Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bonita Holloway. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bonita, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. undefined

My most significant innovation in my career as the founder and owner of my bath and body company has been perfecting the creation and versatile application of a plant-based, unscented ‘Soap Dough’. It’s more than just soap; it’s a medium that unlocks new possibilities in the handmade bath and body arena. I can make this vegan treat into any color I wish to have, whether to sell or for my own personal use. If your unused soap dough is stored properly, it can be malleable easily for a year and beyond. It allows the soap maker/creator to transform a standard bar of handmade soap into an exquisite, memorable gift for someone special. It serves as an elegant finishing touch, adding visual appeal and distinction to products like sugar scrubs. But its innovation extends beyond aesthetics – it also creates unique experiences. It can be used much like modeling clay, providing a wonderfully fun, creative, and saft bath-time activity for children. For me, the innovation lies in taking a familiar product and expanding its potential to encompass artistry, gifting, decoration, and interactive play.

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

Since I was a kid, I have always dreamt about owning my own business. I love the candy industry, and for years, thought that is what I was destined to do…until soap opened my eyes. Years ago, I came across some information about the environmental toxins that are used in most brands of soap that is sold in the big box stores. Not willing to believe this, I grabbed a bar of soap from under my cabinet to look at the ingredient listing. I was completely blown away to learn that the majority of the ingredient list that I couldn’t even pronounce were environmental toxins. With my newfound knowledge, I set out to see if I could learn how to make soap, but without using any toxins. Amazingly, over time and lots of research, I was able to do just that. Shortly after learning how to make a great bar of soap, I wanted to figure out how I could make a more creative bar; maybe even something that people would buy as a decorative piece for the bathroom countertops if they didn’t want to bathe with it. So, I turned to the internet once again for answers. I found a soap maker who was making soap dough but using lard to do so. So, my second big task was to figure out how to make a very professional, vegan, unscented soap dough that I could use to make unique custom pieces, and/or to sell it if that is what I decided to do. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most soap makers are still using a pre-made soap that you melt, scent, and pour into a mold. This soap is called Melt and Pour. The problem with Melt and Pour soap is that (unless you have made it yourself), it contains a lot of chemicals that may very well be toxins. It also attracts moisture because it is a glycerin soap. Aside from sweating profusely when exposed to the air, I find its use to be very limiting for designs – since you must melt it and pour it into a mold in order to use it. Alternatively, my soap dough does not sweat, can be formed into any shape you wish, is vegan and unscented, and comes in any color I want to make, and I sell it to other soap makers and creators who are looking to elevate their own creations. Although I make a whole line of bath and body products, I am very proud of the progress I’ve made in creating an awesome soap dough. In my opinion, it is a much better option than melt and pour soap – which is why I believe other soap makers and those who just want to experiment with it purchase it from me. Now that I have retired from my career with the Federal Government, I have even more time to perfect my product line, and to develop content for a YouTube channel for the business.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Although I have had my artisan bath and body company for several years now, I was never truly able to get it off the ground because I was also working a full-time job; a career in the Federal Government. However, due to some of the changes the Administration has put into place, I lost my job. There have been times in the past when I gave a lot of thought to just giving up and closing my business because I felt that I just couldn’t do both at the same time anymore. But losing my job in the Federal Government has given me the push I needed to now get it off the ground. I am so thankful that I didn’t give throw in the towel and give it all up.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I do have my own site; powered by Wix. Wix is comprehensive and very easy to use and understand. I also have an Etsy store. Etsy is also easy to upload and sell from because ETSY provides the template for you. There are a lot of fees associated with selling on ETSY too, but I feel like if I had to do it all myself, I would still have to pay someone. So, why not let ETSY do it for me.
I did try Shopify for an entire year, but I found the monthly subscription was entirely too much money because I wasn’t making the monthly cost for the store in sales. Also, I found Shopify very difficult to maneuver through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://handmadebybonita.com
• Instagram: handmadebybonitallc
• Youtube: handmade By Bonita