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

Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

Corporate America often misses the mark in the soap industry by relying too heavily on harsh chemicals, inexpensive ingredients, and synthetic fragrances. There seems to be a misguided belief that artificial components are superior to those naturally sourced. It was eye-opening for me to examine the ingredients in homemade cold process soap compared to commercially produced body washes and bar soaps. In a world where diseases like cancer are prevalent, perhaps it’s time to reconsider our choices and opt for products with simpler, more natural ingredients. Unfortunately, many big corporations prioritize profits over people, churning out subpar products that are cheap and easy to manufacture. According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), it takes approximately 26 seconds for the chemicals from fragrances found in typical bar soap or body wash to enter the bloodstream after being applied to the skin (source: EWG). These chemicals, including phthalates, parabens, and synthetic musks, have been linked to various health issues such as hormone disruption, allergies, and even cancer. The use of such chemicals in mass-produced personal care products highlights the need for a shift towards safer, more natural alternatives. By choosing products made with organic ingredients and free from harmful chemicals, consumers can reduce their exposure to potentially harmful substances and support companies that prioritize health and sustainability. It’s essential to be mindful of what we put on our bodies and the impact it can have on our overall well-being. Making informed choices and advocating for safer, more transparent practices in the soap industry can lead to a healthier future for both consumers and the environment.

Brittany, 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 am an Arizona native who spent my childhood moving all over the state. My life story has been one of beating the odds, healing childhood wounds, finding myself, finding love, building a family, and unlocking potential I never could have imagined having. At 39, I feel like I have already lived a million lifetimes, and despite all the roles I’ve played – wife, mother, billing manager, lover of philosophy – I never thought I’d find “entrepreneur” as one of those, but I am so thankful I did. In the words of Carl Jung, “Life really does begin at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research.” And as I find 40 knocking at my door, I find that to be true.

My life started out like most people of my generation – parents who had children too young and all the struggles that come with that. Many of us are forced to grow up too soon, but not all of us appreciate the tenaciousness, determination, and character that can result from facing and overcoming a rough start in life. Thankfully, this is my greatest strength. In each wound, I found wisdom; in each loss, I found a lesson, and with each challenge, I saw an opportunity to prove to myself I was capable. I work for the state’s largest structural engineering firm, fell in love, married, and started a family. I read constantly, studying Zen philosophy, and spent years getting to know myself and changing my perspective on life, my relationships, and opening my eyes to the deeper realities of the world.

Meanwhile, my dad, who had his own journey of growth and evolution, had started his own business and became a central figure in my life, pushing me to start my own business, seeing my potential in this area well before I did. At the time, I didn’t even see how it could be possible – having three kids, a demanding job – starting a business seemed ridiculous. But as the years went on, my children began to get older, and I started to realize I wanted something more for myself. I wanted to see what else I could accomplish besides being an employee, wife, and mother.

I have always been into selfcare, and loved shopping at stores like Bath and Body Works and especially Lush. As my dad continued to push me to find something, luxury soap, bath bombs, and other types of beauty products seemed to really call to me. I started doing research and found I loved fancy soap. I began learning everything I could about soap making. I learned that there were different methods – hot process, melt and pour – and ultimately decided cold processed had the most benefits and took a class. When it was my turn to make my soap, it came together for me so naturally. I instantly fell in love with the process and continued to do research and practice my skills. I even met another soap maker named Janice who helped me perfect my skills and practice my technique.

It was during this part of my journey that I started researching the differences between fragrance oils and essential oils. I couldn’t believe how unregulated the fragrance industry was – manufacturers not having to disclose the chemicals that make up their fragrances because they are considered trade secrets. I also started learning about the way the commercial soap is made that is typically sold in stores, the chemicals that are used, and how harmful these other methods were to us and for the environment. All these things inspired a passion to create my own business based on the things that matter to me: quality, natural ingredients, responsibly sourced, and a business model that puts people before profit.

I’m still in the beginning of this journey. I’m continuing to grow my business mindfully, keeping our environment and health at the center of everything I create. I want to craft products that people are excited to use and can feel safe using on their family. Quality products that are chemical-free should be a standard. We shouldn’t have to worry that what we are purchasing from our stores could be making us sick or destroying our environment. As I continue to grow I am excited to learn new ways my business can benefit my customers and our environment.

