The Interview - Wix and Whacks

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

All of the Products that are made by Wix & Whacks get the same amount of focus when being formulated and produced. I am constantly researching skin care information and choose the highest quality ingredients for my products. I try to include Unrefined Shea Butter in as many formulations as possible. Shea Butter's skin care benefits such as its moisturizing abilities is one of my favorite attributes in my products.

2. How did you get started? When?

In 2007, I started out with a large interest in Soy Candles. After research on fragrance oils, and what possiblities soy has, I entered craft shows with my products. I then came acrossed Handcrafted Soaps to which I hadn't previously ever tried. I figured Soap is Soap. But I quickly became aware of what I knew to be soap, wasn't really soap at all! But a bunch of detergents, and chemicals just shaped into a bar. So I started researching bath & body on a daily basis and have never stopped. Now I am a Student Aromatherapist, and I eventually want to head into massage uing the products I have created.

3. Why do you do what you do?

I quickly fell in love with aroma and the way my skin felt when using handmade products. I care about the well being and health of those around me, and this is a way I can enhance people's lives. Handcrafted Soap is just one way to introduce family & friends to a healthier lifestyle.

4. Where else do you vend your products?

I attend many craft shows in the Chicago area and I also do a few in Maryland. (My home). Etsy.com & my web page bring in most of my orders during the summer.

5. Where do you live?

Chicagoland

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

About 6 months. Etsy has turned out to be a great experience. Many talented artisans can be looked up to for ideas and inspiration. My advice to beginners, keep on keeping on. Business may seem slow for awhile, and might be discourging. But I believe if you can just keep om doing what you love, you will have your break!

7. What is your favorite scent?

Wow. There are so many! Lets see Black Raspberry Vanilla, warm vanilla sugar, lavender vanilla, Green Tea & cucumber, and plumeria just to name a few

8. What oil do you enjoy most?

Shea Oil/Butter is my favorite. I use the oil, where butters are not practical. But the benefits of shea out number that of most other oils in my book.

9. What do you do for fun?
For fun I garden, play with my 2 children, and make products! I have a blast making recipes, formulating and seeing what the end product will be!