Jessica started soaping during the holidays to make Christmas gifts for family and friends. This sparked a passion and, an idea and her gifts turned into her company Bellabrice Body Care and has been creating beautiful soaps every since. You never know when a new found passion will emerge! Read on to learn more about Jessica, her business tips and what inspires her to create gorgeous soapy creations.
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Interview with The Silk Soap Company
Several months ago, I received a magazine along with a kind note from Kristen Koscielniak of The Silk Soap Company. Kristen and her soapy business had landed the cover of Delray Beach Magazine, and Kristen reached out to share her exciting news.
After a wide range of store-bought products left her skin feeling dry and irritated, Kristen began making her own melt and pour soap with added silk and hasn’t stopped! Read on to learn more about Kristen, her experience with branding and what inspires her to create. -A.M.
Nail Polish for Celebs: Chatting with Ellison’s Organics
Getting your products in the hands of customers — no less celebrities — is no easy feat. Carleigh Pearce of Ellison’s Organics did both. She started her soap and cosmetic business in 2012, and by April 2014 she had her handmade nail polishes in gift bags at GBK’s Luxury Gift Lounge in honor of the 2014 MTV Movie Awards Nominees & Presenters.
Carleigh mixes each unique polish color by hand using Bramble Berry’s micas and pigments. She also specializes in organic-oils melt and pour soap, and her Lego building blocks and figurines are a hit with kids. Read on to learn more about how Carleigh built her ever-growing nail polish & soap business from scratch!
A quick note: ‘Organic’ is a heavily regulated term by the USDA, while ‘natural’ is not. Do your homework before purchasing products that are labeled as ‘organic,’ and keep in mind that ‘natural’ could mean a range of things. Check out this blog post for more information. Bramble Berry carries a certified-oils Organic Melt & Pour Base as well as Organic Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils.
Sudsing up with London Suds
There are too few male soap artists, but maybe the work of today’s soapy spotlight interview will change that. James Troia began soaping in 2013 after purchasing a $9 bar of soap that quickly fell apart. Determined to make something better, he started London Suds and hasn’t stopped soaping since. Read on to learn more about James, his soapy business, and how he has embraced social media to his advantage.
Interview with a “Jill of all Trades”
Mom, soaper and self-proclaimed “Jill of all Trades,” Jill Keck of Calise Soapworks is a soapmaker that stands out. She uses bright colors, adventurous techniques and skin-nourishing ingredients to craft one-of-a-kind soaps. After being continually frustrated by “gentle” products that still left her daughter’s skin dry, she took matters into her own hands and started making her own products.
Six years later, Jill has a successful Etsy shop, a large Facebook page community and she has become a fixture of the local farmer’s market scene in her hometown of Newport, Oregon. Read on to find our how her Calise Soapworks & Such grew from a small operation to a full-fledged business.
Soap Queen: How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I’ve been soaping for about 6 years. I made my first batch of soap to try and help my family. My oldest daughter’s skin was continually dry. I kept purchasing all sorts of “natural” products and nothing seemed to be working. My best friend had made soap, and it got me thinking that I could try my hand at it, too. I really liked the idea of knowing exactly what was going into my soap and onto my daughter’s skin. After my first batch, I was hooked!
Cozying up with Kenisco Soap Bar
For many soapers, opening a retail store is a dream come true. Sites such as Etsy & eBay make it easy to complete sales online. However, there’s nothing quite like a brick & mortar store to display your creations and interact face-to-face with customers. With a year and a half of soaping under their belts, Erin and Kirsten opened Kensico Soap Bar in 2012. Read on to learn her top advice for soapers.
Soap Queen: How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
We started creating bath and body products over a year and a half ago, and opened our retail store in September 2012. During our decade long friendship, we talked about creating a business that would be fun for our children and be a part of our neighborhood. After exploring several business ideas, a lightbulb went off in workshops held in NYC by Marla Bosworth. We were excited about creating a unique shopping experience as well as place for crafting, and wanted a place that was comfortable for all ages.
Jabbering with Jangle Soapworks
There’s no doubting the popularity of goat milk soaps, and Janelle of Jangle Soapworks has elevated milk soaping to an art form. Janelle lives in rural Wisconsin with her family and her small herd of alpine dairy goats. The goats are milked by hand and then the fresh, raw milk is added to the soaps for extra skin-nourishing goodness. All of Janelle’s beautiful soaps include 100% goats milk instead of distilled water, and her favorite way to scent and colors soap is with natural colorants and essential oils. Read on to learn more about Janelle and her happy herd of goats!
