Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachel Winard, founder and CEO of Soapwalla Inc., located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Soapwalla is a unisex skincare company. As one of the first and most enduring natural skincare brands on the market, Soapwalla offers all humans natural, effective, vegan choices to feed, soothe and pamper skin. We mix and fill our products by hand in small batches, using only carefully sourced ingredients. Everything we do furthers our commitment to sustainability, responsibility, and inclusivity. Our clientele is a gorgeous, diverse group of people ranging in age from toddler to 90, covering the entire gender spectrum and coming from a multitude of cultural and geographic backgrounds.
Tell us about yourself
Soapwalla was born late one night when I was desperate for skincare that wouldn’t exacerbate my extremely sensitive skin issues caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune illness. Prior to my diagnosis, I was a typical consumer, purchasing items off shelves without thinking much about their ingredients or how they were manufactured. If a product had pretty packaging, I assumed it had been vetted for safety and efficacy. I was shocked when I learned that this was not the case and that personal care products were subject to almost no regulatory oversight.
In the early 2000s, truly natural personal care products were few and far between. I eventually realized that if I wanted safe skincare for my compromised immune system and sensitive skin, I would have to learn to make it myself.
Over seven years, I continued studying and perfected a line of face and body products—at first for myself, family and friends. Once I started speaking with people about skin health, I realized that there were others like me who also craved safe and effective skincare. Soapwalla premiered in December 2009.
From day one, I have been committed to building a brand for all humans—no exclusions. Soapwalla’s ethos is one of optimism and care. Our skin is our largest organ, we must nourish it, love it and support it, no matter what.
I'm motivated daily by my desire to create the highest quality products I can while also engaging in community activism and inclusive messaging every step of the way.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Still standing after nearly 13 years of business without altering our commitment to social and environmental justice. We've survived booms and busts, a global pandemic, political unrest, chronic illness-related illnesses, and surgeries. I'm really proud that we are still here, still standing strong, and still 100% dedicated to our founding principles.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I feel immense responsibility for my employees' well-being. I take my role as boss seriously and want to ensure everyone feels heard, empowered, and invested in the business. During rocky times like the pandemic, this is a lot to juggle.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- As much as you can, keep your head down and do the work. Try not to get too caught up in what others are doing.
- There's no such thing as overnight success. Great things take a long time to perfect.
- Gather around you a badass support network. You will need them - both when you need a shoulder to cry on and when you need to go celebrate your successes!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://soapwalla.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soapwalla
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soapwalla/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soapwalla
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-winard-bb602584/
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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