The Interview - Alchemic Muse

1. What products do you make that are your main focus? What are the main ingredients you use in those products?
I create cold process soap for the body and complexion – they are my main focus. I also create body polish and creams, but I have not yet offered them on Etsy. I primarily use olive oil in my soap, but also add a myriad of other oils, butters, botanicals, milks, minerals, pure essential oils, high quality fragrance oil blends, extracts and infusions.

2. How did you get started? When?
Like many, I was on a quest to find products to improve my skin and make it healthier. I soon discovered a good number of products labeled as “natural” contained lots of chemicals and harmful ingredients that were actually creating more problems than solving them.
Through researching various ingredients, I came across many websites with soapmaking and cosmetic articles, tutorials, and recipes. It was not long before I was hooked. I started making cold process soap and various bath and body goodies in 2005.

3. Why do you do what you do?
I can express my creativity and design each type of soap like a one of a kind work of art. Unique creations that incorporate my knowledge of regional beauty rituals, local ingredients, aromatherapy, skin benefits, color and texture. I love pulling everything together into a multi-sensory experience reminiscent of a specific time or place.

4. Where else do you vend your products?
I sell a small amount locally, but I mainly focus on internet sales at Etsy. I also have a few products listed on ArtFire.

5. Where do you live?
I currently live in Florida

6. How long have you been selling on Etsy – advice for any?
July 15th will make exactly a year. My advise? Build great relationships with customers and give the absolute best customer service possible. Treat each customers the same way you would want to be treated. It will help build your business, and I personally find it rewarding.

7. What is your favorite scent?
It depends on my mood. However, if I had to choose one, it would be honey in all its variations. I currently offer two completely different honey blends.

8. What oil do you enjoy most?
I love olive oil. I have an arsenal of carefully chosen vegetable and fruit oils to add specific qualities to my products, but my soaps would not be the same without the wonderful qualities of olive oil.

9. What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my family and playing with Emily, my two year old daughter.