I have blogged with awe and admiration about Debbie from SoapyLove (here and here). She takes melt and pour to an entirely new art form. We are so lucky that she is willing to share a bit of her soaping philosophy with us. Her web site can be found here and her Etsy store here.

Soap-Queen: I love your soap! Your creativity clearly comes through. Do you have any formal art training?

Debbie: Thank you!! Yes, I have a BFA in Fashion Design from Academy of Art College in San Francisco. During my college career, I switched from a BS to a BA to a BFA and thought I went to heaven when my science class in art school was anatomy drawing! Any excuse to draw was (is!) a welcome one.

Soap-Queen: How long have you been making soap?

Debbie: I’ve been crafting with glycerin soap for 2 ½ years, since I was pregnant with my son, Sequoia. I started out wanting to make my own natural body products like cocoa butter cream, but eventually discovered how fun m&p is. I still love homemade scrubs, lip balms, cp soap, etc, but like to buy them from other crafters.

Soap-Queen: Do you sell your soap as your only source of income/is this your full time job?

Debbie: No, alas I am still a corporate slave. I’ve worked in the apparel industry for 10 years and specialize in Product Development. I dream of making Soapylove my full time job, though. Maybe one day!

Soap-Queen: What is your favorite soap to make, and why?

Debbie: My favorite soap to make… that’s a really tough one to answer because I enjoy discovering new uses for m&p so much. There are so many great sources of inspiration whether it’s a change of seasons, a new colorant, a movie, or a piece of jewelry, that I just like to keep experimenting. Outside of soapsicles, I rarely make the same soap twice.

Soap-Queen: I see that you have a lot of stores that sell your wares! That’s awesome! Do you have independent sales reps, a rep house or are you doing it all on your own?

Debbie: Yes, I have been so lucky to get approached by buyers. I don’t have any reps, but am working on some distribution arrangements in the UK and Australia. I think my exposure on Etsy, The Switchboards Forum, and through several of my original retailers who have done very well keep my items visible and the interest fresh. It’s sad, though, that I don’t really have any retailers in San Diego where I live! I just haven’t had the time or courage to approach local shops.

Soap-Queen: What are you reading right now? And, if it’s magazines, those count too!

Debbie: I am so busy I don’t really make the time to get into a book. As my husband would tell you, though, I’m famous for not finishing books I start. My friend got me a subscription to Everyday Foods which I am really loving, though. I don’t know if that would be considered reading!

Soap-Queen: Any words of advice for soapsters wanting to get into the business?

Debbie: When I decided to get Soapylove started, it was because I was making so much soap I didn’t know what to do with it all. The passion to make soap just for the fun of it is what still drives me today. Regarding advice for your readers – if they can find an item or a look that makes them stand out, that will be very helpful. I found a special item (my soapsicles) and a feel in my photos that conveys a bright, fresh, happy vibe, which appeals to a wide range of customers. I think if you go with your heart and reflect your own style, then you will automatically have consistency in your items, which gives your business a stronger identity. Learn from your successes and build on that, but don’t worry about items that don’t sell all that great – just enjoy what you do. Also – be very educated about soap ingredients and labeling. There are a lot of experts out there that aren’t afraid to be the soap police!

Soap-Queen: Final question, what’s your favorite Bramble Berry product?

Debbie: The Brights and Pastel Mica Sample Pack and Pigment Sample Pack

Big thanks to Debbie from SoapyLove for doing our Soap Queen blog interview! Visit her site here.