Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie Williams, Owner of Peace, Love & Soap, located in Taylors, SC, USA.

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

I make handmade soap, soy candles, bath bombs, oil blends & other bath products. One of the best things about my business is the diversity of my customers. I am mindful in the creation of my product line to include something for everyone. I have children who love my bath bombs, women of all ages who love my serum & face cream & men who won't use anything but my bar soap! I am extremely proud & thankful for customers of all ages & genders to be happy to find products in my line that they love!

Tell us about yourself

I was 28 years old when I started Peace, Love & Soap 14 years ago. My Sons, Cameron & Christian, were 1 and 3 at the time & both had eczema. I have always had an interest in natural healing, so in my research, I learned about the benefits of natural handmade soap. I bought a book & the ingredients that I could afford & made my first very small batch of oatmeal. Seeing how it improved all of our skin, I kept going. One thing led to another & 14 years later, here we are with a vastly expanded product line. I am motivated by my customers who come back year after year & encourage & support Peace, Love & Soap. Another huge motivator is the fact that I can control my own life on a daily basis and be flexible. It has allowed me to build my life and business around my family and the schedule of two teenage boys. That is extremely motivating!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is knowing that I (and my family because it truly takes a village) have built something really special from the ground up. So much blood, sweat & tears goes into it behind the scenes. My husband is a huge help with branding and marketing, and my children also do a lot for the business. Knowing that your products made a difference in somebody's life or even day is a huge accomplishment.

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

One of the hardest things about owning a business is that it never shuts off or goes away. At the end of the day, you know that you are responsible for basically everything. The buck stops with you...no excuses. It's definitely worth the trade-off, but it's not always easy.

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

My number 1 tip would be to start. As simple as it sounds, just start. Too many people let an idea fizzle because of analysis paralysis. Just do one small thing...and then do the next...and so on. Number 2 would be don't tell too many people your plan because everybody has an opinion, and the negativity will flood in, which can be extremely disheartening. My last tip would be to do lots of research and gain knowledge of what you want to do, but don't assume that everyone else is smarter than you. We all are just figuring out as we go along, so don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A huge lesson I've learned over time (and I am no expert) is never to be afraid to go against the grain. Make sure you are running your business and that your business is not running you. Growth is wonderful and exciting and necessary but watch your margins. It can be very easy to overextend mentally & financially, and it's not necessary. Owning a business is a beautiful journey, but you have to keep the bigger picture in perspective, which is always your quality of life and mental wellbeing!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.peaceloveandsoap.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peaceloveandsoapllc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaceloveandsoap/

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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