaking is a happy place for most of us, so keep positive, encouraging, and supportive people around you and keep doing what you love.

If you were to give one of your products to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
I would have to choose my Summer Melon Soap. Summer Melon is loved by just about everyone with its juicy, fruity appearance and it smells absolutely scrumptious. I give credit to the Soap Queen and Bramble Berry for the inspiration of this particular soap. I use my own recipe but follow the creativity of the design posted on their tutorial. I don’t think this soap creation will ever go out of style because of the gorgeous watermelon soap creations I see season after season. It is a perfect summer soapy treat for all. 🍉

Summer Melon Soap

Have you ever experienced a soapy fail? How did you work through it and what did you learn?
Never be in a hurry. When you are in a hurry, you could miss the most crucial steps in soapmaking. Even your research on particular ingredients matter. I had one soap batch fail that resulted from not reading the reviews and the description of the fragrance oil I used. I got my soap mixture ready then added a gorgeous purple mica for color. Now comes the fragrance oil, so I poured it into the mixture and oh my goodness! The color started changing to a most awful looking dark brownish greenish color. I tried adding other colors hoping it would change some but nothing helped and it started to set up fast, so I poured it into the mold as fast as I could. I really thought it was a ruined batch but actually turned out to be a great bar of soap that my family ended up using, just not too pretty to look at. Always check the reviews on fragrance oils on how they behave and do small test batches in case your soap batch goes wonky. 😉

What do you love most about crafting bath and body products?
It’s such a joy to be able to go into my soapmaking happy place and be able to make and create something beautiful. Each maker has such a unique perspective and a beautiful touch to their soaps. I truly believe it’s a way to express ourselves and let our creative streak run wild. To have the opportunity to share such passion in our handmade products makes me love soapmaking even more!

Also, I have never been great with calculations and chemistry, and to now be great at it for soapmaking and creating recipes has become something I most love in my handcrafting journey. A continuously learning journey that keeps you coming back for more.

Thank you for taking the time to read my interview with Bramble Berry. I am so honored and feel so overwhelmed with joy that my passion for soapmaking has led me to such a wonderful company that supports us makers. I love supporting Bramble Berry because they have the best quality ingredients for all my soapmaking needs. Thank you, Bramble Berry! -Nora

Birchwood Oud Soap

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Interview with Malina of Ojai Botanika

December 11, 2018 Filed Under: Business Musings

Malina with Ojai Botanika has always been creative. She loves everything from baking to essential oil blending. At just 15, she tried soapmaking for the first time and quickly got hooked. She now sells beautiful bars made with natural colorants and essential oils. Learn more about how Malina got started, what inspires her, and her soapmaking tips.

Ojai Trails, Topa Topa, and Pink Moment soap

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
I’m 21 now, but I started soapmaking almost six years ago, when I was only 15 years old! Actually, years before that, I was already studying herbalism and was interested in natural health and beauty. I was homeschooled for most of my childhood, so I was able to explore my interests and learn unique things at a very young age. I remember my mom was really into essential oils. We would have fun blending them and I loved the way they smelled and how I felt when using them. One thing led to another and I started learning how to make herbal balms, lotions and stuff. I remember staying up one night ’til midnight in the kitchen, creating a new body butter recipe. Everyone else was asleep, but there I was with an electric mixer, whipping up copious amounts of shea butter and coconut oil. I’m so blessed that my family was so supportive of my creative endeavors!

Years later, when I was 15, a friend told me that I’d probably enjoy making soap. She invited me to her studio and gave me my first lesson in soapmaking. I was so fascinated! We did a few more soapmaking lessons and she guided me toward some online resources. I remember spending every free minute reading the Soap Queen blog and watching Soap Queen TV!

I made my first solo batch of soap using a Bramble Berry Beginner’s Soapmaking Kit. From then on, I was pretty much hooked! I spent a lot of time testing out recipes and then worked on creating my own unique formulations and designs. At first, I made soaps just for fun, for friends and family. Everyone kept telling me how much they loved my soaps and how they thought I should start selling them. I started out very small, selling locally via word of mouth. It felt so wonderful to be able to share my creations and bring happiness to others through my soaps. I’m still a very small business, trying to keep up with growing demand. It gets really busy sometimes, but it’s so worth it to be able to pursue my dreams!

Green Tea Mint soap

What advice would you give to makers just starting their businesses?
Follow your passion and trust your intuition! For me, this has been the most important thing to remember all these years. It can be discouraging sometimes when you’re just starting, but always remember what drove you to begin your journey. When you maintain that sense of passion and integrity and stay true to yourself, people will be drawn to you and your products. Surround yourself with supportive people! I’ve had such incredible support from friends and family. Take time to create recipes that are uniquely yours, and be sure to test them thoroughly. Once you have a product that you’ve tested and are confident in selling, take the necessary steps to become a real business. It may not be the most fun, but taking care of business matters like insurance, business license, etc., ahead of time will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on what you’re really passionate about!

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Definitely cold process soap! There’s something about the magical process of oils and lye mixing together that really appeals to the alchemist in me. I also love the freedom to create beautiful designs and scents. I especially enjoy swirling soap; no two bars have the same design!

Icelandic black sand bars

What inspires you to create?
I’m the type of person who is constantly in creative mode, so I find inspiration in everything. I’m especially inspired by nature! I’ve created lots of soaps with locally-grown ingredients and designs inspired by our local mountains, trails, meadows, flowers, night skies, herbs, and trees.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
Ojai (pronounced like “Oh, hi!”) is the name of the little town where I was born and raised. It’s tucked away in a valley, not too far from Los Angeles, CA. It’s such a special place; the energy here is so beautiful and unique. It’s known for being a very artsy town and is home to lots of super-talented people. Since Ojai has been such a big part of my life and inspiration for my brand, I wanted to honor it in my business name. Ojai is also the local Chumash Indian word for moon! I’m really drawn to the moon, so it seemed like the perfect fit. The name “Ojai Botanika” pays homage to my beautiful home and the natural botanicals that I use in my creations.

Cozy Sweater soap

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
I have been using Bramble Berry products since my friend first taught me about soapmaking! I remember when she gave me a Bramble Berry gift card for my birthday; I was so excited! I got to try all kinds of wonderful new ingredients. Some of my favorite products are the natural clays. They add a lovely slip and beautiful colors to my natural soaps. Rose clay is my absolute favorite! I use it in one of my most popular soaps, “Ojai Rose,” to create the beautiful pink swirls. I’m also a huge fan of the indigo powder. It gives such a lovely, natural denim-blue tone in soap.

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself!
I’m actually a very introverted person. I was hesitant when I first started my business because I thought I would have to be “on” all the time. But, being able to share my passion with such a supportive community really helped me to break out of my shell and become more comfortable and confident.

