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

Alexis, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I began my soaping journey in 2022 after a number of failed attempts to find my niche in the art world. Going from general arts and design, to cosmetology, and finally a handmade small business. DIY projects and crafting has always been an interest of mine, I knew someday I’d like to work for myself and make something with my hands. In early 2022 while in-between jobs, a soap cutting video on Tiktok had caught my eye, from there I watched soap making and safety videos everyday. My cousin, Karen, got me a melt and pour soap making kit, and it only reaffirmed my love for handmade soap. I decided to focus on cold process soap, because I loved that you can customize every single aspect of it from scratch. I’d get to formulate my soap completely and know exactly what’s in it.
Over the next nine months, I gathered the proper supplies and knowledge to begin creating soap. Researching oils and their benefits, ingredients suppliers, lye safety, labeling and packaging, then all of the normal things that go into running a business, proved to be more time consuming that I had imagined. Also,
I had to find a place to create my soap. I couldn’t make soap at home yet, I didn’t have a secluded place away from my pets. My parents were kind enough to lend me their finished basement as my pseudo studio. Finally, in October of 2022, I began practicing my craft. For a few months, i honed my skills before I decided to launch offically as Lex Scent Co, in 2023.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Originally, I set out to make bar soaps, but I’ve expanded to include bath bombs, beard oils, and lip balms. I’m always looking to expand my skills and learn new things. I believe my unique shapes, ingredients, designs, and scents set me apart from typical soap you’d find on a shelf at a supermarket. Also, I strive to be environmentally conscious. Each soap is packaged with an organza bag, which we encourage customers to use as a soap saver bag. Most of our soaps are packaged naked (no plastic wrap) unless the design requires it. Products created for Lex Scent Co are made with great care. I personally formulate every recipe and quality check products before they go to a market event or get posted online.

If someone comes to an event I’m attending, I believe what catches their eye first is my one-of-a-kind soap designs. Soap making is an artistic outlet for me, and my soaps display that. Each month this year I have taken my soaps to the next level, in design and quality. It’s taken me some time to find my style and voice in my brand, changing a lot as this year has gone on. This process took a while to work up to, it’s nerve wracking to commit to rebranding your business, it takes some effort and money. I think where I am at now, is the closest I’ve felt to my brand representing me and what I believe in; interesting scents, reducing plastic use, community focused, and playful designs.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A lot of what I know today about running my business, is thanks to two women I found through YouTube; Anne-Marie Faiola, and Katie Carson. Both of their YouTube channels inspired me to pursue soap beyond strictly being a hobby. Their content taught me different things about the soap industry, both practical and business oriented.

Anne-Marie is the owner of Bramble Berry, one of my suppliers. She wrote a book called “Pure Soapmaking”. My husband bought this book for me last year while I was just beginning to learn the fundamentals of soap making and how to add appeal to your products. In addition, Anne-Marie’s videos on YouTube helped me develop a business owner mindset. Watching her videos about starting a business motivated me to sign up for my first event, which was the Bay City Maker’s Market.

The first beginners soap making video I watched was led by Katie Carson, of Royalty Soaps. My “Orange Pop” soap is inspired by one she created in that video. In a lot of her content, she offers advice and wisdom to fellow soap crafters. Many of her videos have saved me from learning tough lessons on my own, whether it be about the craft itself or the business side of things.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

A social media presence is not created overnight, like most things. The hardest aspect of it, is getting started. That first post is so daunting, but once you do it, every one after that will be better. When I began crafting, I shared my journey on Facebook to friends and family. I think that’s the most realistic advice for most people to establish their brand, share locally and to your loved ones. Those closest to you want to see you succeed, and they can help by sharing and engaging with your social media. Fellow small business owners around me make it a point to share and encourage their peers, on their own business pages. When you enrich and support your community, it’ll show support back to you.

Being involved in every form of social media helps get your business’ name out there. For instance, you can find Lex Scent Co on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Etsy. The more accessible you are to your audience, the better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/lexscentco
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lexscentco?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088231435676&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lexscentco?_t=8gncGBK3lm7&_r=1

Image Credits
Myself for most of them, my dad took the photo of myself and my husband.