The Interview - Two Rivers Soap Company

1. What products do you make that are your main focus? What are the main ingredients you use in those products?

My favorite product to make is cold process soap. There are endless variations … base oils, fragrances, colors and texture additives. It never gets boring. My favorite recipe uses Rice Bran Oil, Palm & Palm Kernel oils, Shea Butter & Avocado Oil.

2. How did you get started? When?

I'm a reference librarian and way back in 1996, one of our patrons requested a recipe for handmade soap. I thought it was a little strange at first. Why would anyone want to make soap when it's so easy and cheap to buy it at the grocery store? I started searching books and magazines as well as the Internet and found some recipes for my patron. Then I kept on researching handmade soaps and natural skin care products on my own. I founded Two Rivers Soap Company in 1999.

3. Why do you do what you do?

It’s a compulsion. I can’t stop making soap! I love the creative process of dreaming up new soaps.

I love working with my hands and creating things that are useful as well as beautiful. I love being my own boss and meeting my customers in person or online. Yes, it’s a bit of an obsession…

4. Where else do you vend your products?

Besides Etsy, I’ve been selling on my own website since 1999 and the Des Moines Farmer’s Market since 2000. I wholesale my soaps to several retailers and I opened my retail “brick and mortar” shop this spring in Norwalk, Iowa.

5. Where do you live?

Des Moines, Iowa.

6. How long have you been selling on Etsy – advice for any?

In 2005. I donated several items to Craft Revolution who sold them on Etsy as a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina. I believe they raised over $10,000. Etsy was brand new then. I didn’t open my Etsy shop until 2007 though. Hmmm, my advice would be to try to read all the wonderful advice located in the Storque and work on your photos. Photos are everything on Etsy!

7. What is your favorite scent?

I can’t choose just one… But my all-time favorites would have to be Black Raspberry, Apricot Freesia, Margarita, Sandalwood Vanilla, and Bergamot (think Early Gray Tea).

8. What oil do you enjoy most?

I have a new favorite-Plum Kernel Oil. It smells awesome, a bit like Almonds and is a great non-greasy moisturizer.

9. What do you do for fun?

I love to read, go to movies and plays, dabble at mosaics, bake, and hang out with my boys and our dog Chevy.

Sandalwood Vanilla soap

Retail shop: