Happy Small Business Saturday.
This year has been tough on small business owners. I've watched countless small businesses, many that have been around for years, close. When you shop small you are helping someone buy groceries or give their kids music lessons, not some billionaire with daddy issues who wants to go to space. Please consider checking out some of the small businesses listed below that I recommend or have been recommend by my customers.
Businesses listed with a * are businesses I have personally used and loved.
Kids Toys
Soothing Snuggler- Toys
The Happy Groundhog Studio*-Huggable Art
Lily Kat Creations - Crocheted items
Pets
Stitches and Sass*-Pet Bandanas and Bow Ties made by my business bestie
Household and Decor
Ehle at Lunch*- Reusable Lunch Bags
Signet Sealed- Illustrated prints celebrating hometown pride
DH Crystal Company- Hand-sourced crystals
Gardenhouse Pottery*- Nature and Cincinnati inspired ceramics
Daphnia Ceramics- ceramics
Paper Acorn* - Paper chandeliers and art
The Diggingest Girl- Printmaker and Illustrator
Terri Kern Studios*- Ceramic fine Art
Tina Guiterrerez Photography*- fine art, social justice and protest photography
Bloom and Brush Studio*- Watercolor Art
Hank and Harold*- Laser cut designs
Wilkerson Handmade*- Woman made woodworking and laser engraving
Kim & Kimberly*- Sciene and social justice inspired home decore and drinkware
Body Care
Stella Chroma*-nail polish
Haven Herbs- Herbal Apothecary
CelStars- herbal bath salts and wax melts
The Oakley Soap Co*- Is it weird I put myself in this?
Jewelry
Lynnne and Lucille* - almost nothings made into pretty somethings
Recycled Guitar- Sustainable Jewelry for music loves
Crystal Kat- Magically crafted adornments and tools
Lisa Inglert Jewelry*- Glass bead jewelry
Clothing and Acessories
Teacher Fun Designs- T-shirts for teachers and moms
Kaleidoscope Colors and Co*- Unique Tye-Dye clothing and tye-dye studio
Originalitees*-Cincinnati and public school pride clothing
Best Guncle Clothing Co* - Custom made shirts and graphic tees
Little Birdie Design*- Knit and leather ware.
Rocco Bee Collective*- Rad clothes for rad kids
Pop Rocket*- Retro kitsch-inspired collectables
Candles
Rosmarino Candles*- badass candles made by a badass woman
Mystic Fire Beeswax Candles- Beeswax candles
Food and Drink
Herb and Tea Cafe- Herbal Tea
Wendingo Tea*- The Siren Throat Health tea is a lifesaver.
Gem City Bakehouse*- Some of the best bakedgoods in Dayton and CIncinnati
Brick and Mortar
The Collective *- Cincinnati (Cincinnati Tusculm)
Made Artisan Collaborative*- Chicago (Beverly neighborhood)
Xenia Shoe and Leather Repair - Xenia, OH
Birch Cafe*- Highland Heights, OH
Let's Grow- Plants and Gifts, Xenia, OH
Services
Say Yes to Jess*- Imaginative and styled photography
Affirmation Massage*- LGBTQIA and trauma survivor safe massage in Columbus OH
Salon Gusto- Alicia is stylist with 15 years of experience specializing in natural color and incredible updos. Located in Montgomery, OH
Sterling Wells LMT at Mantra Massage-* massage therapist in Blue Ash, OH
BRIDEface* - Makeup Studio in Cincinnati
Angela Packer Hair- Cincinanti-based hair stylist
Art of the Arch Aesthetics- Best brow sculpter in Cincy. Hands down.
2- The competition is open to residents of the United States of America aged 18 years or over except employees of The Oakley Soap Co and their immediate relatives.
3- There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
4- By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
5- Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via[http://www.theoakleysoapco.com
6- Only one entry will be accepted per review. Multiple entries from the same person on the same product will be disqualified.
7- Closing date for entry will be the last day of the each month. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
8- No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
9- The rules of the competition and how to enter are as follows: Every review left on The Oakley Soap Co Product(s) webpages between the first and last day of each month will be automatically entered into a randomized drawing. Winner will be notified by email the first week of the following month Entries reset on the 1st of each month.
10- The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God, or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
11- The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
12- The prize changed monthly and are limited to free product, free Oakley Soap Co branded prizes,
The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
13- Winners will be chosen: (delete as applicable)
[at random by software, from all entries received and verified by Promoter and or its agents.
14- The winner will be notified by email and/or DM on Twitter/Facebook 7 days of the closing date. The winner will only ever be contacted by employees of The Oakley Soap Co. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner.
15- The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected/is delivered.
16- The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
17- By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
18- The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by U.S. law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the U.S.
19- The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
20- The winner’s name will be available 7 days after the closing date by emailing the following address: hello@Theoakleysoapco.com
21- Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
22- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to The Oakley Soap Co.,LLC and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at http://theoakleysoapco.com
23- The Oakley Soap Co, LLC shall have the right, at its sole discretion and at any time, to change or modify these terms and conditions, such change shall be effective immediately upon posting to this webpage.