Beautiful soap tops

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
Reading is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I would happily read for the rest of my life. I also love listening to music! I always have music playing while I work in my soap studio! It really helps keep me upbeat and productive. I’m also an avid baker! I love making super-yummy, healthy baked goods. One of my biggest passions, besides soapmaking, is makeup. When I was little, I would love sitting next to my grandma, watching her apply her makeup. It was so fascinating to me! Once I started, I never got tired of the process of applying makeup, and I love wearing it. It feels like art to me. Fun fact: before I fell in love with soapmaking, I was seriously considering becoming a professional makeup artist. I guess it makes sense that I would end up creating products in the beauty industry!

What is your number one soapmaking tip?
Soaping at room temperature! Ever since I learned about that, it has really changed my soaping game. I used to have such a hard time with my soaps getting too hot and accelerating, since I’m not the most patient person. Now, I just prep my oils and lye one day and the next day I’m able to make loads of soap pretty easily.

If you were to give one of your products to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
I would probably choose a bar of my crescent moon soap! I feel like that’s my signature design and I love seeing the looks of awe and joy when people see that soap for the first time. Being able to brighten someone’s day is a such a wonderful feeling!

Nightfall soap

Have you ever experienced a soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
Yes… Speaking of patience, I recently had a batch of soap accelerate really badly on me. I was in a hurry, making a new scent and design, and I ended up soaping at too high temps. When I went to pour the swirl, the batter thickened up so fast, I nearly had soap on a stick! But, I kept calm and did a very fast design change. I was able to pour the soap into two layers with a clay line in between them. That night, I kept worrying that the soap would be a failure and I wouldn’t be able to use it. The next day, when I went to cut it, I was pleasantly surprised and ended up loving the new design. It turned out to be a happy accident! In fact, that soap ended up being the first one to sell out at a recent event! I learned my lesson (again) about patience, but also learned not to give up and to be open to new ideas and designs.

What do you love most about creating bath and body products?
I love the entire process of making soap, but I especially love that soapmaking allows self-expression. It’s a wonderful art form to me, like painting, sculpting, or glass art. I love creating beautiful, natural products full of quality, organic, and natural ingredients to help people live healthier and happier lives. Most of all, I love being able to communicate with people all over the world and share my passion with them. My heart feels so full when I hear from people who have enjoyed using my soaps or who have been inspired by them. To me, that is the most fulfilling part of what I do!

Oat Milk Latte soap

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Interview with Julie of Soaperie + Co.

October 30, 2018 Filed Under: Business Musings

In 2015, Julie with Soaperie + Co. left her job in finance to spend more time with her kids. She started exploring creative outlets and discovered a love for soapmaking. Now she makes and sells beautiful cold process soap, lotion bars, candles, and more. Learn more about how Julie got started, what inspires her, and her soapmaking tips.

Spring collection

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
I’ve been making soap for almost two years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! The very first soap I made was the Relaxing Lavender soap from Bramble Berry’s Natural Soap Kit for Beginners. It was such a great way to start creating handmade soap because the kit comes with everything you need. I remember checking in on the soap as it cured and after a couple of hours, I noticed a crack on the top of the soap. In hindsight, I realized that I was just too impatient and I didn’t let my lye water cool enough before I mixed it with the oils, so the soap got way too hot. I’ve learned a lot since then, but I think that soapmaking experience is still one of the most exciting!

Soaperie + Co. really got started as a second act in life after I’d spent more than 20 years in a more traditional career. In 2015, I left my job in finance to spend more time with my kids and to focus on enjoying a slower pace of life. That first year after I stopped working absolutely flew by because I was busy helping my older son apply for college. Eventually, he left home to start school and that’s when I knew I needed something to keep myself occupied. I’ve always loved fashion and interior design, so it wasn’t a surprise that I began to explore my creative side. To me, making artisan soap is the perfect blend of creative and analytical, just like me. I loved it instantly.

What inspires you to create?
Fashion, interior design, cooking, and nature. Right now, I’m watching the latest season of the Great British Baking Show. I’m mesmerized by the unique ingredient combinations that go into the contestants’ truly amazing creations. Soapmaking has a lot of similarities to the cooking/baking world and you tend to see a lot of the same trends. I like to use what I’ve seen for inspiration.

Blueberry Thyme soap

What advice would you give to makers just starting their businesses?
Be patient, take it slowly, and learn everything you possibly can from more experienced soapmakers. I’m not a patient person by nature and I really jumped into this business quickly. There have been times that I’ve definitely learned “on the job” and that kind of learning can be difficult. I wish I knew early on what I know now. I think if I’d been a little more patient, there would have been fewer growing pains.

One of the biggest mistakes I made was being afraid to say no. Whether it’s a wholesale order that just wasn’t profitable or a time-consuming project for a friend, it’s easy to feel obligated to do something that really isn’t a good use of your time. When you have the courage to say no, it’s a really powerful thing. It opens you up to have the time to pursue the things that you really want to do.

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Cold process soap. There’s something so beautiful about the perceived simplicity, yet it really can keep you on your toes. It’s different every time you make it, even when you’re remaking something you’ve made before. The air humidity, the temperature of the ingredients, and the type of fragrance oil – it makes it impossible to control the outcome with exact precision. Learning to deal with unexpected problems is just part of the process!

Eucalyptus Mint soap

How did you come up with the name for your business?
Naming your business is so incredibly personal. At the end of the day, I wanted a name that would convey my sense of style…simple, sophisticated, feminine, and professional. I also wanted to make sure it reflected that it’s a soap business. Instead of just using the word soapery, I tweaked it a little and made it “Soaperie” to add some flair.

There’s a funny story about the name Soaperie + Co. Recently, it dawned on me that people may read it as “Soap Erie,” as in soap made in Erie, PA. Someone commented on an Instagram post that they would love to have a bar of my soap because they’re from Erie and they’re feeling homesick since they moved away. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that sadly, there is no connection to Erie. I still love the name of my business, but this was a good reminder about how important it is to really think through your business name before committing.

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
It’s impossible to choose just one. The Copper Sparkle Mica and Gold Sparkle Mica are both so incredibly beautiful, so much fun to use, and really give your soap a glamorous feel. I love to use them as mica lines in between soap layers or mix them with sweet almond oil and create a sparkly design on the top of the finished soap.

There are also so many amazing Bramble Berry fragrance oils. I honestly couldn’t live without Cocoa Butter Cashmere, Autumn Fig Harvest, Rose Quartz, and Tobacco and Bay Leaf. If you haven’t tried them, you’re missing out!

