Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara DeLosSantos.
Hi Barbara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Making soap was a new business venture started in 1999; I was recovering from some health issues and was looking for natural and safer products to use for improving my general health. After completing an essential oil course through JCC. (Jackson community college). Learning and understanding the use of essential oils started me on the path of natural bath and body products. 24 years later, we Have the The Michigan Soap Co-op.
From 1999 when I first began Barbs Homemade soap and more, the focus was on small-batch high-quality products. I chose to include Shea Butter in all my products for the benefits it provided and for the label appeal. Starting like most small producers, I did markets and craftshows to get thing started. In 2001 I began offering wholesale and Private label products to other small retailers. Wholesale has been the base of my company’s revenue since then. Producing wholesale and private label allows me more time for research and development, and production. We still do several shows each year to stay involved with our community.
2019.. During Covid, businesses had to reevaluate and adjust their business model to survive. A fellow soap maker Karen Bolander, owner of” Me and T soaps,” and I met to discuss forming a CO-OP. The concept was to merge several soap makers under one name. The Michigan Soap Co-OP. Each soap maker staying independent but combining resources and retail space to help reduce cost and increase sales. The co-op is able to make larger purchases of ingredients offering reduced costs and less shipping expense.
The CO-OP currently retails soap from several unique companies and offer bulk buys for soap makes in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The learning curve for making products in the “90” was steep. Creating and developing formulas that worked and were of the highest quality took months of trial and error; finding books and information on making products was just beginning to become available. As the industry grew it began self-organizing, and classes became available as well as online information. Today the industry is very well-marketed. We began offering classes in Adrian back in 2o13 to help new soap maker. As in any business, product is the first step. Marketing will always be the 2nd and usually the more complex struggle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This question is not as simple as it seems. Soapmaking was one of several businesses I was doing simultaneously. When I started into the Bath and Body industry, I owned “Easytone Tone and Tanning fitness center” (1986-2008)
Owned a catering business on the side. (1999-2018)
When my health challenged me, I knew it was time to find a business that excited and fulfilled me. Barbs homemade soap and more won, and it has been my primary focus since 2008. Owning a small business means you wear all the “Hats” This works best for me since I love being the boss. Small business is not a 9 to 5 career choice, and flexibility is how we survive.
I am happy with the success of each of my business and enjoyed each one over the years. The Michigan Soap CO-OP is my transition to retirement. Helping other soap maker grow their businesses and offering classes and
Training to help them succeed will be the perfect way to stay involved but not have all the day-to-day running of a business. Some of the companies using the co-op retail space, Barbs homemade soap and More, Me and T soaps, Hempexco, Skinetica, Ganja Soap
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success: Financial security doing something you love and enjoy. Supporting other to find their success
Contact Info:
- Website: misoapcoop.com
- Facebook: Michigan Soap Co-op
Image Credits
Adrian Telegram
