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

Alright, Gabrielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

It all began with a humble basket filled with soaps and a spark of creativity.

In 2011, I ventured into the world of soap-making as a personal outlet for my creative energy. Little did I know that those initial test batches would ignite a passion within me and set the foundation for something truly special.

The first time I shared my handmade soaps with my family, I carefully packed a basket containing a variety of my favorite soap samples. I can still recall the excitement in their eyes as they reached into the basket, examining and experiencing each soap. To my relief and delight, their reaction was overwhelmingly positive. They loved them, and their only feedback was simple: “You need to make more!”

And so I did.

Since those early days, we have expanded our collection to encompass a wide range of handcrafted, sustainably sourced self-care products. Our offerings now include not only artisan soaps but also body oils, whipped body butters, sugar scrubs, and even soap-making classes.

As an African American woman-owned business, we take extra care to ensure that our recipes nourish and balance skin of every type and shade, using only the highest-quality ingredients one can find, resulting in the ultimate self-care experience.

Unlike many commercial bars, we use the traditional soap-making method known as cold-process. This method ensures our soap bars are amazingly luxurious, offer a creamy lather with gentle cleansing properties, and are safe to use from your face down to your toes.

So whether you’re unwinding after a long day or pampering yourself before a special occasion, our collection is designed to make you feel your best every single day.

Gabrielle, 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?

At Stella & Throne Soapery, we are passionate about crafting luxurious and nourishing skincare products that celebrate and care for your skin. Our journey began with a deep desire to create something special, something that would bring a deep sense of joy and well-being to others.

My fascination with the art of soap-making and the transformative power of natural ingredients led to countless hours of research, experimentation, and honing of my skills. Through dedication, a strong commitment to excellence, and the encouragement of my family, Stella & Throne Soapery emerged as a testament to my love for crafting exquisite skincare.

Stella & Throne Soapery takes immense pride in handcrafting our products. We believe in the power of nature and its ability to heal and rejuvenate the skin. Each product is meticulously formulated to provide effective results while pampering your senses with delightful fragrances and textures. From calming lavender to energizing citrus blends, we offer a variety of scents to suit every mood and preference.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. We take pride in our sustainable practices and eco-friendly packaging. We believe in being good stewards of the environment and ensuring that our products have a minimal impact. Rest assured, all of our creations are cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals because we believe in caring for your skin without compromise.

We take immense pride in the relationships we have built with our customers. The joy of receiving positive feedback and seeing the positive impact our products have on their lives is truly gratifying. What truly makes us proud is the trust and loyalty our customers place in us to provide them with high-quality skincare that is both effective and indulgent. We are deeply grateful for the relationships we have built over the years. At our core, Stella & Throne Soapery has always strived to foster a growing community where everyone feels represented and valued.

To all potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that Stella & Throne Soapery is a journey of self-care, self-love, empowerment, and indulgence. We invite you to explore our products, experience the beauty of handmade skincare, and become part of our vibrant community, where we celebrate the beauty of all diversities and embrace inclusivity in everything we do.

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

When Stella & Throne Soapery first started, Etsy was our foundation and a valuable platform for testing the waters and building our brand following. It provided us with a space to find our voice, navigate the intricacies of shipping, and connect with customers both near and far. During that time, we were also pondering how to scale our business and offer even more to our valued customers, knowing that our growth would enable us to celebrate their skin in the best way possible.

In July of 2022, we took a significant step forward by moving into our very first soap studio, establishing Tampa, FL, as our official physical home base. This move allowed us to have a dedicated space where we could craft our luxurious products with care and precision. It was an exciting milestone that marked our commitment to delivering the highest quality skincare experiences.

Alongside our move to the soap studio, we also launched a traditional online store on our website, (www.StellaAndThroneSoapery.com). This store gives customers the convenience of purchasing Stella & Throne Soapery products and virtual gift cards directly from our website. We believe in making the shopping experience as seamless as possible, which is why we accept a variety of payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. Our goal is to ensure that customers can easily access our products and indulge in the luxury they deserve.

The journey of Stella & Throne Soapery has been nothing short of remarkable, and it is a testament to the belief, love, and support of our cherished customers. We are incredibly grateful for their faith in our ability to provide the best in luxury skincare. Every success we achieve is a reflection of their trust and encouragement.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations and delivering exceptional skincare products. We invite everyone to visit our website (www.StellaAndThroneSoapery.com), explore our offerings, and experience the love and dedication we pour into every creation.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Absolutely! Stella & Throne Soapery strives to be more than just an artisan soap business. We are passionate about building connections, fostering creativity, and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in supporting and collaborating with independent boutiques, co-op shops, and small businesses of all kinds.

In addition to our amazing product line, we have various revenue streams that add value to our business and create opportunities for others.

One of our supplementary revenue streams is our wholesale and private label options. We love working with retailers who share our passion for high-quality hand-made, sustainably-resourced self-care products. By offering wholesale and private label opportunities, we not only expand our reach but also empower other businesses to offer our exceptional products under their own brand.

We also take pride in sharing our knowledge and expertise. We offer soap-making and skincare classes, where we teach DIY’ers and skincare enthusiasts the art of creating their own handmade soaps. These classes provide a unique experience and help individuals develop new skills while having fun.

For those seeking more personalized attention, we offer private lessons in soap-making. These one-on-one sessions allow us to tailor the learning experience to the specific needs and interests of our students.

Moreover, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting fellow entrepreneurs. We achieve this by hosting artisan pop-ups in collaboration with local small businesses in the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg area. These events create a vibrant and supportive community where we can showcase our brand and customers can discover what makes Stella & Throne Soapery so unique.

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans to expand our offerings even further. We aim to provide mentorship and coaching to other small businesses, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and brand development. We understand the journey and are eager to share our experiences and knowledge to empower others to succeed.

We wholeheartedly enjoy collaborating with others, and invite you to join our community!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.StellaAndThroneSoapery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Stella_and_Throne_Soapery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellaandThroneSoapery/
• Other: Contact Information Email: Info@StellaAndThroneSoapery.com

Image Credits
Image credits: Gabrielle Oakley, Owner of Stella & Throne Soapery