We recently connected with Tiffany Edwards Baker and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffany, appreciate you joining us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

Scaling up our company wasn’t a matter of sheer luck or an overnight success story for sure—it was a journey of passion, persistence, and a bit of audacious outreach. When I started making soap, I knew I had to find a way beyond just selling it retail through my online shop. I needed to think bigger, and that’s when the idea of wholesale came into play.

One day, I decided to take a bold step. I reached out to Dominique Burleson, the owner of Paperbacks & Frybread, an online bookshop. She’s an inspiring Indigenous entrepreneur herself, and I thought she might resonate with my story. I replied to her newsletter ( because I already loved her shop and reading myself) with a heartfelt email, sharing a bit about my background and my love for soap making, and asked if she’d be interested in stocking my products.

To my amazement, Dominique wrote back within an hour. Not only was she interested, but she also placed an order for over 50 pieces of soap right then and there. It was a rare and thrilling moment—getting a ‘yes’ on the very first try isn’t something you hear about often.

That initial success gave me the courage to continue reaching out to other potential wholesale partners. Over time, these partnerships have become the backbone of our business. Without them, we couldn’t have grown to where we are today. I owe a lot to that first leap of faith and Dominique’s enthusiastic support. Her yes was the spark that ignited our journey to scaling up, and I’m forever grateful for it.

Tiffany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At BBS ( Baker’s Bars Soapery), we specialize in melt-and-pour soap, which I like to call “soap art.” As a registered Choctaw artist, I’m fortunate that our tribe supports all forms of art, not just the traditional mediums. This support has given me the confidence and sense of belonging to create what I truly love.

Our soaps are for folks who appreciate the good stuff—those who want their skincare to be a feast for the eyes as well as for the body. I started crafting soap in an artsy way because I found it fascinating to create something beautiful and functional, beyond just a painting on a wall. I often say, not all art hangs on a wall.

We offer soap that looks like grape dumplings, the ocean, refreshing lemonade, and even the most intricate swirls ever! Each piece is a tiny masterpiece that’s also great for your skin.

While creating these unique soaps, I also get the chance to share my Choctaw heritage and family stories. This connection to my roots and the ability to educate others about my culture is incredibly important to me. It adds another layer of meaning to my work.

So, in essence, the problem we solve for our customers is this: we provide artsy, beautiful soap that’s as nourishing as it is visually stunning. Our customers get to enjoy a little piece of art in their everyday routine, while also getting a glimpse into Choctaw culture, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

This year, we’ve added a couple of new revenue streams to our business So, in addition to our online sales and wholesale partnerships—which, as I mentioned, are a significant part of our business—we’ve taken two exciting new paths.

First, we’ve dived into the world of vendor markets. These markets have become a priority for us, and they’re one of my absolute favorite things to do! I love connecting with people face-to-face, showcasing our soaps in person, and explaining the intricate scents and unique ingredients. There’s something magical about that immediate connection and seeing customers’ reactions in real-time.

Second, we’ve launched soap-making classes. This started in late March when I was invited to teach an American Indian education program, sharing my Choctaw heritage and demonstrating my soap-making techniques. The classes were such a hit that we’ve continued them, and I must say, I absolutely love it. Teaching people how to make soap, sharing a bit of my culture, and serving some good food on the side—it’s fantastic.

These new ventures have brought fresh capital into our business and have been incredibly successful. In today’s business world, you can’t put all your eggs in one basket. It’s essential to explore multiple avenues, but the key is to make sure they’re things you genuinely enjoy doing. For us, vendor markets and soap-making classes have been those joyful and profitable paths.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with our clients and fostering brand loyalty is a multifaceted approach for us, blending personal touches with strategic communication. Firstly, I genuinely enjoy connecting with our customers on social media. When they message us or share our products, I always make a point to thank them personally. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in building a sense of community and appreciation.

Another key element is our handwritten thank-you notes. For every order we receive, no matter the size, I write a personal note on the packing slip. If someone takes the time to purchase from us, it’s only right that we take the time to personally thank them—not just with a generic postcard, but with a sincere, handwritten message. A sentence or two is enough to convey our gratitude without taking up too much of their time.

We also maintain a thoughtful email strategy. We send out one to four emails a month—just enough to stay connected without overwhelming our customers. Our emails include a monthly blog post, updates about new product releases or upcoming events. We keep it simple and straightforward, avoiding overly flashy graphics to focus on clear, genuine communication.

Transparency and authenticity are at the heart of our customer interactions. We believe that being genuine is crucial to building trust and loyalty. Additionally, our detailed mission statement encapsulates our values: “Loving my family, caring for the environment, representing my heritage humbly with faith and peace, serving my customers with trust and good-for-you soap, and giving back to nonprofits that are close to my heart.”

By adhering to these principles and staying true to our mission, we create a loyal customer base that feels valued and connected to our brand. It’s about more than just selling soap—it’s about building relationships and fostering a community of trust and mutual respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theBBsoapery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakers.bars.soapery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BakersBars
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-edwards-baker-0141aa245?trk=contact-info
• Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bakers.bars.soapery?_t=8n4KWKWGCrb&_r=1