Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meghan Wright, Owner of Foraged Soap Co., located in Sacramento, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Foraged Soap Co., a soapery where we encourage and invite all earthly beings to connect with the ancient roots of bathing through both wild-gathered and intentionally cultivated flora.

Tell us about yourself

Twenty years ago (imagine during the dawn of the internet), I taught myself to make soap from a book. I was teaching preschool then and going to university for my degree in education. Fast forward 10 years, and after getting my teaching credentials, I set out into the public school landscape. I loved teaching but found it wasn't particularly kind to highly sensitive people like myself. I adored the kids, and being in the classroom truly was a joy; however, the unsupported and demanding environment set by the administration was too much for me. (You are in the wrong profession if you come home each night crying because you feel helpless and broken-hearted.) So after a couple of years, I transitioned into part-time substitute teaching and launched my soap business in 2013. Although I could no longer use my creativity full-time in the classroom, I had finally found something I could sink my ideas into. I wake up most days grateful to have found something I love as much as teaching.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Some of my biggest accomplishments have come from seeing my work sold under a nationally known brand. While 2020 sort of diminished that, I was always so proud to know our goods were being sold in upward of twenty retail locations. While much of my focus has returned to direct to consumers, there is pride in seeing people from other states enjoy your products.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

My biggest challenges ultimately came from not knowing a single thing about owning and operating a business. I had to learn how to set up my own website (because I refused to use Etsy), use social media, marketing, sell in person at markets, take photographs, design my own unique labels, and then formulate the products on top of all that! And let me tell you--that part was a mess from the get-go! Packaging, design, and photography have always been the bane of my existence, so as soon as I could outsource, I went for it. I can breathe easier, sleep better, and focus on my products, knowing professionals have helped me take care of all those facets.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Firstly (and this is the scariest part), just go for it! One of my favorite quotes from Reid Hoffman, a co-founder of LinkedIn, is, "If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late." Take a deep breath, and then take the plunge.

Secondly, do some market research. Figure out who your demographic will be. (A big lesson I learned was that the folks in your own town are not necessarily your demographic.)

Thirdly, don't forget to have some fun! It's very easy to get stuck in the work loop and forget why you started your journey in the first place. Find innovative ways to be creative and try to enjoy the process as much as possible.

Oh, and always hire a professional photographer if you can. It can make all the difference!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Supporting other makers has always been of great importance to me. Much of my demographic actually includes other small business owners. I couldn't do what I did without their help. Not to mention, some of my best friends came into my life because I was doing a market and met someone else selling there. Or we may have started a conversation through Instagram complaining about this or that. My biggest network is made up of other strong entrepreneurs and the businesses they have created. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.foragedsoap.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foragedsoapco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foragedsoapco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForagedSoapCo

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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