I have to say, these Friday's Featured articles are my favorite to post (besides maybe product porn). I get so excited reading about other business owners, what inspires them, what they like to do - other than make soap all day, and what dreams they have for the future. Somehow, I am comforted knowing that my experiences, while still unique, are not foreign and I'm not alone in this, if you know what I mean. Well, enough of my sentimentality. Let's hear about SUZ Bath and Body, a little shop you'll find on Etsy.Susan, the artisan extraordinaire and driving force behind SUZ World, makes hot process soaps and bath products with natural, organic ingredients, with New England cottage flair. They look as you would imagine - clean fresh lines, natural colors, light speckles, and pure.
I have to share a quote from her site talking about her soaps - "All products have been tested on gnarly Yankees with attitudes, so you know the products have been through the wringer." I don't know about you, but I picture a bunch of burly lobster fisherman, yet her soaps are so light and lovely, the image doesn't seem to fit. Something must be wrong with my mind. ;-) "Inspired by springs filled with lilacs and maple sugaring, hot humid summers, long winters around oak fires, and brilliant fall colors unique to my home." *Sigh* I need to move to MA. I'll let Susan tell you more about herself and her products. Name of Business: SUZ Bath and Body
Website: http://www.suzworld.etsy.com/
Facebook: Susan Davis
Twitter: www.twitter.com/suzworld
Tell us about yourself. What types of products do you sell? HP (Hot Processed) soaps using natural and organic oils, essential oils, and high quality fragrance oils and dried botanicals. I also make bath salts using many different kinds of natural salts, lotions, lip balms, body butters, and aromatherapy perfumes.
How did you get into this business?
It started as a hobby with a love of perfumery, and grew from there. Years ago I played with CP soap making, and also had full time pottery business. Due to back problems associated with pottery making I started writing and learning filmmaking, but jobs were far and few between in Mass. My husband was out of work last fall, I knew I had to make a go of something that could be profitable, but it had to be enjoyable, I can’t do something I don’t love to do. I had a dream that this could work, because I loved scents and body products and literally woke up with the whole plan in my head, I understood how it could work running full tilt into the soap business. The years of research for writing, combined with the knowledge of marketing I learned as a potter (for 15 + years) really helped. I’m also an art school graduate, so it’s interesting to make an art/craft that gets used up, the soap user left with only a clean scent on their skin, then *poof* gone forever or until the next time the soap is used!
Where do you get your inspiration for your work?All around me. I am never bored and wish there were more hours in the day, and that my body would never tire. I do love the outdoors, northern Maine in particular, and it’s a constant muse.
Are you a member of any related organizations? I am a member of HSMG.
What is your favorite product and why?
I use all my products and love all my soaps and have at least 10 bars in use around the house at any given time. My favorite this week is a either double mint (w/spearmint and peppermint oils and dried botanicals), or orange clove. My soap is lathery and bubbly, full of glycerin, smells wonderful and is emollient and non drying on the skin. It is a bathing pleasure, and I just can’t get enough of it. I am a soap addict. I love the chemistry of soap making, and think often about reducing the carbon footprint of the oils I use, and how and who is producing the oils around the world. It is a wonderful ‘job’ and my only regret is not starting sooner.
I use all my products and love all my soaps and have at least 10 bars in use around the house at any given time. My favorite this week is a either double mint (w/spearmint and peppermint oils and dried botanicals), or orange clove. My soap is lathery and bubbly, full of glycerin, smells wonderful and is emollient and non drying on the skin. It is a bathing pleasure, and I just can’t get enough of it. I am a soap addict. I love the chemistry of soap making, and think often about reducing the carbon footprint of the oils I use, and how and who is producing the oils around the world. It is a wonderful ‘job’ and my only regret is not starting sooner.
What do you do outside of work?
I write screenplays (still do) and work a bit in the film business doing art dept. and producing wherever I am needed. I have two teenage sons who play in bands and they practice in the basement while I work in my soap ‘shop’ upstairs. They (and their friends) help me at fairs and festivals. My husband is a carpenter and a builder and I also work with him when I am needed.
I write screenplays (still do) and work a bit in the film business doing art dept. and producing wherever I am needed. I have two teenage sons who play in bands and they practice in the basement while I work in my soap ‘shop’ upstairs. They (and their friends) help me at fairs and festivals. My husband is a carpenter and a builder and I also work with him when I am needed.
What are your business dreams for the future?
Building a barn to accommodate my soap making business with a small retail store out front. Creating more interesting products for people, and to continue making products that help people feel good, relax, and enjoy life more.
Building a barn to accommodate my soap making business with a small retail store out front. Creating more interesting products for people, and to continue making products that help people feel good, relax, and enjoy life more.
If you could give advice to other bath and body or candle businesses, what would it be?
Give yourself plenty of time for product development, find the best raw products at the lowest prices to keep your bottom line down, and work consistently. There are so many farmers markets and fairs in every town and city. If you like people and can get your products in order and do fairs consistently you will develop a following. Love what you do and share that love, because you are really doing others a wonderful much needed service making and selling homemade/handmade soap and bath products.
Give yourself plenty of time for product development, find the best raw products at the lowest prices to keep your bottom line down, and work consistently. There are so many farmers markets and fairs in every town and city. If you like people and can get your products in order and do fairs consistently you will develop a following. Love what you do and share that love, because you are really doing others a wonderful much needed service making and selling homemade/handmade soap and bath products.
If you could have one bath and body or candle business question answered, what would you ask? Anyone for a soap swap? Great idea! I'll have to organize one soon!
Would you like to offer readers a promotional discount or a contest?
Sure! Free shipping on 2 bars of soap through my etsy site through September. Just mention ‘Bonnie Bath special’ in the convo.
Sure! Free shipping on 2 bars of soap through my etsy site through September. Just mention ‘Bonnie Bath special’ in the convo.
Susan's products look so divine. Be sure to visit Suz Bath and Body on Etsy and follow her on Twitter.
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