Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Doney, Owner of Dirty Girl Soap Co. Ltd., located in Campbell River, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Dirty Girl Soap Co. is a premium soap company on the east coast of Vancouver Island specializing in soap subscriptions, boutique soaps, beautiful bath items, soy coconut candles, and more.
Our love for making luxurious bars for your skin goes way back, and so does our belief that only natural and organic ingredients will do, including high-quality essential oils, and in our specialty bars, the finest selection of local craft beer and cider wine, and Prosecco.
The Dirty Girl Soap Co. is a dream that came to fruition. It is the result of hard work and collaboration between two friends that share the same vision to deliver the finest artisan soap to your door the way that you choose.
There's a Dirty Girl in all of us. She's the one who works hard and plays harder. She is the one trying to balance life and all the responsibilities to herself and others and maybe hit the trails or gym too. She is the one who wants it all, to experience everything the world has to offer, and won't stop until she does. Sometimes that gets a little dirty.
There is a lot of love that goes into creating our soap, and we hope you feel it EVERY time you shower or bath. Go ahead and give back to yourself and get ready for another day. Feel the love. You deserve it.
Tell us about yourself
The Dirty Girl Soap Co. is a story of a friendship that formed between two people with big ideas, questionable humor, and a dedication to bringing some serious love to the bath and shower experience! Kim and Dean are both Westcoasters, born and raised with small-town values and a true appreciation for what it means to be a Vancouver Islander.
In their leisure time, they both enjoy the lifestyle that living on the coast offers. It was discovered that a similar passion existed. Kim had a seasoned art and craft for quality soap making, and Dean had a great idea to offer a soap subscription, so running out of your favorite soap was no longer an issue. The two put their passion and ideas together, and Dirty Girl Soap Co. was given life.
Together, Kim and Dean are creating luxurious soap that is free of toxic ingredients, nourishing for your skin, and perfect for giving Dirty Girls a few extra minutes each day to peace out and put some love back in after a long day of conquering the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our greatest accomplishment is completing our first year and looking back on how far we have come in a short time. Building a shop, building our brand, and overcoming challenges along the way that come with starting a new business from scratch is something we are really proud of.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Trying to be everything from production to distribution and maintaining the standard with the limited person power that we currently have available has been one of our greatest challenges.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, know your market and stay on top of it. It's natural to think you might be for everyone but to be successful. You need to speak to your market. You will get other customers along the way.
Second, find a support system. Starting a business is hard work and can be overwhelming. You cannot do every job by yourself and need to know when it's time to seek help and advice.
Lastly, network. Build relationships in the business community and be prepared to give as much as you receive. Business relationships are not one-sided. Remember who is supporting your business, and do your best to give back when you can.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
No matter what we choose to create, whether it is for our company or someone else's, we stay true to our values. We create beautiful soap, bath, and candle products without the use of toxic ingredients, fragrance oils, or synthetics. Life can be dirty. Your soap shouldn't be.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dirtygirlsoapco.online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtygirlsoapco.love/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtygirlsoapco.love/
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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