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Sensitive skin is defined by the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI)
as, “a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning,
pain, pruritus, and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should
not provoke such sensations”--in plain English, misery. Recent surveys show an average
of 70% of respondents reported some degree of skin sensitivity. Dermatologists are
challenged with finding products that their patients can tolerate, often a hit or
miss process that can aggravate patients’ skin and patience.
Sharon Comer Blau knows this challenge all too well, as her daughter suffers from
extremely sensitive skin. After spending too much time and money on products that
didn’t work, this concerned mother decided to take matters into her own hands and
began researching how to make her own soaps. She learned to make products that her
daughter could use and, as a teenager, actually wanted to use. Sharon and her family
decided to turn this knowledge into a business. They knew how to make soap without
artificial dyes and chemicals, using only natural ingredients like essential oils,
high-quality vegetable-based oils and butters, clays and vegetables. They knew how
to churn these ingredients into a lightly scented bar that would lather, moisturize
and feel luxurious. What they didn’t know was what to name their company, at least
not after their chosen name was taken. Then, in a group chat, Soapie Squad popped
up as the obvious answer. “We wanted something that would quickly explain our business,”
Sharon explains. “Simply put, it is a family business and we are a squad.”
1. Why did you choose to start Soapie Squad?
We decided to start the business because I was spending way too much money on my daughter’s
skin needs. She has extremely sensitive skin and other issues. Being a teenager does
not help. The timing was right too. The three kids are older so they can help with
the business.
2. Tell us a little about your Soapie Squad and what makes it unique.
Our business is unique in that we decided from the first day to make everything with
only natural vegan ingredients and essential oils - except honey because there is
no comparable essential oil. Our main business is cold process soap, but we have recently
expanded to include shower steamers and lotions. Our soaps are made the old-fashioned
way with the majority of our ingredients being sourced from within a mile from our
studio. As the head soap maker, I work hard to blend different essential oils to make
unique scents and pair them with a soap that is colored with only natural ingredients.
Did you know parsley makes a great colorant? For our new Peppermint Kiss Soap, I fused
peppermint and spearmint essential oils to create a bar that looks like dark chocolate
and smells like sweet winter treats.
3. What was the problem you were facing when you decided to contact the Illinois SBDC
at Harper College?
I contacted the SBDC because I wanted to set up the business the right way from the
very beginning. I did my investigation and discovered there was a need for our type
of soap and that margins were profitable. This meant it was a possible viable business
that could stick around for a while. I needed help with my business plan, getting
legal with the state, setting up an LLC and understanding sales tax.
4. How did the Illinois SBDC at Harper College help with the problems you were having?
Dennis LaPorta helped me figure out what to do if I ran out of a certain product and
what a solution could be. He also helped narrow down my target market and answered
questions about banking. We explored a variety of startup resources to help with business
planning, obtaining licenses, insurance and related topics. Marge Johnsson helped
me figure out an alternative to a tax-exempt certificate when buying my raw materials
as well as providing advice on accounting and. budgeting.
5. Would you recommend small business owners use the services of the Illinois SBDC
at Harper College?
I would highly recommend SBDC to any small business owner just starting out. My advice
is to schedule an appointment and just go for it. The team will not do the work for
you, but they will guide you in the right direction. The new business owner needs
to dig in their heels and figure out what will make their business work.
6. What does the future look like for Soapie Squad?
I do not know the future, but my hope is to pay ourselves more at some point. Right
now, when we have our quarterly meetings over ice cream, everyone agrees to forego
their pay and put it back into the business. The power of ice cream! I am proud to
say this week we opened our first savings account for the business; before we were
only using a checking account.
7. If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting a small business,
what would it be?
Starting a small business is tough. Find something you are passionate about because
your business will require more hours than a traditional job. Working on something
you are passionate about makes the hours worth the time.
