Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Margaret Slaughter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Margaret, thanks for joining us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.
I have always had a passion for giving back. As So So Soft has evolved over the past two years, I wanted a way to incorporate giving back to the community through business. I developed Operation Softie. A percentage of So So Soft’s sales are used to fund Operation Softie, allowing me to support members of our community.
My eldest daughter, Kristin, founded a non-profit girls mentoring group, for ages 9-14, Bridging the Gap. So So Soft is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Group.
So So Soft has also supported the Lawrence Strawbridge Foundation. So So Soft provided a $300 donation to cover the college trunk for a 2022 Scholar who is attending University of Oregon. The trunk was filled with all of the scholar’s dorm needs such as laundry supplies, bedding, hygiene products and education supplies.
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
So So Soft was launched in November, 2020. I am married to my husband of 32 years, Carmit, and we are the proud parents of two adult daughters, Kristin and Camille.
After 35+ years of government service, and working through numerous government shut downs, I decided it was time to create multiple streams of income. Determined to not let anyone else control my earnings, So So Soft was born.
For several years I had experimented and mixed Shea Butter products for me and my daughters. Now adults, my daughters encouraged me to turn it into a business opportunity. With the support of them and my husband, I did just that.
So So Soft was also born out of my changing skin care needs. As a middle aged woman, I was beginning to experience extremely dry skin, and over the counter products did not seem to help. I decided to try and solve my own problem! The moisturizing products So So Soft carries has evolved over the past two years, but we currently provide scented whipped body butters, scented body creams, scented body and foot scrubs, scented moisturizing body oils, as well as beard care products (beard wash, beard oil, and beard balm) for the men.
With the birth of my grandson, I am currently working on a line of whipped body butters gentle enough for a babies skin, but moisturizing enough for an adult. Stay tuned . . .
So So Soft’s Motto:
“Pamper your skin, you wear it everyday.”
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Prior to founding So So Soft, I had never had aspirations or thoughts of being a business owner. So this is an entirely new journey for me. I’ve made lots of mistakes, plunged in feet first and done some things out of order, but when I started I told myself if I could give the federal government 35+ years, I could give myself a minimum of one, whether it was good or bad. Committing myself to be as committed to something I’ve developed as I was to my employer has been a learning experience. The success or failure of my business rests solely on me. Currently there is no staff, committee, co-workers, etc., all the things I’m used to. There is no safety net. I AM the net. It is daunting at times, but I am committed to leaving my family a legacy.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
When my daughters became adults, it took me a few years to adjust. There were no more PTA meetings, volunteering at the school, conferences, transporting to school events, and all the things associated with being a wife and mother. I was stagnant for a few years. I had to learn to put myself on my list. What were MY interests, goals, likes, dislikes. I had to retrain myself to not think working in my business was selfish. I still struggle some days. but again at this stage in my life I’m committed to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://so-so-soft.square.site
- Instagram: @so_so_soft19
- Facebook: So So Soft
- Twitter: @SoSoSoft19
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
margaret-slaughter-500166262 - Other: TikTok @mslaught
Image Credits
Mena Darré, Branding Photographer, Strategist, and Content Creator