Sunbasilgarden Soaps

Today I am delighted to feature Lauren Miller and her company, Sunbasilgarden Soap. Here is a short interview:

1. How did it all start?

I made my first melt and pour glycerin soap just two years ago, and like most soapers I was hooked at first pour. I’ve always been a big fan of bath and beauty products but after having two little messy boys I needed a fun way to keep them clean and keep my sanity. And that was the start to Sunbasilgarden Soap. “Because life is too messy not to use Happy Soap!”

2. If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?

I don’t think I would do very much differently if I had to start over. Any mistakes I have made while learning about soap have actually only challenged me more. I do wish I had learned earlier though about the need for stabilizer when using vanilla based fragrance oils. That was not a fun lesson to learn in the middle of a busy Holiday season.

3. Why the name Sunbasilgarden?

Before turning most of my time over to soap, I used to be an avid gardener and the name was a collection of my favorites. I still play in the garden a bit but now my hands get dirty more in the soap garden.

4. What advice would you give to a person who wants to start making soap tomorrow?

Best advice for someone starting to make soap tomorrow is jump in! Any mistake can still be used. One of the best parts of working with a medium like soap is everyone uses it. Don’t wait for all systems to be go. Just try.

5. What inspires you?

What inspires me? When making soaps, I normally get these flashes of ideas in my head inspired by a fragrance and how I can make that into a soap. I love the concept of using tools or supplies I already have and the challenge that it brings. When inspiration strikes, I journal my ideas until I have time to get back to the studio and soap.

6. Do you still consider your soapmaking a hobby or is it a full time business already?

My first and full time job is a Stay at Home Mom. There is alot to that job and I am so grateful for it. However my soap making is a full time business.
We just recently purchased a new house and I was lucky enough to get a designated soap studio.
I started in a tiny kitchen but this designated space allows me to really focus and spread out.

7. How would you describe your style?

My style is clean, simple, modern and happy.

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I hope today’s post has inspired you to be creative. You don’t make soap? No problem! There are lots of outstanding soapmakers out there who would love to make it for you! Or who already have fabulous Soap Collections! Sunbasilgarden and Magic Senses are just two of them! Stay tuned for more!

I want to thank Lauren for allowing me to interview her! It’s been a real pleasure! You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Blog and Etsy Shop.