Blackberry Sage soap

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself!
I’m originally from California and I graduated from UCLA with a BS in Mathematics. I’m also a CPA. It’s probably not the typical resume of a soapmaker, but I have found that analytical and problem-solving skills can be very helpful in this business. No matter what your background is, I think you bring your own unique perspective to soapmaking. One of my favorite things to see on Instagram is a photo of a soap that’s different than anything I’ve seen before.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
Right now, I’m trying to learn everything I can about photography. When I first started posting photos of my soap on social media, it was a disaster. I even had a professional photographer leave a comment on one of my Instagram posts suggesting I contact her for help. I still have a long way to go, but thankfully my photos have improved since then. Someday, I would love to graduate from my iPhone to a good digital camera.

I also love spending time with my family, playing fantasy football, watching good movies, watching bad reality television, reading, enjoying great food, baking, and traveling.

Cucumber Garden soap

Have you ever experienced a soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
Of course, there are so many fails that it’s difficult to choose just one. Once, I dropped my soap batter on the floor. I accidentally left my immersion blender sitting in the soap batter. I was using a plastic bucket for the first time (I had been using a glass container) and the blender was just too heavy for the container to support. When I let go, the entire bucket of soap spilled down the front of my cabinets and all over the floor! Luckily, I got it cleaned up quickly and no one was hurt.

If I learned anything from this fail, it’s just another reminder that soapmaking can be dangerous and it’s so important to be careful. Each time I introduce something new into the process, now I try to think ahead and assess the impact before a mistake happens.

If you were to give one of your products to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
Right now, since it’s getting cooler and we all start struggling with dry skin, I would give them a Beeswax + Honey lotion bar. It’s made with beeswax, shea butter, and olive oil and it’s so incredibly moisturizing (and it smells great, too). They come in a small recyclable container that’s easy to throw in your purse and take with you on the go. One of my favorite stories about our lotion bars is from a customer who sells handmade knitted items. She likes to use our lotion bars on her hands before she starts knitting a project and says it makes the yarn smell so good. She’s even received feedback about the wonderful fragrance from her customers!

Beeswax + Honey lotion bars

What is your number one soapmaking tip?
Try soaping at room temperature. For the longest time, I wouldn’t even consider trying it and I would spend countless hours trying to get my oils and lye water to within 10 degrees of each other. At higher temperatures, this can be time consuming. Soaping at room temperature has worked out well for me because Austin is a pretty hot and humid part of the country, so most of the time all my oils are already liquid at room temperature. In the winter I do have to heat up some of the harder oils. For me, it really simplified my life and I don’t spend so much time worrying about timing everything so carefully!

What do you love most about creating bath and body products?
Honestly, I love being a part of the soapmaking community and interacting with amazing customers. I’ve been so impressed by the incredible amount of support, guidance, and encouragement that I’ve experienced over the last few years. Artisan soap is a very saturated market, so I’m always pleasantly surprised by how many soapmakers are willing to share their techniques and help one another. I always encourage everyone to buy handmade items. You really help support a community of truly wonderful makers.

Artisan soaps

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Interview with Jayme of Salt & Shea

September 19, 2018 Filed Under: Business Musings

Growing up, Jayme of Salt & Shea wasn’t able to use store-bought soap. Because of her allergies, it would irritate her skin. That experience helps Jayme craft handmade products for those with sensitive skin. She uses natural ingredients and avoids harsh chemicals, which means she gets to enjoy her creations as well. Learn more about how Jayme got started, what inspires her, and her soapmaking tips.

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
I made my first batch of soap a little over four years ago. At the time, the idea to make soap was completely random and stemmed from one of those lounging on the couch with your mom, drinking wine, scrolling Pinterest, contemplating life moments. At the time I was 27 and unfulfilled with my current line of work. I was looking for a change and had no clue what I wanted to do other than “make stuff.” I possessed a love for baking and a passion for natural skincare and then… light bulb I had an idea…. “Mom, I am going to become an esthetician, help people with their skin, and make soap!” “Soap? Why soap? You don’t even use bar soap. You are allergic,” my mom responded. But the idea was planted and I was going for it. I spent the following few days obsessed with the idea. I googled everything soap and skincare related and stumbled upon Anne-Marie’s Soap Queen blog. I watched every video possible, read how-to blogs, and ordered a few soapmaking books from Amazon!

A few weeks later for my birthday, my mom gifted me a cold process soapmaking kit from Bramble Berry. I was so excited! I opened the box, started to work through the recipe, and made my first batch of soap. I was instantly hooked! The rest is history….

Custom birthday box

What advice would you give makers just starting their businesses?
Start small but plan big! Know your numbers and account for your time! Soapmaking as a hobby is completely different than running a sustainable business. Before you embark on selling soap or think about creating a handcrafted business, you need to have a solid plan and understanding of things like the real cost of goods (including your labor and overhead), production procedures and timelines, inventory control, waste management, branding and marketing, customer service, and the laws and regulations that pertain to you depending on where you live and conduct business. I recognize as makers we get excited, create, and want to share it with the world. However, taking the time to have a plan in place and a good understanding of the business side will help you stay on track, focused, and eventually profitable.

What is your favorite type of product to make?
S.O.A.P! I enjoy pouring balms, soy wax candles, and packaging gift boxes, but cold process soap is my favorite product to create. Each batch is unique and one of a kind. You can fully customize your recipe and do away with the use of toxic chemicals, parabens, fillers, and commercial skin-stripping additives. The best part is that you can tailor ingredients to satisfy the needs of different skin types, allergies, or client concerns.

Beautiful soap tops

What is your number one soapmaking tip?
Take the time to educate yourself about the soapmaking process! Do research, watch videos, and become a student of the craft. Understand the importance of lye safety, SAP values, and how to troubleshoot if and when your soapy creation doesn’t go as planned.

How did you come up with the name of your business?
Deciding on a business name is exciting, however, it can be a little daunting – especially in a saturated market. I exhausted multiple names, email domains, and label templates, but I was never fully satisfied with the business name I chose. A few months after I had a deadline to finalize a website purchase and branding collateral, but I couldn’t pull the trigger. I knew that my current business name was not in alignment with what I wanted to create. I wanted something fun and cheeky, eco-friendly, yet natural and feminine.

After a long day of esthetic class, I stopped by Michaels Craft Store looking for inspiration. Cruising down the middle aisles I stumbled upon alphabet letters. I pulled out tons of letters and started piecing words together in the middle of the store. I was currently soaping with a lot of shea butter and seeing the letters sparked an idea. After a few times of ring-around-the-letters and a lot of word play, Salt & Shea was born. I knew I had to create it!

What inspires you to create?
I find inspiration everywhere. My mind operates on a burning desire to make something. Most of the time I have moved onto a new idea before fully processing the last. My friends, family, and current clients always fuel my creative spark and really keep me going. I guess it comes back to the joy of creating something that someone else will find happiness in.

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
I enjoy almost everything Bramble Berry! My favorite products they offer are their natural colorants. They provide a large selection of plant-based powders, clays, and exfoliating additives. My favorite is the purple Brazilian clay. I have found it to be hard to source, so I love that I can get it from Bramble Berry when I place my normal orders. It provides a natural vibrant color and adds mild exfoliating properties to the soap. I love using it in our Lavender Lemongrass bar. It’s one of our top sellers.

