We recently connected with Ruthie Bee and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ruthie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

In my 26 years on this planet, I have learned that there will never be a “right time” for anything; there will always be a reason not to try. Launching a business during the pandemic sounded like a crazy idea, but I chose to face the unknown and started Sandollar Soap Company at a time in my life when I needed it most. I believe that all things work for good, and despite all the negative things that were impacting my life at the time, I wouldn’t change a thing about how my business got started.

I was at one of the lowest points in my life; it was late 2020 and I was burnt out from working on the front lines of the pandemic. I worked night shift at a small community hospital where I was under constant threat of exposure to COVID-19. Due to lack of supplies I wore the same N-95 mask for months and fashioned isolation gowns out of garbage bags. I was working overtime every week and stopped seeing friends or family due to fear of spreading the virus. So many patients were dying that there was a freezer truck parked outside the hospital as a make-shift morgue. To say it was overwhelming is an understatement. The grueling work conditions were more than unsafe, and I had never felt more dissociated, despondent, or alone in my life.

I started making soap as a way to cope with the stress. I hadn’t made soap in years, but it was something that had always brought me great joy. Soapmaking is a combination of science and art. Like a science experiment, it requires great concentration and focus. Like a work of art, it is easy to get lost in the creative process. It allowed me to forget the chaos that was going on around me, which was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. I started making soap every night I wasn’t at work and it quickly became my solace. I was able to channel all of my emotions – sadness, anger, fear – and use them to create something beautiful. It pulled me out of the dark place I was living in.

One day I was strolling along the beach and happened to find a perfectly intact sand dollar sticking out of the sand. In that moment I felt inspired, and I decided to open an online Etsy store under the name Sandollar Soap Co. I didn’t have a plan; I just knew that soaping made me happy, and I wanted to share what I loved with others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ruthie and I’m the owner and artisan behind Sandollar Soap Company! I am a registered nurse with a love for all things health & wellness. Making soap is my hobby-turned-passion. I make natural soap through the “cold process.” This process blends oils and lye together to produce a bock of fatty acids and glycerol (otherwise known as soap).

For years I struggled with acne and tried everything to clear up my skin. I was on prescription pills, creams, washes, you name it – none of it helped. I came across a video about cold processed soap and started making natural soap for myself. I loved the fact that I could pick and choose the ingredients depending on what was going on with my skin. I began to see a significant improvement in the condition of my skin and decided to stop using commercial facial cleansers, lotions, and body washes altogether.

I started Sandollar Soap Co. because I wanted to share how switching to natural soap has made such a difference in my life. All of my soap bars are vegan and formulated with sustainable plant-based oils and shea butter. Store bought soaps contain chemicals and detergents that “clean” the skin by stripping away its natural moisture. Over time these ingredients can accumulate in our bodies and are harmful to our overall health. What I love most about making soap is how you can tailor a recipe to suit your skin’s needs. Dry skin? Trouble with spots? Clogged pores? There’s a natural ingredient that can help. You won’t find any harsh chemicals, phthalates, parabens, or preservatives in any of my products.

I also make natural coconut soy wax candles, wax melts, and room sprays. I began experimenting with candle making last year after learning how toxic commercial candles and home fragrances are. Most candles are made from a petroleum-based wax called paraffin wax. Paraffin wax releases volatile organic compounds into the air while they are lit. These are toxic vapors commonly found in paint, aerosol sprays, and cleaning products that should not be inhaled. They typically cause symptoms like allergies or a headache. I chose coconut soy wax for my candles because it is a sustainable, plant-based wax that will not release any chemicals in the air while it’s burning. I also provide flameless options for home fragrances through the wax melts and sprays.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

When I decided to start selling my soap online, I didn’t think a website was the best place to start. Etsy seemed like a safe place because it wasn’t too expensive and I liked how their platform was geared towards handmade items. Users could easily search for my product and Etsy would advertise to potential buyers for an additional fee. I started making some sales and slowly built a small customer base. After a few months of sales through Etsy I decided to pull the trigger and create my own website.

I chose to use Square’s website building platform called Weebly. I liked the price point, how it was very customizable, and that the website integrated with Square’s card reader. I bought the domain www.sandollarsoapco.com and the rest is history! I am not a super tech savvy person, but I found the platform to be very user friendly. I was able to design the website myself and I had a lot of fun doing it. I would recommend their website builder to anyone that’s just getting started.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I have built the majority of my customer base through attending farmer’s markets in my area. I attended my first farmer’s market in 2021 and immediately fell in love. Part of the reason why I started Sandollar Soap Co. was because I wanted to share how switching to natural soap has made a positive impact on my life. At market I am able to raise awareness of the benefits of going natural and provide a quality product for people to purchase. I love sharing my passion with others and it has allowed me to connect with other local artisans, entrepreneurs, and business owners.

Social media has also been instrumental in growing my customer base. I do most of my communication through my Instagram or Facebook page and I find it to be the easiest way to stay engaged with my customers. I always post the markets I will be attending and use it to advertise new products. It’s been a great way to keep people interactive and draw attention to my website.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sandollarsoapco.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/sandollarsoapco
• Facebook: facebook.com/sandollarsoapco
• Other: sandollarsoapco.faire.com sandollarsoapco@gmail.com

Image Credits
Ruthie Bee/Sandollar Soap Co.