Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marisa Carducci. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marisa, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At SOAK, we believe in More Self-Care, Less Chemicals. Growing up with sensitive skin along with having a love for bath products was a challenge. It was hard to find fun products that did not dry out or irritate my skin. I️ found that others were in a similar predicament. I️ began to learn more about skincare ingredients and earned my biological sciences degree to have a better understanding of how various ingredients interact with our bodies. When I️ opened SOAK, I️ curated a range of products with high quality ingredients that even those with more sensitive skin could enjoy using. Our clean formula products help to cleanse, moisturize, and nourish the skin while being free of harsh sulfates, phthalates, and parabens.

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 name is Marisa, and I️ am the owner of SOAK Bath & Beauty. I’m also a biology grad, skincare addict, artist, & self-care advocate.I️ have always had a love for cosmetics which only flourished when I️ discovered cosmetic chemistry. I️ earned my bachelor of science degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University where I️ broadened my understanding of physiology, chemistry, and medical botany, amongst many other topics. The more I️ learned while earning my degree, the more I️ researched what was going into many of the skincare products on the market. I️ was surprised to see various studies that have been conducted, yet those ingredients were still allowed in personal care products. Some ingredients were even banned completely in other countries. I️ dreamt of a store that I️ could walk into and not have to read every single label for ingredients I️ didn’t want on my body. That was when the idea of SOAK was born. Our products are free of parabens, harsh sulfates, phthalates, and some are also free of fragrance, dyes and/or gluten. We love natural and clean formula products! We also prioritize sourcing our products locally and using biodegradable and sustainable materials whenever possible! Some of our products are made in store, and others are manufactured for us in USA facilities. We also carry products by other brands who share our values! I️ am so excited to share these products with the self-care community, and it brings me so much joy to see others enjoying their shopping experiences and our products whether it be in our Downtown Fort Mill store, online on soakfortmill.com, or using our curbside local pick up. We also offer product making classes that are a super fun way to customize your self-care products!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media can be a challenge! It’s also such a great resource to find and connect with your clientele. To build my following in the beginning, I️ partnered with other businesses for giveaways and cross promotions. I️ would also make use of the location feature and of course, hashtags, hashtags, hashtags! The algorithms are always changing, but using a combination of image posts and reels is what I’ve found to be the way to go. I️ provide informational posts, product descriptions, and tutorials in my feed to show potential followers what my brand is all about. Staying authentic is also so important! I️ absolutely love my products, so promoting them comes naturally. When I’m making a video, it feels more like I’m telling my best friend about this great new product rather than someone I’ve never met because we’ve found a common interest in either background, self-care, skincare, or love of my products! Social media can really help build relationships with your customers and provide amazing customer service. Social media provides a convenient way to stay in touch with your customers, so responding quickly to DMs and comments makes it easy for customers to get the assistance they need!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I️ love listening to entrepreneurial podcasts! They are a great resource for tips and tricks when it comes to marketing, staying organized, and just growing your business in general. Often times the podcast host and guest speakers have different backgrounds or work in different industries, so you’re always learning new things, and most of the time they’ve been in the same place you’re in now, so it is helpful to learn from their wins and mistakes!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soakfortmill.com/
• Instagram: @soak.fortmill
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soak.fortmill
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-carducci/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soak-bath-and-beauty-fort-mill