Lavender Lemongrass soap

What is something unusual or unique about you?
I’m allergic to everything! I have Celiac disease and have suffered from extremely sensitive skin due to allergies and environmental elements my whole life. Growing up I was allergic to commercial bar soaps, body wash, bubble bath, and pretty much anything that smelled good. I never had the “ luxury” of taking a bath or trying that new lotion or body butter without sending my skin into a complete freak out. I believe my personal experience of navigating life in an “allergic” state puts me in a unique position to understand and show compassion for other people’s sensitivities.

What are some of your other interests and hobbies?
When I’m not creating for Salt & Shea, chances are I am fussing with another DIY “crafty” project. Most of the time you can find me in our garage working with wood, staining crates, and sanding old furniture. My love for wood has definitely influenced my brand and packaging, and it’s something I am really proud of. I also love walking my two dogs, Tyson and Dallas, baking gluten-free treats, and spending quality time with my boyfriend hiking outdoors.

Custom gift boxes

If you could give one product to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
That’s simple! It would definitely be our Zebra Balm (hydrating balm for dry skin). This hydrating balm is skin happiness in a tin! It’s a proven and true favorite among our clients, and it’s my personal favorite product. It’s carefully crafted with organic beeswax that we source locally and skin-loving oils to help hydrate and protect dry, dehydrated skin. I enjoy creating and gifting this balm so much because anyone can use it and everyone loves it! Not only does it smell divine, it leaves you feeling happy, healthy, and hydrated!

Zebra Balm

Have you ever experienced a soapy fail? What did you learn from it?
My biggest soapy fail involves 20 pounds of soap, a 5-gallon bucket, a stick blender that didn’t get to the bottom, and a huge mess. I normally soap 15 pounds at a time, so I figured 5 more wouldn’t hurt. I made my lye, portioned my oils, and added them to a 5-gallon bucket. I should’ve known I was in trouble before I started when the bucket on top of my workspace was almost my height. Ignoring the obvious, I grabbed a step stool, poured my lye, and went to town. Keeping with the theme of ignoring the obvious, I didn’t account for my stick blender being too short or producing enough powder to reach the bottom to fully emulsify and trace. In the time it took to grab a few buckets to portion out some of my batter, my essential oil blend started seizing. I quickly tried to whisk the batter enough to save and pour. The whole batch was literally a nightmare!

If I learned anything from this soapy fail, it would be to know the limitations of your current situation. I planned for a bigger bucket, but forgot about the rest of my equipment.

What do you love most about creating bath and body products?
As a maker, I have a deep love and respect for the handcrafted process as a whole. I appreciate the opportunity to create and I am proud of what I make. What I love the most is the joy that fills my heart when my clients and new customers come back and tell me how much they loved Salt & Shea, the difference they see and feel on their skin, or how they felt when they gifted one of our boxes. To me, it’s so much more than making soap or creating body care, it’s about making someone feel good! It’s my favorite part of the whole process!

Pineapple Papaya soap

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Interview with Ruth of PotterMade Soap

August 22, 2018 Filed Under: Business Musings

Ruth with PotterMade Soap started making cold process only 2 years ago. Since then, she’s mastered multiple techniques including layers and swirls. Customers and fellow makers love her intricate designs and beautiful photos. Learn more about how Ruth got started, what inspires her, and her soapmaking tips.

Bridal shower favors

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
I have been soaping for just over two years. My mom, who is a china painter and quilter, turned her talents to making cold process soap. As she became more experienced, she not only offered to teach me, but also lent me the needed supplies. After my first solo batch, I was completely hooked! You know how they say that when you find your passion in life, the work is actually fun – that’s how soaping is for me! I quickly delved into learning the art by studying every tutorial on Soap Queen. Afterwards, I wanted to explore more about the design aspect of soaping so I purchased Anne-Marie’s soaping books and experimented with new, elaborate creations. I was delighted with the way my soaps turned out! The Soap Queen video tutorials, informative articles, and blog could not have been more helpful in satisfying my desire to learn more and helping me gain the necessary skills.

Wildflower Honey Soap

What advice would you give to those soapermakers just starting their businesses?
Give yourself time to explore the technique and science of soaping. It is so important to get some good experience under your belt. Soaping as a hobby and soaping as a business are two very different things. Educate yourself on the business aspect by understanding the laws and regulations in your area before diving in. Give yourself time to perfect your recipes. When you are ready, go for it and surround yourself with positive people who lift and encourage you!

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Cold process soap, hands down! I love how cold process soap is 100% customizable from the choice of oils and butters used, to the color, design, and fragrances. I love the artistry of soaping. I truly believe soap is a consumable art form. Making soap is magical to me and truly my happy place. My family can walk in the door and tell I’ve made soap just by the smile on my face and, of course, how wonderful the house smells.

Berries and Vanilla Soap

What inspires you to create?
My family and friends inspire me to create. I love creating a visual representation of a fragrance. It is very rewarding to create soap that becomes a simple pleasure and an added luxury in someone’s life. Soap makes such beautiful gifts. Everyone needs and uses soap!

How did you come up with the name for your business?
Choosing a name was really difficult! It felt like such a commitment! My last name is Potter, so I thought PotterMade, like homemade, would describe my products beautifully.

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself.
I just completed my first half marathon! I had never run more than a few miles at a time and that was way back in high school. My husband inspired me to try after he trained and completed his first marathon a year ago. It was amazing to set a goal to do something I had never dreamt of attempting. I was filled with a huge sense of accomplishment and gratitude when I crossed that finish line. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Swirl soap

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
My husband and children are my whole heart! I have been married for 18 years and I have four children ages 15 to 6. I love being a wife and mother and I love every minute I can spend with my family. I also love to bake, read, run, and nap. 🙂

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
Oh I have so many that I love! I love using Bramble Berry’s micas to create a range of vibrant colors in my soaps. Also, Bramble Berry’s activated charcoal is my favorite of any charcoal I have purchased. It creates a beautifully smooth charcoal bar of soap.

Charcoal soap

Have you ever experienced a soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
Oh yes indeed! Last Christmas I was making soap to give as Christmas gifts to my friends and neighbors. I was attempting my biggest batch to date – 12 lbs. in one container. I didn’t realize that my stick blender could not reach to the bottom of the container. I poured these beautiful bars with intricate green swirls, with a gold-dusted textured top, that smelled of fresh Christmas trees. The tops were stunning and I couldn’t wait to cut it to see the swirls inside! I noticed the top had a wetness to it I was not used to, but hoped everything would fully soak in and saponify overnight.

