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

Markita , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Starting my business was one of the biggest risks I had ever taken in my entire life. It began as a hobby. I was on a soul-searching journey to finding myself, finding what I was good at, finding an avenue to express myself and most of all to aid in my self care. After time of making soap I started to give it away to have people try it out and let me know their thoughts. This took place in February 2021. I got overwhelming feedback to start selling my soap. It was THAT GOOD! I started selling it here and there shortly after recievunf that feedback. Three months later, May 2021 I had a business name, 5 months later in October 2021, I had established my business website and LLC. One year later I am one week out from officially opening my brick and mortar location. Blessed is an understatement. This can be encouragement to those who read this, JUST TAKE THE FIRST STEP!

Markita , 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 the beginning of the pandemic, I went on a soul-searching journey. Much of my adult life had been filled with putting people, places and things before myself and being so busy or so tired that I would often forget about me. While doing things for others and being involved in outside activities is all good, you can never forget about self. So, to preface this, I put God in all things. At the beginning of my journey, I went to the source to find out what direction I should go in. I had always been good at doing things with my hands and creating, so I’m thankful for the quiet time that the pandemic provided to tap into these things with no outside distractions. I began with DIY projects here and there, then one day I was scrolling through “YouTube University” and saw a soap-making video. I thought to myself…”that would be cool to try”, so in February 2021 I made my very first batch of soap. I recall talking to a friend of mine shortly after this about my new hobby. The topic of making it a business came up during the conversation. I recall mentioning to them that I wasn’t sure if I would make it a business or not because I was nervous that it would become a chore rather than something I enjoyed. I was encouraged to allow people to begin trying my soaps and that’s where the business took off. I remember during that time praying and telling God that if He wanted me to make this hobby a business that I would allow Him to take the lead and make it successful. Three months later in May 2021 I had a business name and steady sales through my influx of customers. Five months later in October 2021 I launched my website. It’s crazy to think that something that was once a hobby has turned into what it is today. One year later, I am in my own retail space.

SUDS is a brand whose goal is to provide premium grade bath and body care products without loosing our personalized, handcrafted touch. We ensure that all products sold are free from unnecessary ingredients.

SUDS is a brand who keeps our customers in the center of all that we do. We strive on the satisfaction of those who support small business’ and want to become your “go to” brand for all of your bath and body care needs.

SUDS is a Christian business striving to spread love, care and compassion through creating products that “just make you feel good”!

When asked “How did SUDS start?” Owner, Markita replied…” I got tired of not having an answer to the question, what are you good at? It honestly took the pandemic, prayer and a whole lot of soul searching to find myself. All of my gifts and talents bloomed from there!”

Our hope at SUDS is that you find what you need whether that’s a moisturizing bar of soap, an exfoliating sugar scrub or a combination of all the products we have to add to your self care routine. Whatever your needs may be, SUDS is for YOU!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Connection is critical. Make connections with people. It sounds simple but show yourself friendly and you will attract those that are for you. Captivate them by making your product relevant to them. Pairing these two things together are the keys to success.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

YES YES AND YES AGAIN! I LOVE WHAT I DO!!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sudsluxesoaps.com
• Instagram: @sudsluxesoaps
• Facebook: Suds Luxe Soaps and Body Care