Chatting with Kenna of Modern Soapmaking
A talented crafter whose soapy empire seems to expand year after year, Kenna of Modern Soapmaking and the Gratitude Soapery (formally Amathia Soapworks!) is one businesswoman we sincerely admire. Kenna has been soaping for almost a decade, and in that time she has made a name for herself as someone with a meticulous eye for detail. No swirl or sparkle is ever out of place! I often draw inspiration from Kenna and her designs, and earlier this year we were pleased to feature her 100% coconut oil cold process recipe on this blog.
Earlier this month, Kenna announced the retirement of Amathia Soapworks and introduced Modern Soapmaking, which she hails as the soapmaker’s companion. Loaded with tips, tutorials and ebooks, it’s a soapmakers best friend. Not only that, she also announced her newest business outfit, Gratitude Soapery. A portion of the soapy sales go to a featured charity, as well as to programs that benefit Kenna’s local community in Kansas City, Mo. Read on to learn more about what inspires one of our industry’s most cutting-edge soapers:
Soap Queen: How long have you been soaping for and how did you get started?
I have been soaping for almost ten years now. I began soaping in 2004, with my introduction to soap making guided by a lovely local soap maker named Judy, the woman behind Sunrise Soaps. At the time, they had a shop on Main St. in Gardner, Kansas. I wandered in there one day and we hit it off.
And then there was Kathy Miller’s website. At the time, Kathy’s website was one of the very few online resources for soap making. My first batch was peppermint soap with a red clay swirl. I used common grocery store oils, from a recipe on Kathy’s website. It was poured in a $2 kitty litter pan I bought at Wal-Mart and lined with a trash bag. That batch made something ridiculous like 30-40 bars of soap, but turned out great and sparked my love affair for the craft.
Squeaky Clean with Soap4Squares (Interview)
The soaping community is as diverse as they come, but it’s safe to say we all have one thing in common: we all like to “nerd out” when it comes to soap! Andrea Edgar took that idea step further in 2010 when she opened Soap4Squares, her soapy business that caters to fellow soapy nerds. Andrea has been a long time Soap Queen reader, and last year she was even one of 11 sponsored athletes for our first ever Bramble Berry Athletic Club. Read on to learn more about her soapy business and geek out over some totally cool soaps!
Soap Queen: How long have you been soaping for? And how did you get started?
I began soaping in 2010 while pregnant with my son. My skin became so incredibly sensitive during the pregnancy that almost everything on the market caused me to break out in hives! In my search for a gentle, natural, and fun cleansing option, I stumbled upon the Soap Queen blog and Soap Queen TV channel. I was intrigued with the idea that I could make amazing products at home, that were better for my skin, and a fraction of the cost of store bought soap! I dove in head first and haven’t looked back.
Talking with Tanya of Baby Duck Soap Co.
Ever since Tanya Rasley included some adorable samples of her lip balm in her April Soap Swap package, we’ve been hooked on her beautiful soaps and high-quality products. Tanya owns and operates Baby Duck Soap Co., and she offers a wide variety of cold process soaps, body butters, lip balms and sugar scrubs. Since then, I found her on Instagram and love to see her happy soap and family photos frequently. Read on to learn more about one inspirational small businesswoman.
Enjoying Soapy Cupcakes with Lucia Soaps
I just can’t seem to get enough of soapy cupcakes lately! Earlier this week we featured a soaper who specializes in dessert-themed treats (including plenty of cupcakes!) and I’ve made many batches of cupcakes myself (check out these cuties we made earlier this summer for the Soap Crafting release party.) Soapy cupcakes have always been one of my favorite things to make, and I’m always excited to see my fellow soapers’ take on them. Lucia Felty, owner of Lucia Soaps Etc, LLC., shares my enthusiasm for soapy cupcakes and other soaps with a foodie flair, and I couldn’t wait to chat with her about how creates her sweet treats.
Soap Queen: How long have you been soaping? Why did you start?
I began soaping about 10 years ago when I was almost 50. My friend Becky, who had been reading a book on soapmaking, asked me to join her making soap because the lye made her nervous. I still remember us watching with awe as the soap reached trace. In no time I was hopelessly addicted — searching the internet and reading everything I could find. Ten years later, I’m still doing that!