The next evening, with my first cut, I noticed tiny lye pockets oozing from the bars. I was devastated! The bars looked beautiful, but the only way to save them was to rebatch them. I may have stomped my foot and shed a little tear, but then I figuratively rolled up my sleeves, grated up each bar then and there, and rebatched them that night. My beautifully-swirled bars were now very rustic green soaps with a rough textured top that resembled tree bark. Thankfully the rustic nature of the bars coordinated with their beautiful pine tree scent. Many people commented how they loved that the bars looked like wood and I never told them it was all because of a careless mistake. I learned how important it is to be able to roll with unexpected results and that even our mistakes can create beautiful soaps that can be enjoyed.

Black and white soap

If you were to give one of your products to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
I would give them one of my Honey & Oats bars. It is a very gentle bar of soap with a cheerful sweet scent everyone loves. I stamp each bar with a dusted gold bee stamp and so many customers comment how much joy that little bee brings to them. I love creating products that not only benefit our skin, but also add a touch of happiness to everyday life.

What is your number one soapmaking tip?
Respect the lye. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear. Oh – and clean up right after you finish making soap. I always breathe a sigh of contentment after washing that last bowl or spatula.

Island Escape Soap

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Interview with Meagan of Avery Grey Soapery

February 19, 2018 Filed Under: Business Musings

Meagan of Avery Grey Soapery is known for both sophisticated and whimsical cold process designs. Her love of movies, books, and music often inspire her creations, leading to playful projects like Mad Hatter and Maleficent soaps. We love to see what she creates on her Instagram. Learn more about how Meagan got started making soap and what she learned along the way.

Meagan’s Siren soap. She was inspired by the original story of The Little Mermaid, written by Hans Christian Andersen.

How long have you been soaping and how did you get started?
I’ve been soaping for a little over 6 years now. I’ve had a love for handcrafted things ever since I can remember. I once made my grandparents sit and wait for me while I watched a man make moccasins completely by hand, start to finish, from leather that he tanned himself.

So, almost 10 years ago I found a tutorial on soap making in a book that my grandfather had. It was full of other hand crafting tutorials, but something about soap making interested me. I spent years researching because I was so intimidated at the thought of using lye! I wanted to have all the information I could possibly find before I made my first batch, and once I finally took the leap, I fell in love.

Coffee soap, made with freshly brewed coffee and coffee grounds.

What advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
I would say to not be afraid of starting small or starting slow. You don’t have to come out of the gate with huge product lines and numerous scents. Have a vision of what you want your business to be in five years, in ten years. Think about your full potential. Keep your vision in mind and work towards it. Start with one product, don’t overwhelm yourself immediately.

Do your research on your products, get opinions from friends and family, and test everything. And remember, it’s ok to take a break! It’s easy to get a little burned out, especially after the holidays, so don’t be afraid to take time off every now and then to rest and regroup. You’ll be better for it, and your business will too.

Mad Hatter soap, fragranced with green tea and cucumber.

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Soap is absolutely my favorite product to make. I enjoy bath bombs, body scrubs, and other products, but soap is my love. Every batch turns out different, even when I try to make them as similar as I can, it’s always a mystery. I’m always so excited to cut into a new loaf. What will the inside look like? Will it turn out like I planned, or maybe be something even better? It’s a fun surprise each time.

Georgia Peach soap, topped with leaf soap embeds.

What inspires you to create?
So many different things! Sometimes it comes from books or movies like my Mad Hatter and Maleficent soaps. I have a huge list of concepts waiting to be made that were inspired by some of my favorite book characters. I pull inspiration from photos, from sunsets, from music. I have so many photos saved because the colors in them make me want to recreate them in soap.

Music makes me want to make things. A friend and I were discussing our favorite music from high school, and it resulted in my 80’s Baby Soap! Sometimes I have no clear plan when I order a fragrance, but the first time I smell it I immediately know what I want to make and what it should look like. Recently I pulled from my heritage and let Mardi Gras inspire me, and Voodoo Woman and Mardi Gras soaps were created.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
I wrestled with a name for the longest time! Nothing I came up with sounded right, and nothing my friends and family came up with sounded right either. So, I finally decided to name it after my children. My husband and I could only agree on a first name for our oldest, and we ended up letting my mother choose his middle name, so he’s Hayden Avery. When our daughter came along we found ourselves in the exact same position, agreeing on a first name but not being able to come to a compromise on a middle name. So again, we let my mother choose, and we have Adeline Grey.

Using their names was a way for me to bring three generations into one. My mother is a huge supporter, so it felt right to use the names she chose for my kids to name my business. I do this for me, but I also do this for my children. To set an example for them so that they know they can accomplish what they put their mind to. And naming something so important after the most important people in my life seemed a perfect start.

Maleficent soap. Scented with an absinthe fragrance and topped with Aurora’s crown and Maleficent’s staff.

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
I absolutely adore the Cactus Flower Fragrance Oil. It’s a little sweet and floral without being overpowering. It’s one of those fragrances that makes you stop and smell it every time you pass it on the curing rack. My husband and son asked to keep the whole batch I made with it! I’m normally not a big fan of floral fragrances, but this one won me over as soon as I twisted the lid open.

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself!
I am an extremely forgetful person. I have reminders, calendars, sticky notes, and notebooks to remind myself of everything I need to do. And yet, I can remember every book I have ever read, and the words to any song I’ve heard more than 5 or 6 times. I have to wait years to re-read a book so that I forget enough of the details to find it interesting again. I also read extremely fast, and my average number of books I read a year is about 250. And when it comes to music, my sister and my son like to play a game where they play songs they know and see if I know the words. I always win!

Lovely Lavender soap, topped with pink Himalayan salt.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
Well, you know I love reading and music. I also like to quilt, knit and paint. I’m a bit of a craft-a-holic, I pick up hobbies left and right! History is another interest. I love to learn, especially about other cultures and ancient civilizations. I love to travel, and I’ve been to almost 40 states and 4 other countries. Montana is my favorite place (besides home), and I hope to one day travel to Greece where I can combine my love of history with my love of travel.

What is your number one soaping tip?
Have a backup plan! Sometimes things happen, our batter thickens up more than we’d like, a fragrance accelerates, or a color morphs. Have a back up plan just in case so you can move seamlessly (more or less) from one plan to another. And don’t be disappointed when you don’t get to execute your original design. Sometimes a soapy design fail can be one of the most beautiful soaps you’ve ever made!

North Pole soap, created with Tussah silk.

Have you ever experienced a horrible soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
I definitely have had a few horrible fails. For one of them, I had grand plans for a sea fragrance that I was madly in love with. I was going to have some complicated swirls, a textured top, oh! It was going to be gorgeous. Ha! The reality was that as soon as I added that divine fragrance I ended up with soap on a stick. Or several sticks really, as I had already separated my batter into 4 different colors. In the end I smooshed all four colors together in the bowl and crammed it into the mold. I’m pretty sure I could have won an “Ugliest Soap” contest with that one. But, I learned to always, always pay attention to the fragrance description and reviews. If I had, I could have had a successful, albeit plainer, soap.

