Monday Spotlight- Sweet Natural Soaps

Morning loves! I have had an exhausting weekend, so many products to review. But I have set aside time for another Monday Spotlight! Today I would like to introduce you all to Charlene the owner of Sweet Natural Soaps, a company committed to offering natural products that are good for the environment. I had a chance to talk with her about her company, check out the interview below.

1. Please introduce yourself:

 

My name is Charlene Rodriguez, I am 29 years old and I live in southern California. I started my soap business, Sweet Natural Soaps, in January of 2011.  I am a cosmetologist by trade which is a huge help with my business.  I play the piano, guitar and am now learning the violin.  I write short stories, paint, scrapbook & love to bake. 

Charlene

 

2. You are one busy woman, What moved you to start your business?



I am originally from a small town on the East Coast and when I moved out to California I started having a lot of breathing problems.  I had never had anything like this happen to me before and all of a sudden I had found that cleaning supplies, candles, air fresheners and so on would make my breathing problems worse.  So I decided to start making all of my own cleaning products, air fresheners & even hair spray.  Switching to these natural recipes helped me so that I didn't have a problem breathing just from using them.  They are good for the environment and for me.  During all my research for making these products at home I came across natural soap recipes and why they are so good for you.  I always had a desire to make soap & body products so this was the next step I decided to take.  Everything I made smelt so wonderful and felt so great on my skin.  I loved making everything so much that I decided to start my own business and sell my products to others who, like me, desired to have natural product choices.

Charlene in her Soap making attire!

 

3. You have a lot of interesting soap creations, like your soda pop collection, where do you come up with these ideas? What inspires you?

 

I have always been known for my sweet tooth and one day as I was brainstorming trying to think of what kind of soap line people would like to see I thought, 'What a better way for a person with a sweet tooth like me than to shower with a wonderful fizzy soda scent?!'  I am happy to say that the Soda Shoppe line has been a big hit.  The soaps from this line smell just like your favorite sodas and you can even "feel" the fizz on your nose as you smell them.

Everything around me inspires me.  I have been blessed with a great imagination and lots of creativity.  I am always thinking about what kinds of things I would like to see in the beauty industry that might not be out there yet.  When I see something I love or smell something wonderful i start thinking about how I could incorporate that in a product.  Recently I have been inspired to start a Latin soap line.  There are so many beautiful colors and delicious scents that come from this culture.  I am very excited about this new line.



4. I can’t wait to experience the Latin soap line, I immediately think margaritas, pineapples, and guava! While we wait for this exciting line, what has been your best selling item so far?

 

My Hot Chocolate soap is my best selling item.  A customer told me that her dog had even licked the soap because it smelt so good.







5. Have you faced any challenges owning your business?

 

I am lucky to say that I have not.  I have a very supportive husband, family and most important I LOVE what I do.



6. That’s great, I love your enthusiasm! Where do you see your company in five years?

 

In five years I hope to have a hair product line and have my products for sale in salons.  I would also love to start offering home party packs where people could purchase items from me wholesale and sell my products at a SWEET NATURAL SOAPS BODY PARTY.



7. What advice would you give someone who is thinking of starting their own business?

 

I would advise you to make sure you love what you are going to do because starting your own business is a lot of work.  This is your chance to do something you love and make a living while doing it.  It just doesn't get better than that.



As I mentioned earlier I just love Charlene’s energy and enthusiasm. Her products fill a need for those who can no longer take the harsh ingredients in mainstream body products, or for those that just prefer something different! If you would like to try some of Charlene’s creations visit her website here and after choosing your items email her at SweetNaturalSoaps @ yahoo DOT com. Once your order is placed, Charlene will email you an invoice through Paypal. For a special deal for my readers when ordering email Charlene the code “FIZZ” and my blog name Sweet Tart Beauty for a FREE bar of soap from her Soda Shoppe line!

(No minimum purchase required. Code is for ONE free 2oz bar retail: $3.00. Email code “FIZZ” and my blog name Sweet Tart Beauty to SweetNaturalSoaps @ yahoo DOT com)