24-The Oakley Soap Co. also reserves the right to cancel the competition if circumstances arise outside of its control.
]]>It's essentially shampoo without water. It's all the good stuff that gently cleans your hair without all the excess water that requires plastic bottles and makes it more expensive to ship.
2) Are these shampoo bars vegan?
Yup.
3) Can I use these on my curly/dry/thinning/thick/textured/dandruff-prone/other attribute hair?
Most likely. Over the course of a year, multiple people with all different types of hair have tested this bar and came back with positive results. Everyone is different and there is a reason 39230480239 shampoos exist. While I cannot promise life-changing, miracle results for everyone, I do think it's pretty good option for most kinds of hair.
4) Where the heck are your conditioner bars?
I don't have one....yet. Conditioner bars have been my nemesis. I have yet to find one either made by me or another company that I actually liked. Most conditioner bars I've tried condition too much or not enough. Or, they break into a million pieces after a week. I'll keep researching and tinkering but for now, I recommend using your favorite conditioner with our shampoo bar.
5) How do I store my shampoo bar?
The air is your friend. Keep your shampoo bar in a well draining spot that drains and dries between uses. Keep away from soap dishes that collect water or old faucets that drip. That will extend the life of your shampoo bar. I do not recommend leaving shampoo bars in tins unless the bar is fully dry before placing it inside.
6) I'm and OG fan of The Oakley Soap Co. What happened to the shampoo bars you used to sell?
Have you ever wanted to create chaos in a soapmaking forum? Just create a post saying "soap-based shampoo bars are better than syndet shampoo bars" Or vice versea. Then sit back with your popcorn and watching the comments explode.
The original shampoo bar I sold several years ago was a soap based. It was not safe for color treated hair, it required an apple cider vinegar conditioning rinse to balance out the pH of hair and some people went through a transition period where their hair got pretty icky. Other people loved it regularly ask me to bring it back.
This newest bar is syndet, or surfactant-based. It's a more more gentle pH, it doesn't require any special rinse, it's safe for color-treated hair and there is no transition period. I spent an insane amount of time researching hair types, how various surfactants work with hair and what a surfactant actually is derived from. I As a someone who failed chemistry I worked hard to understand words like cationic and anionic.
After all that research I finally decided that I prefer syndet shampoo bars over soap-based ones. Others disagree and thats just like, your opinion, man. (sorry for the gratuitous Big Lebowski reference). Both have pros and cons but I am more comfortable with this new formulation.
7) Do you have bars for specific hair concerns?
I plan to eventually but right now there are simply not enough hours in the day for this little one woman business.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate- Also known as SCI, this is a coconut derived surfactant, meaning it helps break up and clean the dirt from whatever surface it is on. This is one of three surfactants I use that are gentle and plant based.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate aka SLSa- SLSa is another plant derived surfactant that helps create the thick lather created when using the shampoo bar. This is not to be confused with the less popular and more irritating SLS. SLS is a sulfate, SLSa is not.
Cocamidopropyl betaine aka CABP- This coconut-derived surfactant helps stabilize lather and make the other surfactants even more gentle.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol aka BTMS-50- Derived from rapeseed oil, BTMS-50 adds the feeling of slip and glide to your hair while still keeping your hair clean and not greasy.
Cetyl Alcohol- No, not that kind of alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that looks wax-like. I use it to keep the bar hard and long lasting while also providing moisture and boost conditioning.
Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butte aka Cocoa Butter- Cocoa butter is filled with fatty acids that nourishes your hair and scalp.
Quinoa Seed Extract (and) Sodium Benzoate (and) Potassium Sorbate aka Hydrolyzed Quinoa- Yes, that Quinoa. The one that was all the rage in 2010s. But that doesn't mean there's little grains in the shampoo bar. Hydrolyzed Quinoa is the protein of the quinoa seeds that have gone through an enzymatic process. These proteins are great for the hair as they coat the shaft (stop giggling) which keeps hair from tangling and splitting.
Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate - This combo of scary sounding words is a mild and paraben-free preservative. I know preservatives are often maligned and made to be scary. But you know what is more scary? Mold you don't see then wash into your hair. There's a big debate about the need for preservatives in solid shampoo bars but the most trusted voices in my industry- ones with chemistry degrees- say it's needed in a wet environment. Personally, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Fragrance/Various Essential Oils- These differ depending on the scent. And that's primarily what they are there for- to make your bar smell nice. If listed as simply fragrance, it's a safe and phalate and paraben-free fragrance oil. Otherwise, the individual essential oils are listed. Also note, shampoo is a wash-off product and these shampoo bars are lightly scented. You won't be smelling like your shampoo all day long.
If you have questions on any of the ingredients used, feel free to email me at Laura@TheOakleySoapCo.com
This photo took a photographer, a make-up artist, a stylist, photoshop and renting a house that isn't mine.