Another fail I had was because of a fragrance. I had a customer request a custom loaf in unicorn colors. I grabbed a fragrance that I felt went with a unicorn theme and went to work. Well. It really helps to check and make sure your fragrance doesn’t discolor when you make a soap with pastel colors. After a few days the bars looked like I had made them with a camouflage theme. Definitely not the delicate unicorn colors I started with, haha!

Top left, clockwise: Rainbow, Tonka Bean Noir, Blackberry Magnolia, Plain Jane.

If you were to give one of your products to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
If I could give one of my products to a stranger, I would probably choose one of my latest. Right now, I’d pick Voodoo Woman. The fragrance is one of my current favorites, and the colors are beautiful. It’s Mardi Gras, but a little dark and mysterious. I always think the last soap I make is my favorite. Then I make another and I think to myself, oh, this is definitely my favorite. So far, Voodoo Woman is holding out as a top favorite!

What do you love most about creating bath and body products?
I love making people feel good, about themselves and just in general. Especially moms. I hope that when someone uses my products it brings them joy. That it helps them find a little peace in a day that may not have had any, or has had very little. I also love the complexity of creating new products. I have a notebook that is absolutely filled with recipes, ideas and concepts for one product or another. Putting together a concept from beginning to end, from the recipe, to the fragrance, to the colors and design is so much fun. And seeing it come to life is amazing. When someone loves something that I created, it makes me so happy!

Mustache soaps, created for a baby shower.

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Chatting with Ariane of La Fille de la Mer

October 17, 2016 Filed Under: Business Musings

Ariane of La Fille de la Mer creates stunning soap, scrubs, balms and more on the Magdalen Islands in Quebec, Canada. Ariane is well known in the soaping community for her amazing soaping videos on her YouTube channel. In particular, Ariane creates stunning cupcake soaps with her impressive piping skills. She also incorporates many local ingredients in her products, which really makes them stand out. Learn more about how Ariane got started, her tips for making soaping videos, and the inspiration for her creations in the interview below! – A.M.

Ariane’s Coffee & Vanilla Soap, made with coffee from the Magdalen Islands.

How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
Time has gone so fast! I feel like it was yesterday that my mom called me to tell me she was buying a small shop in our beautiful Magdalen Islands. I was in Montreal at the time, studying arts at University of Quebec in Montreal. She wanted me to make crafts and art to sell in the shop, as it was located in a very touristic spot and it would give me a summer job opportunity. I had been fascinated by soapmaking since I was a child, seeing my great aunt make her laundry soap out of Gillett’s Caustic Soda and scrap kitchen oils or grease! For a child, turning grease into soap was pretty impressive! I had my great aunt’s recipe with me for many years and had almost forgotten about it until that day when the phone rang! I had $200 in my bank account and I just ran and searched for soap supplies and a melt & pour book.

I was busy making soaps in my tiny apartment kitchen and my mom was just like: “What???? You want to sell soap like your grandma used to make??? It’s NEVER going to sell!” She had the laundry soap in mind and was worried I had spent my last dollars at the wrong place. My dad was talking in the background, “Just let her make soap! If it doesn’t sell, she doesn’t have much to lose!” And there, I came home on the ferry that year with 9 bricks of melt & pour, a few necklaces & handmade postcards and guess what flew off the shelves in less than a week? The soaps! It was crazy! We had to order more supplies from Montreal, wait for the ferry to arrive weekly and make more soap to sell right away. It was a success and I just never stopped making soaps since then! Of course, fast enough, I wanted to learn about cold processed soaps and other handmade cosmetics.

In addition to soap, Ariane also makes balms, bath salts, scrubs, candles and more.

What sort of advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
Don’t listen to your mom! Just kidding! Seriously, my advice would be to learn as much as you can and make soaps on a small scale basis at first to really get to know what soapmaking is all about. Try your soaps and once you have enough confidence, you can have your friends and family test them to get some feedback. Start small, that is what I did and I built my way up. I started to make soap in my apartment, then I used my parents cottage for around 8 years. Now I have a small workshop that takes the entire basement of my house. I do have dreams for a bigger workshop after 15 years at this job! Hopefully it will happen soon!

Top left, clockwise: A collection of Ariane’s cold process soap, melt and pour soap, and a large batch of pink cold process soap.

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Honeycomb Melt & Pour Soap Tutorial

August 9, 2016 Filed Under: Bath & Body Tutorials, Melt & Pour Soap

Over the past few years, I have spent more and more time in my garden. As my garden has grown, so has my appreciation for honey bees. Honey bees pollinate a wide variety of agricultural crops, making them a critical part of our ecosystem. The decline of the honey bee population, known as Colony Collapse Disorder, poses a serious threat to our environment and economy.

These Honeycomb Melt & Pour Soaps were inspired by the hard-working insects. They’re made with Honey Melt and Pour Soap Base, which contains real honey. Pure Honey Fragrance Oil gives these bars a sweet and delectable scent. To mimic the color of honeycomb, I used a combination of King’s Gold Mica and just a touch of Cappuccino Mica. The result is a vibrant and rich gold color.

I highly recommend having a spray bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol nearby for this project. Spritzing the soap with alcohol gets rid of air bubbles and will prevent the bee details from coming apart from the honeycomb. Filling in the bee details takes a steady hand and a little patience. I recommend using a dropper or Injector Tool to fill in the black stripes. Without these tools, it’s tricky to fill in such small details. A Clean Up Tool is perfect for fixing any mistakes; I definitely used it a few times! =)

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Chatting with Emily of Shieh Design Studio

April 25, 2016 Filed Under: Business Musings

Emily of Shieh Design Studio and Soap and Restless is well known in the soaping community for her gorgeous creations. Emily is a masterful soaper and has a keen eye for design. In fact, Emily is a designer at an architecture firm, and her skills show in every bar of soap. Emily’s product photography also sets her items apart – check out her beautiful photos to see what I mean! To learn more about Emily, including her photography tips and advice for starting a blog, in the interview below. -A.M.

Emily’s gorgeous Honey Moon Soap, watch her make it here!

How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I started soaping in the summer of 2010, it would be 6 years in a few months. I don’t have a fancy story of how I started making my own soap from scratch, just simply not satisfied with the feel and scent commercial wash left on my skin. What really caught my interest in making my own soap and other bath & body products is that the OCD me loves the idea of having total control. I love how I can personalize every aspect of my bath & body products from the way it looks to the way it smells and feels.

What sort of advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
To be honest, selling bath & body products is never my main source of income, it’s more of an obsession and hobby than anything. I’m not really good at running profitable business, I’m afraid to give any business advice. However, I’ve always told myself to keep an open mind. There is so much to learn in making bath & body products, even the most experienced senior soap makers can learn a thing or 2 every so often. The science and art of making soap, or any bath & body products in the matter of fact, is endless. With an open mind, your possibility is limitless.

