I make homemade bath and body products and would like to open a brick-and-mortar store because I know that my products are good. I want to raise $350000 to quit my job and open my first store.
The company was founded after I became allergic to the sun. My doctor asked me to switch to Dove soap to ease the irritation. While I like Dove, I wanted something better, so I decided to research making soap. I developed my own recipe. I started making soap and giving it to friends and family that wanted it. Eventually, they started paying me for it. I started a website so that they can order. Word got out and I have had several people order. The only complaint that I've had from customers is that it lasts longer than Dr. Squatch, or other bar soap that they use. Because I am working full-time, teaching part-time and going to school for my doctorate, I do not have the time to devote to my business. I believe in my product as the formula is my own. Last summer, I started making lip balm, lotion & a pedicure soak. This summer, I added candles and wax melts. As I have time, I work on my business. I am rebuilding my website, but my time is limited. I hope to re-add products to my website soon so that I can start getting revenue again. I am also doing a rebrand to make my logo more appealing.
Currently, I am taking orders for bulk ordering as I can devote time to make batches for one person for a group or event. I did party favors for a friend's wedding, a special order for a lady's mom that loves my soap, and I'm doing another order for a marathon runner and her team. While the occasional bulk order is great, I want to be able to get soap to customers who need it on a daily basis. My soap is also decorative. An ocean scented soap looks like the ocean. Bay Rum looks like a sunset on water. I once did a collection of soap dedicated to the Scooby Doo series, and each soap had a scent and colors that went well with the character. I had a customer purchase from me because my soap matched her bathroom decor. An added benefit is that the soap smells good.
My company motto is: Turn your Bath into a Spa Experience. The idea is to sell items that will be used in the master bathroom. I will sell all handmade body products, candles and wax melts. I plan to sell loofas, robes, slippers, and other accessories that you would find in a spa in my store. When you walk into the store, the right hand side will have the scent of the month. Candles and wax melts will be on the wall, followed by sleepwear (large t-shirts, cotton loungewear), slippers and robes. On the back wall will be sample soap and a sink so that you can wash your hands. In the back left corner will be the clearance items. As you walk to the front of the store, you'll have the register and bath accessories (soap savers, loofahs), and then the men's section near the front left of the store. In the center will be three displays with customer favorites, separated by categories such as spa, floral & fruity.
This store will be profitable. As Bath and Body Works sold over $7.506B last year. There is room for a similar store with a homemade twist to it that will make customers feel like family. I enjoy speaking to my customers and helping them find what they need. There is plenty of money in that industry for soap that you'll love using.
So far, I have purchased some equipment for making soap in small loaves (from 9-30 bars). I have a website, but I am rebranding and rebuilding my brand. I currently have sixteen subscription customers on Cratejoy.com that I plan on moving to my own website, now that Square has that as an option.
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