We recently connected with Carol Gauthier and have shared our conversation below.

Carol, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

Many people don’t realize that one of the primary ingredients in most soap is palm oil, a commodity that is a leading cause of habitat destruction in rainforests. This loss of habitat is devastating for orangutans and countless other species that depend on these ecosystems for survival. To align my craft with my values, I developed a palm oil-free soap recipe. By removing palm oil from my process, I hope to raise awareness about its environmental impact while offering a sustainable alternative.

When I considered where my donations could have the most impact, The Orangutan Conservancy stood out as the perfect fit. Their dedicated work to protect and conserve orangutans directly addresses the challenges these primates face. Supporting them through my soap sales is my way of contributing to their vital efforts while encouraging others to join the cause.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My soap business started quite by accident. One Christmas, I found myself in a tight financial spot and needed a creative way to give meaningful gifts without breaking the bank. Around that time, I had reconnected with a childhood friend who happened to be a skilled soap maker. I asked if she could teach me how to make soap so I could craft unique gifts for my friends and family.

The soaps were an instant hit! My loved ones raved about them, and my brother encouraged me to start selling them. Hesitant but curious, I posted pictures of my soaps on social media. To my surprise, a friend who worked a store reached out and offered to sell them. I jumped at the chance, and before long, the city where the store was located placed a large order. That order was a turning point—it gave me the resources to grow my soap business.

From there, I began vending at various pop-up events, experimenting with different styles and themes. Over time, I discovered my niche: Spooky, Goth, and Horror-themed soaps. Leaning into this unique aesthetic, I started vending at Horror conventions and night markets, connecting with like-minded customers who loved my dark, whimsical creations. What began as a practical holiday solution has now grown into a thriving business.

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

When I design my soaps, I focus on finding fresh and innovative ways to channel my love for the macabre into each design. My soaps are truly unique, and I frequently hear from customers that they’ve never seen anything like them before. This distinctiveness has been instrumental in building my reputation. While it took time to establish a loyal customer base, I now have repeat customers and event-goers who actively seek me out, excitedly sharing how much they love my soaps.

Social media has been a key part of growing my business. I enjoy creating my own reels and advertisements to introduce new designs or promote upcoming events I’ll be vending at. It’s a creative outlet that allows me to connect with my audience and keep them engaged. Networking with other vendors has also been incredibly valuable, helping to expand my reach and further establish my reputation within the community.

One of my favorite strategies is donating soaps for large events, especially for VIP goody bags. This has proven to be a fantastic way to introduce my products to people I might not have encountered otherwise, helping to grow my audience and attract new customers.

Above all, I stand by the quality of my work. Maintaining high standards is not just important to me—it’s the foundation of my business.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I sell my soaps on my own website, www.bubblesofmadness.com, as well as on Etsy. It took about a year for my Etsy shop to gain traction, but now it generates a steady stream of sales, especially during the busy Halloween and Christmas seasons. I haven’t hired any outside company to market my business, relying instead on organic growth and word-of-mouth to build my customer base.

While my website hasn’t performed as well as my Etsy shop overall, it does see a boost in sales after I’ve vended at large events. Many customers who discover me at these events or pick up a business card often follow up with larger orders through my website. These connections have been a great way to grow my direct sales and establish lasting relationships with my customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bubblesofmadness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbles_of_madness_soaps/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bubblesofmadnesssoaps
• Twitter: https://x.com/BubblesOMadness

Image Credits

All photos taken by Carol Gauthier