We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Starr Conlan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Starr, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Once I realized I wanted to take my hobby to the next level, I began brainstorming possible business names. My faith has always been a big part of my life and I knew I wanted to glorify God in every way I was able to. After all, He is the one that gave me the talents. I came across the verse, “May joyous grace and endless peace be yours continually from our Father God and from our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.” 1 Corinthians 1:3 TPT. Once I read that, it was settled, the business would be named “Joyous Grace Soap”.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Early into attending high school, I knew I was going to need to make some kind of career decision. When faced with the option of college or attending our local career and technical center for free to learn a trade, I chose the latter. I grew up around my Dad and both Grandfather’s always working on cars, trucks and pretty much anything else with a motor. I was always intrigued by this and loved being in a garage atmosphere. None of them knew how to weld, so, I took a leap of faith and decided to learn something new that could help them and enrolled in the Fabrication & Welding program. I ended up both enjoying it and being good at it, so, I went through all 3 years of the course. I graduated on the National Technical Honor Society, one of the top in my class and after graduation in 2019, I got right to work. When the craziness of the world happened in 2020 and was continuing in 2021, my Mom one day jokingly, but also seriously asked “What if we can’t buy soap? You should learn how to make it.” I thought that was absolutely crazy and laughed. Well, unknowingly, she planted a seed when she asked that question. It truly made me think to myself, “What if we really can’t buy soap or other necessities we need?”. So one day after I came home from my welding job, I opened up Youtube and began to research the process of making soap, the basic ingredients needed, the benefits of handmade soap, etc. I finally worked up the courage to make a batch and got all of the supplies and ingredients ordered. Once they finally arrived, I think I made a batch almost every night – I loved it! After I felt confident and refined my soap recipe to just the way I like it, I started looking into other handmade products. I knew by then that this was something I was meant to pursue. In January of 2023, I reached out to an attorney’s office to have all my LLC paperwork filed with the state. I worked hard to get my website built and I started attending vendor shows to get the word spread about my products. Fast forward to where I am now, and I offer over 20 products ranging from goat milk soap to solid haircare products to solid dish soap and more! I love what I do and I’m blessed to have such amazing clientele that have turned into friends. My motto is, if I wouldn’t put it on my skin, I won’t put it on yours. We are such beautifully designed, intricate creations and the products we use daily should reflect that.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Yes, all products sold at Joyous Grace Soap, aside from bathroom accessories are handmade by me! It truly is a labor of love. After learning the basics of cold process soap making, each recipe mostly stays the same aside from the colorants and fragrances that are used. All other products that I am able to scale up when making, I do so to save time. However, there still are some products I make like our “Magnesium Deodorant Spray” that are individually made. I am still learning to scale up some of these other products! I take pride in what I do, so, I enjoy the aspect of having complete control over how the products are made and then packaged and distributed.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Yes, the Bible. In my own strength, I could not do all that I do – thank God for His grace! Simply put, if God is for me, no man or economy or anything else man made, can be against me. If the Lord was not the foundation this business was built on, it would not make it. Thankfully, through Christ I am more than a conqueror and any challenge I may come across while running this business, will stand no chance. I have the mind of Christ and I will walk in confidence knowing that I already have the victory over it! God has provided for all of the needs this business has had so far and I have no doubt He will continue to provide to see His vision for this business come to life. He is a way maker!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joyousgracesoap.com
- Instagram: joyousgracesoap
- Facebook: Joyous Grace Soap LLC
Image Credits
StudioKat Photography