We were lucky to catch up with Dawn Mercier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me was letting me borrow their car for a few months, which allowed me to get back into college and finish my Bachelors degree. At the time, I was facing significant challenges. My car had been totaled the year before, and I didn’t have the financial means to repair it or purchase a new one. Without reliable transportation, doing anything outside of walking distance from where I lived was impossible.

During this difficult period, a kind-hearted acquaintance I met offered to let me use their extra car. This gesture was incredibly generous and came without any strings attached. They understood how important my education was to me and wanted to support me in any way they could.

With the borrowed car, I was able to re-enroll in a local university and regain some of the independence and confidence I had lost. Their act of kindness had a profound impact on my life. It gave me the opportunity to start down a new path. I was able to complete my degree, which in turn opened up numerous doors for me professionally and personally.

This experience taught me the value of generosity and the impact a single act of kindness can have on someone’s life. It also inspired me to pay it forward in my own way. Today, as the owner of Bathena, a small business in Beaverton, Oregon, I strive to give back to the community by donating a portion of every sale to Hygiene 4 All PDX, a local charity for houseless people.

The kindness I received years ago has had a lasting effect on me, shaping my values and the way I run my business. It reminded me that even the smallest acts of generosity can make a significant difference in someone’s life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Dawn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Dawn Mercier, and I am the proud owner of Bathena, I specialize in crafting and carrying handmade luxury self-care products such as soap, body scrubs, bath bombs, and candles. I also offer a few kitchen goods, including our amazing solid dish soap. The mission is to help our customers feel pampered while they are supporting a woman-owned small business that gives back to the local community.

My journey into the world of soap-making began with my love for creative yet science-driven activities like baking. I have been making soap off and on since 2007, and the process always fascinates me. My passion for soap was reignited following my cancer treatments in 2020, and I decided to start Bathena in 2021. The blend of artistry and chemistry involved in creating the perfect bar of soap is something that always inspires me.

I take pride in sourcing as many materials and products as I can from local businesses. With so much money flowing to big companies, I believe in supporting our local economy and fostering a sense of community. This commitment to local sourcing not only helps sustain other small businesses but also ensures the highest quality for our customers.

One of the aspects of Bathena that I am most proud of is our dedication to giving back. For every item we sell, we donate a bar of soap to Hygiene4All PDX, a local charity that supports houseless individuals in our community. So far this year, we have donated over 650 bars of soap to this amazing organization. This initiative is close to my heart as it aligns with core values of community support and social responsibility. My customers appreciate knowing that their purchases make a difference in the lives of those in need.

What sets Bathena apart from others is our unwavering commitment to quality, community, and sustainability. Each product is handcrafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring a luxurious experience for our customers. We believe in the power of small businesses to create positive change, and we strive to be a testament to that belief.

Bathena is more than just a business to me; it’s a platform to express creativity, support the local community, and make a meaningful impact. I am deeply grateful for the support of our customers and community, and I look forward to continuing to provide exceptional products and contribute to causes that matter.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One resource that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial philosophy is the Soapmaker To Moneymaker course from ModernSoapmaking.com. This course has profoundly influenced the way I run my business, Bathena. The owner’s insightful perspective, combined with extensive resources and unwavering support, has been instrumental in building Bathena to what it is today. The course provided me with essential skills in growing my business, managing operations, and sourcing materials. Additionally, the supportive community offered valuable advice and motivation, which has been incredibly beneficial. The insights and skills gained from the ModernSoapmaking.com course have been pivotal in shaping our business strategy and community-focused approach.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Earlier this year, we purchased another local soapmaking business, unfortunately it turned out to be a bad deal. The previous owners didn’t disclose how long ago they had closed their operations, and when we took over, we discovered that most of the raw materials I was counting on were out of date. This was a significant setback, as I had planned to use these materials for our production.

We sent three 55-gallon barrels of oils for biodiesel recycling, along with many other ten 35 pound oil containers. It was disappointing to find that these resources were unusable, but we were committed to handling the situation responsibly. Additionally, we found ourselves with a surplus of equipment that we didn’t need. Rather than letting it go to waste, we decided to sell or donate this equipment to other small local businesses that could benefit from it.

This experience taught us a crucial lesson: the importance of moving slower and asking more questions during the acquisition process. It highlighted the need for thorough due diligence and a more cautious approach in evaluating potential business deals. Despite the setbacks, we are optimistic and have gained valuable insights that will help us make better decisions in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bathena.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbathena/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopBathena/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bathena/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopbathena

Image Credits

All photos were taken by my husband, Jack Burton https://www.instagram.com/jjbsays/