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

Aubrey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When I first opened my business I operated under a different name. Once I realized that this is what I wanted to do, my passion was soap + skincare, I wanted to have a name to reflect that. So, I began rebranding!

TW: Loss/Miscarriage
I knew when I was rebranding that I wanted to include the name Lue. Short for Luella, which was my mamaw. She would always buy me bars of soap for Christmas, and I loved the way these soaps felt when I used them. She really started my love of handmade soaps. Ollie is short for Oliver. He was a baby that we lost, and it’s something that never ever gets easier to think about. However, I now have them both living on through this beautiful little business, spreading happiness and joy to others, a bar of soap at a time.

Ollie Lue is a name that is full of so much love. It means so much to me when I get compliments on the name or when people tell me how memorable it is. I’ve shared tears with customers at markets on several occasions, and the love shared is something I’ll never forget

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

I officially began Ollie Lue 02.22.2021, however I have been making skincare for 17 years now.

Growing up I had very sensitive skin and an allergy to all deodorant. So, I set out to make my own. I came up with my OG Sweet Pits Deodorant formula and it’s worked for me and now has for many others! I’ve since formulated a baking soda free deodorant cream for those with even more sensitive skin.

I have a background in Biology – I graduated from Ball State University in 2017 with my Bachelor’s in Biology. I then went to work for a lab. After three years, Covid-19 hit and the pandemic cost me and several others their careers. At the time I was 3mo pregnant with my son and was at a loss on what to do. I spent months brainstorming and after my son was born, the idea of Ollie Lue was too.

My son was born with a severe dairy protein allergy. Even dairy free breast milk was problematic for him. Skincare was an issue for him as well, so I began making my own just for him. During this I was also battling post partum depression and creating skincare yet again was such a light that I didn’t know I needed. Being able to use a colorful bar of soap made me feel and smell good. I had wondered if others could experience using a bar of soap would make a difference for them as well. As a mom, especially a new mom, getting a shower comes with so many emotions. Taking care of yourself is so important and my hope is that my products will give a little bubble of happiness to anyone, because you never know what someone is going through.

A little project that started many years ago for myself with an allergy resurfaced again when my son was born – then turned into something healing for me during a dark time. I knew I wanted to continue the journey to help others as often as I could. Because, if a colorful bar of soap gave me a glimmer of happiness during a dark time maybe it could help others too.

All of this has blossomed into a bubbly business where I now offer many products. Dairy free soaps, body lotion, magnesium lotions and sprays, scented rollers, deodorant cream, face cream and washes, tattoo balm, serums, shampoo and conditioner bars, lip glosses, chap stick, body butters, wax melts and seasonal artisan candles. I also offer custom items such as breastmilk soap, business branded items, party favors and so much more!

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Everything I make, I create in my home. I still operate in my house – a goal would be a facility one day! My creative space is an 8×10 walk in closet that we have remodeled into my workspace. I have kitchen counter tops, cabinets, shelves, baking racks for product storage and all the ingredients. It’s a small space, but a massive upgrade from year one, which was just my kitchen.

Having a very limited space has been a challenge. I’ve had to become really great at life-size tetris for storage. I’ve also had to really nail down time management. During the day I am home with my two kiddos and at night is when I typically work. As my kiddos have grown with me and my business they have enjoyed to help me with little things when it is appropriate. My son (4yr) loves to label products, so if a label is ever a little crooked just know that he’s trying his best! My daughter (3yr) loves to watch me make anything and is the official smell tester of all fragrances. Having them be a part of this is so important to me. They get to learn new skills and they often get to have their own fun products!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Consistency and being genuine. When you see me out at markets and events, that is who I am every single day. I come as I am, ready to meet new people and make connections.

I am still a very young business, staying consistent in posting on social media and engaging with customers is very important. It is not easy to fight the algorithm of any social media platform. Just know that following a small business like mine makes a huge difference! Interacting, liking, sharing posts and commenting on things you like brings awareness to content and helps more than you know!

Being genuine is even more important! I’m not just here to sell items. I’m here to grow personally, help people find a moment of happiness or begin their journey on helping their skin – with my products or a referral to a skincare professional. It’s about community. Building relationships along the way has been something I will always hold near and dear. Customers have turned into friends, other businesses have become close friends and customers have passed on Ollie Lue with their experiences. It’s all very wholesome.

Over these 4 years I have grown at a steady rate – I am not the “let’s go viral” type. I am so thankful for the growth that I have had and excited for what the future will hold. Ollie Lue is now in 10 stores across Indiana and a part of several farmers markets. So many people are a part of this little soapy journey and I couldn’t be more thankful!

You can shop Ollie Lue Soap Co. online at ollieluesoapco.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ollieluesoapco.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ollieluesoapco
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ollieluesoapco
• Other: Tiktok : @ollieluesoapco