Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Strasberg.
Hi Denise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for Soap & Oils Bath Co. started in February 2021, I had been job searching for months since being laid off in July 2020. At the time my daughter was only 6 months old and my schedule was very limited with no daycare open during the pandemic. I don’t remember exactly how it happened but one night while cooking dinner and having a casual conversation with my husband he asked me what I would do if salary wasn’t a determining factor and I said I would make soap. And that’s how it all started. I used to make soap as a hobbie but never thought of making it a business.
My husband is a musician, and he performs in Old Town, so he knew out current store was up for lease and was able to get us the store the next day. After the long approval process, we got the keys in April 2021 and started decorating the store, building a wall that was not there before, installed a small soap kitchen so that products could be made in-house, etc. Lots and lots of work, all done by my husband and I. Our budget was very limited, we weren’t able to get a loan because I was unemployed, and our only option was to put all of the initial investment on personal credit cards. Not the smartest financial decision but sometimes that’s what dreams are made of.
As I was getting the soap production ready for opening one day I was stamping the soaps with our logo, and it occurred to me that it was a fun activity customers would probably enjoy. So, I started looking for letter stamps and found some that connect. And that’s when I thought we can write stuff on soap! Personalized soap! I had been thinking how we could be different than the other soap stores since the beginning of the project, and I had finally found it. I have to say after 18 months in business it’s a success and our customers love the experience.
We are still a new very small business and constantly making changes, adding new products and new vendors but always following our vision. All products are handmade locally. Soaps, lotions, and lip balms are made in-house daily.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh, no, opening a business is never a smooth road. Our first struggle was our very low budget, we weren’t able to get a loan because I was unemployed. So, we did all the work ourselves. My husband had never built a wall before, but he managed to do it. I had never put-up wallpaper, but I just went for it, and I have to say it’s not perfect but still get compliments on it. Our daughter was 15 months at the time, and I went from being home with her all day to working 7 days a week; that was a huge change on out family dynamics. My husband had to change his work schedule to be able to stay home during the weekends, we had to find daycare, etc.
Because we are located in Old Town, we have to follow many rules regarding ambiance, signage, products, packaging, and outfits. We certainly made a few mistakes in all those areas until we got everything up to code.
We are still facing challenges; I don’t think that ever stops but it’s also what keeps our brains thinking and coming up with new ideas.
We’ve been impressed with Soap & Oils Bath Co, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a Soap company for the most part but we sell a variety of handmade skincare products and aromatherapy. We are known for our soap stamping; customers can stamp their own soap using a mallet and acrylic stamps. It looks like the soap is engraved and it’s a very fun experience.
Some customers purchase personalized soap as gifts and are not so much interested in stamping it themselves so we also offer the option of having it stamped by us.
We are different in many ways, the first is definitely the option to personalize your soap. We are also very unique because we only carry products that are handmade locally in San Diego.
Even though our main product is soap, and we have 20 different varieties, I am personally very proud of our vegan lip balms. That recipe took quite a few tries and tweaks until I was able to get it just right.
I’d like readers to know that by supporting our business they are also supporting other very small local businesses, literally 4 independent people who make their products at home with love for the art of natural skincare.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’m definitely still learning, but what I learned is that being true to your vision is probably the most important thing. Trust your gut but be smart about it. I learned to ask my customers what they liked about their experience and what they would change. If there are any products they would purchase but we don’t carry them. I talk to my customers a lot; in fact, if you’ve ever been at my store, you know I can talk your ears off.
What I learned is to listen to my customers and consider their comments when making the next move.
Pricing:
- Soaps $12
- Stamping/personalizing $2
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @soapandoils
