Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in soap making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Becky Strasburger, Owner of Nashville Soap Company, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Nashville Soap Company handcrafts all-natural products for your bath, body, and home. Inspired by and made with a whole lot of love in Music City. Founded in the kitchen of our Nashville home, I started handcrafting natural soaps using the cold process method after finding a passion for natural skin products. Drawing upon my love for music and the city I call home, Nashville Soap Company was born. Since then, our line has expanded to include more of my favorite bath, body + home products. All natural, of course!
We have a strong customer base in Nashville through direct orders on our website and several retail stores that carry our products. We also have customers across the country who are seeking quality natural products or a unique gift from Nashville, TN!
Tell us about yourself
After switching out some of our home and personal care products for more natural brands, I had a strong desire to learn how to make our own bar soaps. I was fascinated by the soap-making process. Once I learned the craft and began sharing it with friends and family, the idea of turning something that I loved (and others seemingly loved) into a small business began.
I started a very small Etsy shop with a handful of soaps, and I was blown away by the response. This motivated me to build my own website and continue to grow. I am always looking forward to new products where we can improve and grow. I would say that motivates me daily.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing my business through the pandemic feels like a pretty big accomplishment. Not only were there issues sourcing ingredients and packaging, but my young children were home with me full-time during that period. I had a kindergartener doing virtual school and a one-year-old at home - all while running a small business based out of our home. If I didn't love what I was doing, then I never would have found the motivation to keep going!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing all or most of the hats can be a challenge! Production, sourcing ingredients, packaging, shipping, customer service... the list goes on. It can be difficult to balance everything.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You have to love what you are doing; otherwise, the motivation to persevere won't be there.
- If you are running an e-commerce business, find multiple platforms for your products to reach customers.
- Be willing to change course if something isn't working. Sometimes an opportunity or idea falls into your lap, and you have to run with it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.nashvillesoapcompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvillesoap/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillesoap/
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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