As I reflect on my journey – from overcoming challenges to discovering my passion for soap-making – I realize that resilience, personal growth, and pursuing one’s dreams are at the core of my story. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own journeys, prioritize their values, and make a positive impact in their lives and communities. My entrepreneurial venture is not just about creating quality products; it’s about promoting a philosophy of mindful living, sustainability, and ethical business practices that prioritize people and the planet. I am determined to continue this journey, crafting products that embody these values and empower individuals to make conscious choices for their well-being and the planet.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The suicide of my father, just three months after I launched my business, Enchanted Moon, was a devastating blow that shook the very foundation of my life. The joy and pride I had found in my entrepreneurial venture became intertwined with my deepest pain. In the aftermath of his passing, I found it difficult to carry on. Life around me continued as if nothing had changed, which felt profoundly unfair. For everyone who wasn’t close to my dad, life went on as normal, while I was left grappling with an unbearable loss.

As I reflected on my business and whether to press on, I realized I had been seeking validation from those around me—and especially from my father. I began to question the purpose of Enchanted Moon. Had I started it solely to earn his respect? The loss of his approval left a void I hadn’t anticipated, revealing just how much I had relied on his wisdom and guidance to navigate not only business challenges but life itself. His absence forced me to confront every belief I held and everything I thought I knew.

Heartbroken, I mourned the relationship I had fought for my entire life—one that had been so fleeting. Old wounds I believed I had healed were ripped open, with new ones to accompany them and the responsibilities I had always shouldered became even more overwhelming. I had three children facing the complicated emotions of losing their grandfather, a full-time job with increasing demands, housework, and the small business he had inspired me to create. Quitting Enchanted Moon seemed like the most logical choice. After all, no one would blame me for stepping away, especially since I hadn’t been in business for long.

But then I looked around. I saw my husband cheering me on, my children watching me grieve, and my younger siblings, for whom I was a role model. I asked myself what I wanted them to see. How did I want them to carry on? More importantly, I finally asked myself what I truly wanted. I reminded myself of who I was and the legacy I wanted to leave behind. I am not a quitter; I don’t need the approval or validation of others. I am strong, passionate, and resilient. It was just that I had forgotten this for a little while, and I learned that it is okay to lose sight of oneself in times of grief as long as we remember to get back up and carry on with grace.

In a way, my father continues to teach me valuable lessons, even in his absence. He never saw my products hit store shelves—a milestone that occurred just a few months after he left us—or the first article about Enchanted Moon, which pains me deeply. I hope that, somehow, he is proud of me from wherever he is. I wish I could tell him thank you for seeing my potential before I did.

His loss has made me acutely aware of the importance of mental health and the silent struggles that those closest to us may endure. As I navigate this profound loss and continue to build my business, I am fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to honoring my father’s memory.

Although my story isn’t all rainbows and butterflies—it is real. I hope it inspires others to transform their darkest moments into light and to use that light as a beacon of hope for those who are struggling. We all face darkness in life, but it is how we respond that defines who we are and shapes our story.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Many people believe that starting a business requires thousands of dollars, and I was one of them. Coming from a modest background, I missed out on essential lessons about credit and finance. For the past 20 years, my husband and I have worked tirelessly to support our family through various ups and downs, just as many of us do when we begin our adult lives.

With rising prices on everyday necessities, the idea of gathering enough capital to start a business felt daunting. However, I realized that small sacrifices could create the opportunity I was seeking. I began to question my daily expenses—did I really need that $7 coffee every day? Could I skip nail appointments for a while? So, I made those cuts. Each paycheck, I set aside a little money for my business, even if it was just the amount I would typically spend on coffee for the week.

I started by investing in a class and a soap mold. With each subsequent paycheck, I purchased essential tools like an immersion blender and mixing bowls. To keep costs down, I created my own labels using recycled kraft paper and shared my soap with family, friends, and coworkers at the structural engineering firm where I still work.

I took advantage of an event at my best friend’s hair salon, allowing local artists to showcase their crafts. I signed up with local farmers markets and donated a soap basket to the same friends charity event. This not only helped me gain loyal customers but also created a community around my product. People began to notice the difference my soap made for their skin, and soon, my business was generating a small but reliable income. After all, soap is a product that people continuously need, and satisfied customers tend to keep coming back!

Rather than paying myself, I chose to reinvest all profits back into the business to increase production and expand beyond just soap. This journey has taught me that with persistence and a little creativity, it’s possible to turn a dream into reality without a massive financial investment. Through self-discipline and staying true to my dreams, I’ve seen how these qualities can transform the course of my life. It’s easy to overthink and doubt ourselves, but the key is to take that first step. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back—just get started. You never know how far you can go until you take that leap of faith and believe in yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. enchantedmoonsoapery.com
• Instagram: @enchantedmoonsoapery
• Facebook: @enchantedmoonsoapery
• Yelp: Enchanted Moon Soapery

Image Credits

Reyna Guerra
Brittany Guerra