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

Barbara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I started to make soap just to try to combat my own issues with eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. The commercial products that I was using just weren’t helping. I am allergic to coconut oil and discovered that coconut oil is used in almost every skin care product out there. I did tons of research and soon developed a recipe with all natural ingredients to create a skin sensitive soap and other skin care products like lotion bars, butters, scrubs, etc.. After using my own soap that I made, I noticed a difference in my skin within a week. I then shared my soaps with friends and family. They soon encouraged me to do markets and so I did. I didn’t realize how many people were like me, and how they also struggled with combatting irritating skin issues. So, helping others with their skin issues became my focus. I soon noticed that skin care products are a necessity and can actually help those who are fighting cancer and those who may not have the means to even afford something as small and simple as soap. I started to donate products to local organizations in need and also started to use my company to help raise money for the local animal shelter. With the start of my business, I am able to give back to my community in ways that I thought I never could. Doing for others is the forefront of my mission and time spent making my soap products.

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?

I started making soap because of my sensitive skin. It didn’t take long before friends and family started to help get the word out about my company. Feedback from customers have been super rewarding in learning that I am able to help them combat sensitive skin issues. One of my friends, who had cancer used my soap and lotion bars to help with her dry skin caused from her chemo treatments. Another customer used my lotion bars to help her toddler with baby eczema and she noticed a difference within a week of using the beeswax lotion bar. Knowing that I can help others is what I am most proud of. I also open the forum to suggestions from customers and what they look for in all natural skin care products. I make to order special requests for customers all the time. Knowing that I can offer that one on one customer care encourages me to continue to research and make even better products.

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

Definitely friends and family helped me to build my reputation with the soap business. They help to share my social media pages to their pages and then it gets shared from there and just keeps going. Word of mouth has really shined the light on my company and influence a lot of my sales.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Well, let’s just say I used a lot of my savings and good credit to start my business…lol….Slowly, I have been building enough revenue to keep me going. I’m not making millions, but that isn’t my goal. I am still learning how to budget and not go crazy when shopping for ingredients and products. This business has taught me to me a little more conservative in spending.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themarshhensoapco.com
• Other: I do have a Facebook page, but I don’t know how to add the link?