Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Smith.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
MamaSuds started in my kitchen out of pure necessity. When my daughter was a baby, I couldn’t find a laundry detergent that actually cleaned her cloth diapers without irritating her skin. Every “eco-friendly” brand I tried was either watered down, full of hidden preservatives, or just didn’t work. So, during nap times, I started researching ingredients and making small batches of soap from scratch.
Dozens of failed recipes later, I finally created a formula that worked—real soap made from olive oil and simple mineral-based ingredients. It was strong enough to get cloth diapers clean and gentle enough for my baby’s skin. That formula became the foundation of MamaSuds.
What began as a mom mixing soap in her kitchen has grown into a Michigan-based company trusted by families in all 50 states and beyond. Every product we make still follows the same philosophy that started it all: transparency, simplicity, and products that truly work without compromise.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not smooth—but I wouldn’t trade it. When I started MamaSuds, I didn’t have a chemistry or business background, but I was a school teacher. That gave me two huge advantages: I knew how to research, and I gave myself permission to fail. I dove deep into ingredients, safety data, and traditional soapmaking methods until I figured out how to make something that was both safe and effective.
In the beginning, there were plenty of failed batches and late nights filled with trial and error. As the business grew, the challenges shifted from “how do I make this formula work?” to “how do I run a company while raising a family?” There were years when I was juggling motherhood, production, shipping, and customer service all from the same small space.
And even now, one of the biggest challenges is standing out in a market flooded with “greenwashed” products. Competing with big brands that say all the right things but still use synthetic ingredients isn’t easy. But every time I hear from a mom who finally found something safe for her family, it reminds me exactly why I started—and why it’s all worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of MamaSuds. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MamaSuds is a Michigan-based company that makes safe, effective cleaning and personal care products — all crafted from scratch using simple, trusted ingredients. Everything we make is rooted in one guiding principle: real soap, made the old-fashioned way, without shortcuts or synthetics.
We’re best known for our Laundry Soap — it’s handcrafted from olive-oil castile soap and mineral-based cleaners, strong enough for cloth diapers but gentle enough for sensitive skin. That same approach carries through our entire line, from dish soap and all-purpose cleaners to hand soap and body wash.
What truly sets us apart is that we make our soap from scratch. Most “green” or “eco-friendly” brands start with premade detergent bases or add synthetic surfactants — we don’t. We control every ingredient, every batch, and every label. That transparency and craftsmanship have earned the trust of families in all 50 states and several countries around the world.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how far we’ve come without compromising our values. MamaSuds was never about chasing trends — it’s always been about helping families create a safer, cleaner home without the greenwashing or the fluff.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that simple really does work. You don’t need a long ingredient list or a fancy label to have a product that cleans powerfully and protects your health. That’s what MamaSuds is all about — safe products made with integrity, right here in Michigan.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Persistence, without a doubt. I’ve failed more times than I can count — but every failure taught me something valuable. I think being a former teacher helped me see mistakes as part of the learning process instead of a reason to quit. When you’re making something from scratch, especially in an industry full of shortcuts and big marketing budgets, you have to be stubborn in the best way possible.
That persistence has carried me through everything from botched batches and long nights to supply chain chaos and industry competition. I’ve learned that real success doesn’t come from having all the answers — it comes from showing up every day, staying curious, and being willing to figure it out as you go.
Pricing:
- Laundry Soap from $12-$24
- Liquid Castile Soap from $13-$60
- Toilet Bomb Cleaning Tabs from $16.50
- Bar Soaps from $10-$15
- Automatic Dishwasher Powder from $24
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamasuds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamasudsllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamasuds
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mamasuds
