photo courtesy of Soapylove
Today’s guest is Debbie Chialtas from Soapylove. You have probably already heard about her awesome soap design… Here is her story:
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“My name is Debbie Chialtas and I live in San Diego with my husband and two kids. I started making soap when I was pregnant with my first child, Sequoia. I wanted to save a few dollars by making my own cocoa butter cream for my growing tummy and took a class about handmade beauty products. Although the class didn’t teach me how to make lotion, I glanced at the teacher’s Soapmaking books and was instantly obsessed! I started out with rebatch but then gave glycerin soap a try. The possibilities of color and designs made melt and pour a great choice for me, since I come from a fashion and art background.
Over the next few months I made soap constantly. I already had a popsicle mold at home and tried it out with soap. I loved the results and the Soapy Pop eventually became my signature item! In February of 2006 I launched my eShop – soapylove.com, and in March of 2006 I opened my shop on Etsy which brought me lots of great exposure and wholesale inquiries. Over the next 2 years my business grew and so did my family. After I had my 2nd child I quit my corporate job and made Soapylove my new career.
In addition to making and selling soaps, I enjoy writing and teaching. My book, “Soapylove: Squeaky Clean Projects Using Melt and Pour Soap” was a huge achievement, and I also pour a lot of love into “Let’s Get Soapy”, my self-published eZine. Designing soap projects is a lot of fun, and there’s no end to the possibilities using glycerin soap!
photo courtesy of Soapylove
Bramble Berry, a great soap supply company, and I have collaborated on a line of Soapmaking supplies under the Soapylove brand, which feature my signature bright colors and fun styles. There are molds, soap bases, colors, and fragrances!
My latest project is my 2nd book called The Art of Soap. It will feature the work of 24 amazing soapmakers from around the world including their inspiring stories. Look for it online this September!”
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We hope this story has inspired you to make beautiful soap! The sky is the limit! Stay tuned for more stories from successful soap designers around the world! And, if you want, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.
photo courtesy of Soapylove
photo courtesy of soapylove
