Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Judy Whale, owner of Flower City Soap Company, located in Brampton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make handmade soaps, candles, wax melts, body butters, bath bombs, and more! My husband says that I'm obsessed, and I think he may be right! More than ever, my customers want to know what's in the products that go on their skin and are absorbed into their bodies! It's so fulfilling when I hear that my oatmeal soap has soothed dry, sensitive skin or that children are excited to take a bath with their animal-shaped bath bombs! Everything I make is made for my own family first, and I have children and grandchildren that are very willing testers!
Tell us about yourself
I started making soap in 2014 after a friend of mine invited me to make soap with her in her shop. I guess you could say that I was smitten, and when I first started out, I was making soaps that looked like cakes and cupcakes and specialty items, but I found that, while people loved to look at them, they didn't want to use them! It's kind of like a baker who makes delicious, creative cookies that no one wants to eat because they are so pretty! I love the creativity of making soaps, bath bombs, and more because the creativity is truly endless.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say that my biggest accomplishments as a business owner are the friendships and the knowledge I've gained through the years from my own research and from the many fellow vendor friends that I have met at various events and markets. Makers are very much a family, and we love to help and inspire each other.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is not always knowing what your income will be. For most of my life before I turned 50 (yes, I'm getting into my "golden girl" years!) I had a steady income, benefits, etc. I found it relatively easy to balance my bank account and know what was coming in and what needed to go out. Having my own business changed all that, and I had to learn a great deal about looking after finances and being able to manage a much different way of looking after things.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- BELIEVE in yourself. It doesn't matter how young OR how old you are...if you have a passion, go for it! You'll most likely amaze yourself at what you can do!
- Look at what other people are doing who are in the same type of business that you want to start. Often they are willing to talk with you and share ideas or suggestions from their own experience.
- If you are not proficient as an account, hire one that you trust that comes recommended to you. If you're like me, figuring out the taxes, HST, etc., can seem mind-boggling.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As a two-time cancer survivor, I am so very grateful to God for the opportunities that I've had to meet so many wonderful people who have offered advice, support, and help. I have truly been blessed to be able to create wonderful things that make people smile and feel good! This wonderful adventure has also given me the privilege of giving back in so many ways, and that's just a tremendously great feeling! As the slogan says..."JUST DO IT"! :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://flowercitysoaps.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlowerCitySoapCompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowercitysoaps/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlowerCitySoaps
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.