T and J Soaps

I recently opened a small boutique in the center of historical Troy, NY. When customers come to my shop they find a variety of artisan cold process soaps that I make from scratch. There is something for everyone as I make about 40 different varieties including soaps made from local beer, wine and tea. Customers will also find a variety of other body products including lotions, fizzies, soaks & my handmade 100% Soy Candles. Soap making started out of a need. My husband has eczema & we were constantly buying soaps at the local farmers' market. The same time we found how well handmade soap worked on his skin my job as a HS art teacher started to be cut a little at a time (about 1 class a year.) One night five years ago I woke up in the middle of the night & decided to supplement my income helping my husband's skin at the same time by making soap. I am a self taught soap-maker utilizing my degree in sculpture to make each soap. I was laid off in June and I took a leap- opening my own shop.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE?
While I use traditional methods to create my body products, I add a modern twist by incorporating different types of fragrances and colorants. You will find a wide range of fragrances- from traditional lavender & oatmeal to more "pop" scents like ginger ale, cotton candy & oatmeal stout. I use natural ingredients like turmeric, clay, parsley, activated bamboo charcoal & beet root to color my soaps. All of these are thought to have additional skin benefits. My soaps are luxurious, but affordable. They are healthy- I use only high quality ingredients- all of which are paraben & sulfate free. Tested only on friends & family most of my products can be considered 100% natural. Made in small controlled batches, customers often enjoy coming in my shop & watching me make my products. I love seeing the joy on their faces when they get excited about different fragrances. I also carry fine art & crafts by local artists. This allows me to support my community & bring more beauty to the world.
WHAT'S THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU'VE RECEIVED?
I have been lucky to be surrounded with many people in believe in me. Including my old students. They are a lot of my drive and motivation as I want to show them that you can be successful in whatever you choose to do! I was told early on to surround myself with those who believe in you. Sometimes when people see your success they will try and be negative to make themselves feel better. Don't listen to them! I am a teacher at heart and I KNOW we learn the best from experience. Even if something doesn't work out quite right- you still learn from it. Don't give up and don't give in.