Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Desiree Velazquez Rodriguez, Founder of Lilasuds, LLC., located in Fairview, NJ, USA.

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

Lilasuds is a Latina-owned small business focusing on handcrafted artisan soaps and bath goods made from sustainable ingredients. All my soaps have a touch of whimsy and magic to them. My customers are primarily millennial women who are creative, vibrant, and determined.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and have been in NYC/NJ for ten years. I run my soap business part-time. I'm a full-time designer and work in the fashion industry as a print/textile designer. My inspiration for my soaps stems from my regular job, where I play with a lot of color and form. I started Lilasuds almost four years ago from my one-bedroom apartment.

I learned about the science of soapmaking and was fascinated by how creative one can be, as well as how I could apply so many techniques I knew from the world of cake decorating (which I had practiced since I was 15 years old). I love the creativity of getting different results with every small batch of soap I make. It keeps me excited!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Last year the team at Facebook reached out and featured my business all over billboards and ads in New York City as part of their "Deserve to be found" campaign. That was INCREDIBLE!

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

All the business things, at least for me. I'm a creative person, so understanding that to run a business, you must do all the clerical work, and the research and management BEFORE the creative aspect was a massive thing for me.

In a perfect world, I would always make whatever soap I wanted, but in reality, I have to listen to what my target market wants. I only soap a few days a month. And being only one person running this means I do absolutely EVERYTHING.

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

  1. Do your research FIRST. I learned the hard way and just started something without knowing what I was doing.
  2. Have a plan. Once you do your research, map out a business plan. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but a guideline helps guide you towards concrete goals.
  3. Remember to be unique. People will come to you for what you offer. There are thousands of soapmakers out there, but people come to my biz because they like my particular point of view. I get inspired a lot by my experiences and try to apply that to my soaps. That sets my soaps apart from everyone else's. It pays to be original, even if it takes time.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Another tip: Remember to have fun and REST! Make it a part of your schedule to keep yourself rested and relaxed. No use burning yourself out. Then who will get things done? Enjoy the process, and it's OK to make mistakes. We ALWAYS learn from them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://lilasuds.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lilasuds/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilasudssoaps/

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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