Left to right, clockwise: Viva la Juicy (type) Soap, Melon Mojito Soap, Opium Poppy Soap

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Chatting with Carmen of Earths Raw Beauty

March 28, 2016 Filed Under: Business Musings

Carmen of Earths Raw Beauty has been soaping for less than a year, but you would never know it by the number of techniques she has mastered. I first stumbled on her colorful soap on the #SoapShare tag on Instagram, and was in awe of her abilities. Each soapy design showcases a different technique, whether it be her precise layers, perfect rainbow hues or skillful swirls. If there is one consistent factor in Carmen’s soap of Earths Raw Beauty, it is that each each bar is completely distinct. Read on to find out more about Carmen, including how she got started soaping and her unique method of using goat milk. -A.M.

Carmen’s beautiful Spectrum Bits Cold Process Soap, scented with bergamot and white tea.

How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I’ve been soaping for 7 months now. To be more precise it’s been 7 months and 2 weeks and I’m looking forward to many, many more. Every time I get asked this question I answer “Texas did it to me!” and it’s true! I was in Texas for a week at the end of July last year and I swear, there was something in the air. I actually started off by making skin care products in March of last year. Soap was never on my mind. While in Texas, during my very first day, I found myself watching soap making videos. Don’t ask me how I started watching them because I seriously have no idea. I just remember being fascinated by the action of a stick blender going through the melted oils and lye solution. Even now I could watch someone stick blend soap for 10-15 minutes.

Most soap makers started because they wanted a natural solution, or they wanted to give homemade gifts. I started because I was fascinated by a stick blender in action. Little did I know that the stick blender was only the beginning of the magic. I spent that entire week in the hotel room reading and watching videos about soap making. I watched all the Soaping101 and Soap Queen TV videos, and I read as much as I could. Then I ordered a silicone mold and lye from Amazon because I wanted to make sure I had them in my mail box when I got home. I got home on July 31st (yes, I remember because it’s the first day I ever made soap) at 7 p.m., and as soon as I got home I made my very first batch of soap. It was all it took for me to fall in love with soap, especially after I cut the first slice. I’ve been hooked since.

What sort of advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
When it comes to business I can’t really give any advice, I have a lot to learn in that department. It’s been less than 8 months since I made my first batch, therefore I didn’t start selling until 2 months ago. For now I sell on Etsy, and of course to my friend’s friends and their friends, the word of mouth spreads really fast.

Left to right: Rainbow Cold Process Soap, Balanced Energy Natural Soap

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Now this is a very easy question. I make all kinds of skin care products: salves, butters, balms, creams, lotions, scrubs, bath bombs (my worst enemy), etc. By far, cold process soap is my favorite product to make.

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Interview with Lauren of Single Barrel Soaps

October 26, 2015 Filed Under: Business Musings

I have been a longtime fan of Single Barrel Soaps. Made by Lauren, Single Barrel Soaps are instantly recognizable from the cute barrel stamp in the center of each bar. This clever marketing technique really helps set Lauren’s amazing soaps apart! In addition, Single Barrel Soaps’ work is full of different techniques and eye-catching designs. Keep reading to learn more about Lauren’s branding, creative process and how she started soaping. -A.M.

Single Barrel Soaps’ Shea & Cocoa Butter Soap, scented with Energy Fragrance Oil.

How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
Bubble baths and handcrafted soaps have always been my area to splurge on. After having two kids, I figured a great way to save money would be to try to make my own bath fizzes and soap, and since then I have been hooked! I did tons of research online, bought books, read blogs (SoapQueen.com), watched videos and started making bath products and melt and pour soap. At first I was really intimidated by cold process soap and the ever scary lye! But I quickly got over that fear and I haven’t looked back since!

Last Christmas I made tons of soaps, bath truffles and candles as presents for my family and friends. There was such an amazingly positive reaction from them that I had enough confidence and support to start Single Barrel Soaps, LLC in the beginning of this year.

What sort of advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
This can be a really hard business to start, and be successful in, since we have to make our products so far ahead of time and pay for our supplies upfront. So, take a good look at where you want your business to go and take the time to write a business plan. For all the creative people out there this can be a very hard thing to do (speaking from personal experience). However, in the long run, it really gives you a blueprint to work from and be successful. Also, keep really good records of all of your expenses because they can add up very quickly!

I truly believe if you love and are enthusiastic about what you do, it will show in your overall business and people will be drawn to your products.

Top left, clockwise: Lavender and Cedar Soap, Bonsai Soap, Tobacco & Bourbon Soap, Baseball Blend Soap

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Interview with Margaret of Sweet Soft Skin Handmade Soaps

June 1, 2015 Filed Under: Business Musings

Margaret of Sweet Soft Skin Handmade Soaps creates gorgeous soap that is full of color and personality. Her signature style are bars with plenty of layers, soap frosting, embeds and glitter. The result is showstopping! Read on to learn more about Margaret, including what inspires her color palettes and her number one soaping tip! -A.M.

Margaret’s adorable berry soap cupcakes. Margaret is known for her use of embeds, glitter and lots of color.

How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I started soaping two and a half years ago. I was gifted some nice soap from my brother-in-law for my birthday and looked up how soap was made. It sounded like a cool process and something that would be fun to do with my homeschooled children to illustrate the usefulness and marvels of chemistry. We all made a batch as a family (my husband helped too) and I was hooked!

What sort of advice would you give to those soapers just starting their businesses?
I think the most important thing when you are starting to turn your soaping into a business is to be patient and set small goals for yourself. I already had some experience with a (failed) etsy store before, so I was under no illusions that it would be easy. My first goal was just to get some of the soap out of my house so that I would have room to make more! The Soap Queen blog helped me think about further goals and motivated me to keep taking small steps towards turning my interest in making soap into a little business. Each time you meet a goal is a good opportunity to chart where you want to go next.

Beautiful Sunshine and Rainbows Cold Process Soap. I love the sparkle on top!

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Cold Process soap is my one true love! I’ve made bubble bars, lip balms, and even bath bombs as well; but nothing beats the satisfaction of pouring a loaf of cold process soap. I make lip balms because it is really simple and why not make it when it is something you need, but everything else while neat to try seems like work and soaping is like play.

Margaret’s Lemon Verbena Soap Bars. Her stamp looks phenomenal!

