We were lucky to catch up with Liz Palmer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Our mission is to create high-quality, luxurious soaps and bath products using sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. We are committed to reducing waste and minimizing our environmental impact, using recycled packaging and investing in sustainable production methods. We use ingredients from our farm such as raw honey, beeswax, and dried botanicals. We also believe that handmade soap is better for your skin than detergent bars sold in stores.
We hope to inspire other businesses in the industry to take a more sustainable approach and create a ripple effect that helps protect the planet for future generations. Our mission is not just about selling soap, it’s about making a positive impact on the world and creating a more sustainable future for all.
Liz, 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 Liz, the creator and maker behind Carnation Soap Co. I have always been drawn to homesteading skills – chicken keeping, gardening, bee keeping, bread making, and more – soap was especially interesting to me since I have a science background. I live in Carnation, Washington on our farm of over 100 chickens, turkeys, quail, ducks, geese, bees, and more critters!
In 2016 I made my first batch of soap for our family, and was instantly hooked on the chemistry and creativity. It quickly took off and a year later I founded our soap company, then called Blackberry Hill Farm, after our farm.
In 2019 I was able to leave my environmental consulting job to take the company full time. It was months before Covid shut everything down. A huge gamble at the time with so much uncertainty, but in the end it turned out that it fueled our growth. In 2022 we rebranded to Carnation Soap Co. to show our hometown pride in Carnation Washington.
I focus on using the best sustainable products, and keeping things like palm-oil, parabens, and phthalates out of our products. I also feel strongly about using compostable and recyclable packaging, things like paperboard lip balm tubes instead of plastic. I believe our products are better when we take care of our planet too.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
My best source of clients has been focusing on our hometown and surrounding areas. I used to do many farmer’s markets and craft shows and it helped get our name out to where people began to search our products out. Now our online sales surpass in-person sales. I continue to get our name out by sponsoring local charities and giving items to auctions.
How did you build your audience on social media?
We rely heavily on social media for advertising. Our main platform is Instagram followed by Facebook. A few main things have really helped us grow:
1. Know your audience. Who are you marketing to, what specific demographic will purchase your products.
2. Show up consistently. Alot of times it is hard to be creative but having a consistent presence will help your account grow.
3. Be authentic, don’t try to be like other accounts, but find your own niche. Show your mistakes and failures.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carnationsoapco.com
- Instagram: @carnationsoapco