Soap Queen: What prompted you to start your business?
I couldn’t (and still can’t) get enough of making soap! I loved using my soap, and I gave my friends and family soaps as Christmas gifts. Still I made more soap so I started doing some craft shows. I got a business license, registered my business as an LLC and got my logo trademarked. I continued to learn all I could about making soap and other skin care products.
From very early on it was my dream to have a shop and be able to make product there. Anne-Marie’s newsletter about writing out your plan for “Ten Years From Now” prompted me to take action. I rented a very small space for my shop just 2 years ago. Then, six months ago, I was able to add a large room for production and classes.
Soap Queen: What kind of lessons have you learned from owning your own “brick and mortar” store versus an online store?
I have had to work on my sales skills because I am definitely an introvert and not particularly outgoing. My husband “doesn’t meet a stranger” and has worked in sales so he has been coaching me. He is my #1 supporter and helps me tremendously. In a “brick and mortar” store, I think it is important to offer “local” products. I offer Kentucky Rain, Mint Julep and Kentucky Bourbon Ball soaps. I’m thinking of adding Bluegrass Sunrise. People who are visiting and want a Kentucky souvenir are attracted by these as well as people who want to send a Kentucky memento to someone who has moved away.
Soap Queen: What business advice can you give soapers who are just starting?
Learn all you can and strive to do things right. Learn all you can about the products you make. Learn the laws and comply with them. Learn to keep good records, production records and financial records. Do right by your customers. Conduct business with honesty and integrity.
Soap Queen: What are your dreams and goals for your business?
I love my nursing job but I want to retire from it sometime. When my husband retires, we will work in the shop together. My plan (he doesn’t know this yet) is to delegate some of the drudgery (record keeping) chores to him. Then I can make more soap!
Soap Queen: What is your favorite type of bath and body product to make?
Cold process soap! The scents, color combinations, artistic possibilities are endless.
Soap Queen: What is your favorite Bramble Berry product?
I love Bramble Berry’s fragrance oils, especially Lemon Verbena! I use it in bar soap, liquid soap and lotion. I use a blend of Bramble Berry fragrance oils to create my Kentucky Rain scent. Plumeria is another favorite. I’ll try more when I clear some room on my fragrance oil shelves!
You can find more about Lucia Soaps at their website or on their Facebook page.
Chatting with Silvia of S.V. Soaps
A few years ago on the Soap Queen blog, I introduced Silvia, an up-and-coming soaper. She owns S.V. Soaps, and specializes in selling vegan dessert-themed bath and body products. She was kind enough to give us an interview back in 2011 (you can see the two-part interview here and here). This weekend — between visiting a lovely apple orchard and baking my mom’s famous sour cream waffles — I was browsing Etsy shops and came across these adorable Pumpkin Spice Cold Process Cupcakes. Turns out, they were Silvia’s! I wanted to catch up with her and see what had changed with business since her last interview, and see what other goodies she had planned for the festive holiday season. Read on to learn more about how her business has changed in the last two years and what advice she has for new soapers.
Soap Queen: What aspects of your business have changed and what kind of advice would you give to those in the business about soaping over time?
My business has changed quite a bit since my first Bramble Berry interview. I have to make a lot more soaps than I used to and I had to learn to master batch and delegate my work day a lot better. I have learned a lot about my business in general, such as what works for my business and what does not. I’ve learned how to stay calm, professional and objective when dealing with a difficult customer or situation. I strive everyday to learn, grow, and make my business the best it can be. It is truly a learning process that is not always easy.
Soap Queen: What kind of business advice do you have for new soapers?
My advice to new soapers is to get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Be willing to take the risk of rejection, because no matter how fabulous your products are, you will face rejection at some point or another. Do not let it bring you down. Learn from it, grow from it, and try, try again. Also, make your products look professional! You do not have to spend a lot to have a professional looking product. Work to make your product unique.
Soap Queen: What is your favorite type of soap to make?
My favorite soap to make is cold process soap. I love to make soaps with a lot of detail and my favorite thing to do when soaping is piping my soap tops. Sometimes I have to force myself to stop adding things to the soap and just walk away! Sometimes, I will think about it all night long — It can be hard for me to turn my brain off when it comes to soap. But I am usually happy with the turnout, and if I am not I will just change it up the next time around.
Soap Queen: Do you still make vegan products or has the scope of your business changed?