What inspires you to create?
My sister-in-law Rosie is my inspiration. She taught me to quilt, she made costumes for my daughters so they could be whatever they wanted every Halloween, and she was the first fan of my soap. I had made soaps to be Christmas presents for family when I first started making soap. When it became clear that the cancer we thought she was beating was going to claim her before then she got her soap early and how much she loved it really meant a lot to me. I think of her every time I do anything creative. She was a sparkling, happy, creative person who is my inspiration in all things handmade. The peacock in my logo is for her. The peacock is a symbol of the resurrection.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
Oh gosh, names are the worst! I’ve always liked to write and compose stories to myself in my head, but any time I put pen to paper I always get stuck on the names. My mind totally blanks and nothing sounds right. It’s total agony. I bounced many ideas around in my head (and wrote them out) for days. I wanted something that rolled off the tongue but was not too goofy. Sweet Soft Skin was the first thing I came up with that didn’t make me unhappy so I chose it and stuck with it glad to have the naming challenge behind me.

Top Row: Strawberries and Champagne, Black Raspberry Vanilla Bars
Bottom Row: Colors Before Night Soap Bars, Licorice Soap Bars

You have such vibrant and colorful soaps. Where do you find inspiration for your color palettes?
Back when I was first married I really like quilting. Going into a fabric store and seeing all the colors, choosing a bunch and coming home and making something bright and cheerful so I could feel surrounded by beauty really made me happy. A quilt takes many hours of work to make, however, and after a few years my linen cupboards where full and there was not as much time available to me. I missed all the vibrance of those colors and when I found soaping it all came back to me. I can whip together a gorgeous soap in 1 to 2 hours and in addition to gorgeous colors I get aromatherapy from working with various scents and get to keep and use something that is beautiful and useful afterwards. What is not to love?

The top of your soap often features fun frosting, embeds and sparkle. What’s your favorite soapy topping?
My favorite embeds are the seasonal shapes like snowflakes, pumpkins, butterflies, and seashells. It is really fun to get psyched for the upcoming season and bringing to mind all the things you love about it. I am also inspired by the pastry arts. My mom would let us play with frosting as kids. She’d give us a piping bag and cookie sheets and let us try out making different shapes and designs. Blending these different things together is just fun and I love them all!

Sweet Soft Skin Handmade Soap’s beautiful Berry Mango Cold Process Soap.

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
Do I have to pick just one? There are so many! Your Cherry Almond Fragrance is a bestseller for me. The Champagne Fragrance Oil is my favorite blender. It goes with anything and really brightens it up. I love your 5 lb mold and liners, your spatulas, so many things! You guys offer a great variety of wonderful items and then there is also the Soap Queen blog which is such a source of support and inspiration.

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself!
I have red hair and freckles, but I am one quarter Mexican. I speak fluent Spanish because I grew up in Puerto Rico and my schooling from pre K through High School was all in that language. I always get a kick out of the reactions I get when I speak to people and they are shocked by that. I grew up in a Hispanic culture and really feel like a part of it even though I don’t look it at all.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
I am an avid reader. I read all kinds of books and get through 5-8 in a month unless I get caught up in something like “Brother’s Karamazov.” I also like to make beeswax candles for myself and family members, quilting, and baking.

Top Row: Gummi Bear Soap Bars, Patriotic Pie Berry Soap
Bottom Row: Lavender Martini Soap Bars, Goody Goody Gumdrops Soap Bars

What is your number one soaping tip?
Start out with small batches so that you can make lots of soap without it taking up all your space! This way you can try those new techniques and fragrances you just have to try without all the guilt. A good scale is very important when working with smaller batches though, so make sure you have one. A big part of learning your art is to practice, and you don’t want to sell soap until you have a real grasp on how it all works, so small batches let you practice, practice, practice.

Have you ever experienced a horrible soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t experience a soapy fail at one time or another. I find that for me it usually happens when I am feeling confident, but rushed. When I think I can handle and accelerating fragrance, or don’t look up a new fragrance because I think I remember how the reviewers said it behaves, that is when my small carelessness causes problems. The important thing is to stay calm! Small disasters like soap on a stick or acceleration that means your design won’t happen are distressing, but if you don’t panic you can improvise and even plop and glop soaps are perfectly useable even if they don’t embody your original vision.

Margaret’s beautiful Beachcomber cupcakes.

What do you love most about creating bath and body products?
I love that you end up with beautiful, great smelling, and extremely useful things at the end of the process. The combination of use and beauty delights me. Getting to use beautiful things is so pampering, a small every day luxury that is accessible to anyone! Plus they are so fun to create.

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Interview with Sami of Poor & Pretty Apothecary

April 15, 2015 Filed Under: Business Musings

While browsing Pinterest one night, I stumbled upon these adorable Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Champagne Buttercream Frosting on the blog, Poor & Pretty. It was clear they were created by someone with serious DIY skills and a creative eye. Following the blog led me to Sami Jo’s Etsy shop, Poor & Pretty Apothecary, where Sami creates gorgeous collections of salts, scrubs, masks and more. Sami’s products are beautifully packaged and photographed. One of her niches is that her products are 100% vegan. Find out how blogging has helped Sami’s beauty business, along with her tips for starting a blog in the interview below! If you’re looking for even more blogging tips, check out 5 Things to Know Before Starting a Blog post. -A.M.

A collection of Poor and Pretty Apothecary rose products, including Rose Tea Facial Toner, Rose Face Mask and Rose Salt Scrub.

How long have you been making bath and beauty products for and how did you get started?
I was 13 when I made my first foray into soapmaking. I’ve been a crafter my whole life, and constantly on the lookout for new things to make. I discovered melt and pour soap supplies at my local craft store and couldn’t wait to start my own lab in the kitchen. I melted down the clear, unscented soap base in our microwave, burned it, added fragrance and color anyway, poured this mixture into a few star and moon-shaped molds and anxiously waited for them to harden. Our kitchen stunk, but I was hooked (to my family’s dismay). I continued making soap on and off since then, mostly for myself, family, and friends, and my skills improved tremendously.
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Interview with Kangaroo Apple Soap Studio

March 30, 2015 Filed Under: Business Musings

Kangaroo Apple Soap Studio creates colorful cold process soaps that showcase what an artform soapmaking is. Several months ago, the talented proprieter Lisa won the Facebook Photo of the Week contest with an intricate swirl cold process soap. After looking at her soap, I immediately wanted to know more. Lisa’s passion for soap shines with a masterful use of color and swirls. Read on to learn more about Kangaroo Apple Soap Studio, including how she came up with her unique business name and where she finds color inspiration. -A.M.

Lisa’s Misty Rainbow Soap created for the in-the-pot swirl Great Cakes Soap Challenge.

How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I have been making soap for about 4 years. I have always had an artistic streak but few opportunities to put it into practice, and I was feeling a bit rebellious one year about the Christmas retail ‘machine,’ so I decided to do my own thing. As I was browsing online bookstores for candle-making guides, there was a suggestion that I may also like ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Making Natural Soaps’ by Sally Trew and Zonella Gould. Well, I bought the book, and I was promptly so enamoured with making soap that the candle idea went on the back-burner for quite a while (no pun intended).
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