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

Olga, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

MION is a small, family-owned company that specializes in handmade soaps, natural skin care and bath products, available online as well as at our stores located in Downtown Wheaton and St. Charles Illinois. All products are made with high-quality natural and organic ingredients, essential oils and herbs in small batches. For soapmaking we use the old-fashioned cold processing method, requiring the soaps to cure for 4 to 6 weeks. We NEVER use fragrance oils, artificial or synthetic ingredients, parabens or preservatives. No toxic chemicals used, period. Because nature already gave us everything we need for our skin, there is no need to use synthetical replicas.

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 husband and I have always devoted ourselves to living a healthy and clean lifestyle. When our son was born, it only motivated us to focus more on our personal wellness and lead by example with a clean and simple approach to the things we use and consume daily. When we had our daughter Sophie, we quickly realized expanding our baby products was way overdue. Today, we’re a blessed family of four who try to eat organic and locally produced food, wear simple cotton clothing, raise healthy spirits, practice yoga, explore the outdoors and, most importantly, use all natural skin and body products that are safe for our home and the environment.

Many years ago I developed eczema, and my daughter seems to have inherited sensitive skin as well. In search of a solution, I spent a lot of time and money on products that temporarily relieved my symptoms or even worse — didn’t seem to work at all. Eventually, I began doing research on how to make homemade lotions and dedicated my time to studying various natural oils, butters and herbs. Before I knew it, I had created my own remedy.
Over the years, I continued to research and experiment with different ingredients and perfected the lotion that I use today as my eczema treatment. This one creation led me to a number of products that are my go-to best kept secrets for stretch marks, acne, hair growth and more. Creating MION and producing products that have helped me in a way that can help others has been the most rewarding part of our business.
Since our journey began, we have always used the highest quality of ingredients, without the use of preservative, parabens, artificial colorings and perfumes. We use a variety of herbs that give our products their unique vibrant colors and are blended to maximize the beneficial effects of each ingredient.
We are truly proud of our work and we love to share our creations with our customers. What started off as a table with a handful of products at a farmer’s market has transformed into our dream made a reality by customers like you.
Trust us to take care of your skin as we take care of our own.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

In 2008, my husband and I immigrated to the United States, each taking on two regular jobs to make ends meet. However, our lives took an unexpected turn when I began experiencing skincare issues, prompting me to search for cleaner, healthier alternatives for my skin. Fueled by a desire to address my own concerns, I delved into the world of crafting skincare products, starting with making my own soap.

My journey into soap-making was a self-taught endeavor, driven by a thirst for knowledge fueled by books and online courses. Initially, I crafted these soaps as heartfelt gifts for friends and family, who were not only appreciative but also intrigued by the quality and uniqueness of the products. Encouraged by their positive feedback, I took a leap of faith and began selling my creations at local farmers’ markets.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers drawn to the natural, handcrafted charm of my soaps. As demand grew steadily, my husband and I realized the potential of turning this passion into a full-fledged business. With unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit, we took the bold step of moving out of our home kitchen and into a dedicated production space.

In 204 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, we opened our first brick-and-mortar location, providing a physical space for customers to experience our products firsthand. The warm reception from the community further fueled our ambition, leading us to expand our reach by opening another location at 78 S First Street in St. Charles, IL.

Along the way, there were numerous milestones that marked our progress, from perfecting our formulations to refining our branding and expanding our product line. Each step was a testament to our commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.

Today, our business stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. What started as a humble side hustle born out of personal necessity has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, touching the lives of countless individuals seeking natural, nourishing skincare solutions. As we continue to grow and evolve, our journey serves as an inspiration to others pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, one soap at a time.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the bustling world of markets and craft shows, I was always on the lookout for opportunities to showcase my handcrafted soaps. One event stood out among the rest, hailed as one of the finest art shows in Illinois. Eager to be part of this prestigious gathering, I submitted my application with anticipation, only to face a disappointing rejection. It seemed that soap and skincare didn’t quite fit the conventional definition of art in their eyes.

Undeterred by the initial setback, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this event held immense potential for my business. Determined to turn rejection into opportunity, I persisted and reapplied the following year, hoping for a change of heart. Yet, once again, my application met with a polite but firm refusal.

Rather than succumbing to frustration or self-doubt, I resolved to try once more, armed with a renewed sense of purpose. This time, I approached the application process differently, emphasizing not just the products themselves but the passion, care, and love that went into crafting each and every item.

To my delight, the organizers took notice of my unwavering determination and the genuine artistry embedded in my work. They recognized that true artistry knows no bounds and appreciated my unique perspective. With open arms, they welcomed me into their esteemed shows, marking a triumphant moment in my journey.

That year proved to be nothing short of transformative and a tremendous success for me thanks to the excellent organization and the traffic they brought in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mionartisansoap.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mionsoap/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MionArtisanSoap
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mionartisansoap
• Other: The Facebook link above was for our Wheaton page.. This is for our Saint Charles facebook page. St. Charles Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090826947379&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Victoria Cavca