I do still make all vegan products and will continue to do so. The only thing I would love to make that is not vegan is cupcake bath fizzies. I have made them a few times before for family and I absolutely adore the way the turn out, but since they aren’t vegan I won’t include them in my shop. Maybe someday I will be able to come up with a recipe for the piped tops that is vegan!
Soap Queen: What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and has it changed?
Bramble Berry has so many fabulous products. My favorite used to be the Rise and Shine Fragrance Oil (still fabulous), but my current favorite is the Pumpkin Lager Fragrance Oil. It is a beautiful pumpkin scent with warm spices and a yummy vanilla undertone. It is the perfect holiday scent. It will definitely be a part of my holiday line this year. Thank you so much to Anne-Marie and Bramble Berry for providing us soapers with such fabulous services and amazing products. I’ve also really been enjoying the new Soap Crafting book, it gives people trying the craft a great start!
Belly Dancing and Soapmaking … and Swords
We’re always excited about meeting fellow soapers, and after one of our social media team (Hi, Becky!) ran into this soaper at a summer fair (and kept raving about her soap), I was intrigued. You may recognize today’s interviewee from the Gorgeous Geode Soap Tutorial, which originally appeared on the Otion blog. Read on to learn more about Marlona, one of our local soapers and owner of the Little Things Store.
Soap Queen: How did you first start soaping?
Marlona: I saw some small guest soaps in the shape of Easter figures about ten years ago and fell in love with them, and in fact, the lady who gave them to me actually cited Bramble Berry as her source! Years went by and my life changed dramatically with the birth of my daughter. My husband and I sold our home to move to Washington state to be closer to my family — it was time to reinvent our lives and start over. I had waited so long, and was so in love with my little girl that I just couldn’t bare to leave her and return to work. We had to find another way. I thought to myself, ‘what have I always wanted to try?’ Then it came to me…soapmaking! As soon as I made up my mind that’s what I wanted to try, I was determined to find Bramble Berry!
I could have searched the internet for soap supplies, but instead I walked around my home determined to remember the company name. As soon as I remembered Bramble Berry’s name, everything started to happen so fast. I researched everything I could get my hands on and would dream about making the products I wanted step-by-step before I even started. I made my first batch of soap 2.5 years ago and haven’t stopped since!
SQ: What inspires your business and products?
M: My inspiration comes from the information I find on Soap Queen, looking at soaps on Etsy, and from the fragrances themselves.
SQ: What is your favorite bath and body product to make?
M: My favorite product to make is glycerin (melt & pour) soaps; I get to express my creative side when making them!
SQ: What is your favorite Soap Queen tutorial and why?
M: My favorite tutorial is the conditioner recipe. It is easy to make, and I love to use it! It’s not slimy like store bought ones, and it rinses away so silky soft!
SQ: When you aren’t soaping, what are you up to?
M: When I’m not soaping, my husband and I are usually preparing to sell our soap at medieval themed events, spending time with friends from the Society for Creative Anachronism (S.C.A) and the Empire of Medieval Pursuits (E.M.P), or preparing for holiday bazaars. We have been reenacting the medieval times for over 20 years, and we enjoy the heavy armored combat, belly dancing, and learning skills such as card weaving and brewing. I absolutely love making things, especially if they are useful.
SQ: We just fell in love with this project you shared with Otion. How did you come up with it?
M: The idea for the geode came from the Everything Soap Making Book, which I actually picked up locally at Otion. Once I read about it, I absolutely fell in love with it and knew that I had to start making these geode soaps.
You can make these fantastic geode soaps too! Check out the tutorial at the Otion blog or right here on Soap Queen.
SQ: Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to get into soaping?
M: My advice for anyone soaping is to never give up and never be intimidated by another person’s amazing work. Through admiration comes inspiration!
To find out more about Marlona and her soaps, visit her website or Facebook page.
P.S. Marlona gave birth to another baby this summer. Congrats again on your new little boy, he is such a cutie-pie! =) ~A-M
Maak Soap Lab
Maak Soap Lab is from Portland Oregon, just around the corner from Bellingham! (Well technically 4 hours down the coast, but you get my drift). We first discovered Maak when we hosted a contest with Fair Ivy (read about the contest here). We fell in love with their detailed packaging, ‘modern rustic’ look and clean website design and it’s a double bonus that they’re located in our neck of the woods, the fabulous Pacific Northwest! Check out the goodies I just bought.