Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in soap making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julee Davis, Founder of Arizona Soap Company, located in Tucson, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make soap, lotion, pain cream, muscle rub, lip balms, face creams & oils, beard oils, aftershave, shampoo & conditioner, perfumes, and bath bombs colored with food. My customers are people who realize the skin absorbs what is applied, so they’re seeking truly clean products.
Tell us about yourself
My great-grandmother was born into captivity at Ft Sill, OK. She was a very strong person. At 12, she had me stirring a big pot of soap. I stirred for what felt like an eternity. I asked when I’d be done. On my asking a second time, she got cross and said, “you’ll be fine when I say you’re done.” I got cross back and said, “you know I’ll never need to know how to do this, right?” And she laughed at me. Every single bar is Granny’s revenge. 🤣 I was working the business up slowly because I homeschooled my kids. Then there was an event that forced me to decide if I was going to go back to being a paralegal or take the risk of putting my business out there all at once. I chose the latter and haven’t looked back.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I never seem to have product failures. When I’m researching and developing a product, I gather all this info and just sit with it for a bit. Then I ask myself, “what will it take to make X the very best version possible?” Then I work toward that. For example, I’ve had people come to my booth using a walker and buy pain cream & muscle rub. The next time I see them, they’re using a cane instead of a walker. :) The bath bombs are colored with things like purple carrot, blue butterfly pea flowers, or prickly pear juice instead of chemical colorants. Which would you have your children soak in?
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Honestly, the ppl who see themselves as my competitors, but instead of them improving their products to truly be a competitor, just try to drag me down. I hear them; I just ignore them. The grass is greener where you water it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do your dead-level best on EVERYTHING. Ask for help when you need it. Never give up. Be self-aware and work on yourself. Be flexible and fluid.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I appreciate your patience with me. Things are going at an accelerated pace, and more than one helper went off to college. It’s wild and woolly here. 😁
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://arizonasoapcompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonasoap
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonasoap/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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