We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristin Straka. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristin below.

Kristin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I didn’t set out to start a soap business—it grew naturally from a creative hobby. I’ve always been interested in herbal remedies and natural products, and I love working with my hands. When a friend gave me a book about making soap, I decided to try it. The process fascinated me, from the chemistry and calculations needed to saponify oils with lye to selecting ingredients and perfecting scents. I started giving bars to friends and family, and before long, people began asking if they could buy them. That’s when I realized this could be more than just a hobby.

Turning it into a business was a whole new challenge. At first I started selling my bars at local retail stores in Flagstaff while I continued to build my brand and offerings. I had to figure out regulations, started sourcing ingredients in bulk, and developed a logo and brand that would appeal to everyone. I named it Arizona Soap Creek, inspired by a place I know in the Grand Canyon and by the Southwest landscapes I love and call home. I set up an online store, started selling at art shows and farmers’ markets, and kept refining my products based on customer feedback. It’s been a lot of trial and error, but every step has made the business stronger. Now, it’s more than just soap—it’s something I’m truly proud of.

Kristin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the owner and soap maker behind Arizona Soap Creek, where I craft high-quality, handmade soaps with plant-based ingredients designed to hydrate and rejuvenate dry skin. What started as a creative hobby quickly turned into a passion as I discovered the art and science of soap making. Using nourishing oils, botanical extracts, and pure essential oils, I create small-batch soaps that are gentle, eco-friendly, and free from synthetic additives. Each bar is carefully formulated to be moisturizing, long-lasting, and visually unique—often inspired by the colors and textures of Arizona’s landscapes.

What sets Arizona Soap Creek apart is the craftsmanship and deep connection to nature behind every product. I take pride in creating soaps that not only nourish the skin but also provide a sensory experience through scent, texture, and design. Whether it’s helping someone find the right soap for their skin or offering a beautifully handcrafted gift, I love knowing my work makes a difference. My goal is simple—to bring a little piece of the Southwest into everyday routines while staying true to high-quality, natural ingredients.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients has been my in-person events at farmers’ markets and art shows. Since my soap business is still a growing side hustle, these events have been key in introducing people to my products. Many customers who first discover me at a market later start buying from me online and actively seek me out at future events. I did my first art show in Tucson, Arizona, in December 2023, and within a month or two, I started receiving online orders from Tucson—a place where I had never had orders before. That was when I knew people not only liked my soaps but were willing to seek them out again after their initial purchase.

I also specialize in highly intricate and creative specialty soaps, which people often buy as gifts. Whether it’s a beautifully detailed artisan bar or a simple, gentle bath soap, I strive to have something for everyone. I take a lot of pride in the creative side of my business, and I think that’s what sets me apart from other soap makers. My goal is to make products that are both functional and unique, turning everyday skincare into a small luxury.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of my biggest passions is creating artisan soaps that are both functional and fun—each bar is like a little work of art. But learning how to work with soap as a medium and executing intricate designs has been a true test of resilience. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending 8–12 hours on a design—whether it’s a desert sunset or a whimsical garden gnome—only to cut the batch and realize the intricate details have turned into an unrecognizable blob. It’s incredibly discouraging, but the only way forward is to try again.

Over time, I’ve learned to embrace the process by telling myself, “The first batch probably won’t turn out—this is the learning phase.” Even now, my first attempt at a new design doesn’t always match my vision, but I’ve learned to persevere, refine my techniques, and improve with each batch. One of my most challenging yet rewarding designs is my Desert Sunset soap. The technique is time-consuming and complex, but it remains one of the most beautiful soaps I’ve ever created. The effort, patience, and ingenuity it took to get it right have made me a better soap maker and artisan, and I take immense pride in that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arizonasoapcreek.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azsoapcreek/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azsoapcreek/

Image Credits

Kristin Straka, Arizona Soap Creek