On the surface, being a Girl Boss seems like an aspirational, feminist ideal. YAS BITCH, break that glass ceiling. You go, girl, you can do it all, and you do it alone. First off, I'm 40. I'm not a girl anymore. Don't infantilize me. Second- no one can do it all. Humans developed in tribes and communities from the start. No one "did it all" because it is physically impossible.
The Girl Boss culture is just another way for society to praise women instead of giving them things like equal pay, equal treatment, and the ability to do what they want with their bodies. Just think about how it feels to call a male "Boy Boss." That tells you all you need to know. There is also a deep vein of racism that runs through Girl Boss culture as well.
Am I a badass? Totally. Am I a hard worker? Yup. Do I have a ton of privilege that has allowed me to take The Oakley Soap Co from a hobby to where it is now? Absolutely. Am I Girl Boss? Nope. I cannot do it all. Large parts of my life a messy, and you know what? That's okay. My flaws are just as significant as accomplishments, and I'm not longer going to hide them.
The Oakley Soap Co is changing things up! Don’t worry, your favorite product isn’t going away and I’m not raising prices. Instead, there is now a specific day and time for restocks and product releases. Mark your calendars for Monday’s at 8PM.
In the past, I would update products as soon as they were ready. I’d post availability on social media but often someone would miss the notification or a large order would be placed and the restock wouldn’t last long. As a one-woman business in the time of Coronavirus, hiring help isn’t an option and I’ve reached the limit on what I can do to increase production without compromising quality. Changes will be made once we all get our “Fauci Ouchie” and the interns head back to school, but for now, mark your calendars.
This is both for new product releases as well as restocks on all products, trios, and gift collections.
Please note, this is a manual process and I physically update the inventory at 8 PM. So it might be a minute or two off. But let’s be honest, I’m not Nugget. My products won’t be selling out in 30 seconds. This is just an easier way to make sure The Oakley Soap Co restocking and product release system is consistent!
Thanks for always standing by The Oakley Soap Co as it grows from a baby business to an innovative (but sometimes messy) toddler.
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At least once a month, I have to turn down a request to teach someone soapmaking. I get why so many people want to learn. Until you discovered handcrafted soap, it’s just this thing you buy at the grocery store made in a factory by some magical process. The thought of being able to make something 99% of people purchase is pretty awesome. That’s how The Oakley Soap Co got started. It was supposed to be a simple hobby born out of curiosity.
As much as I love spreading the gospel of saponification (the process that converts fats + lye into soap), I cannot teach soapmaking classes at this time. I have a tiny studio, it requires special insurance, and the liability paperwork alone makes my head spin. Teaching classes is in my future, but it will be several years before that comes to fruition.
Until I can manifest The Oakley Soap Co. Theme Park and Teaching Studio into existence, I’ve created a multi-part blog to help you get started on your soapmaking journey.
There are several types of soapmaking, and it’s essential to know the varieties when you search for a class. Soapmaking isn’t cheap, so I’d hate for you to book a class or buy an online tutorial only to find out it’s not what you were expecting to make.
Melt and Pour- M&P soapmaking is just like it sounds. You melt soap from a pre-made base and add your choice of scents and colors before pouring it into a mold. Often referred to as glycerine soap, melt and pour bases can come in various types but are most commonly seen in those brightly colored translucent soaps you can purchase by the pound. It’s a great way to get into soapmaking as no lye is involved, but you do not create soap from scratch. M&P allows you to create gorgeous soap, but there is limited control over the ingredients used.
Cold Process- In its most basic form, CP soap combines oils/fats with sodium hydroxide (lye) solution. This causes the exothermic reaction of saponification, in which the lye and oils turn into soap. In CP soapmaking, you choose the oils/fats that go into your soap to create the perfect bar. Saponification is a slow-moving process in CP soapmaking. This allows skilled soapmakers to create beautiful designs in their soap. The downside is that soap takes anywhere from 18 hours-3 days before it is ready to be removed from the mold. They also require a 4-6 week cure time before they are ready to use. All soaps from The Oakley Soap Co. are cold processed.
Holy Moly we made it through 2020. Congrats. I don't need go into what a tough year it was. You lived it. I'm proud of you. Nice work, friend.
Despite all the crud of 2020, The Oakley Soap Co. and awesome customers like you were what got me through the year. For The OSC, this year as been phenomenal and I am still processing everything that has happened.
In March I was panicking. The Oakley Soap Co survived on in-person events. My spring and summer calendar went from filled to totally empty over the course of two weeks. I was concerned the business wouldn't survive. In a time where everyone's finances were in jeopardy, would people still spend money on handcrafted soap? What about my other small business friends? Would they make it? How would we do this without our local events?
Damn. Y'all came through for small business.
Thank you for seeing the value in supporting small businesses. Thank you for understanding that the money spent at a local business goes back into the community and helps pay for groceries and put kids through school. Thank you for participating in virtual markets and for consciously choosing to shop small over the holidays. I am humbled and honored.
Some cool things that happened in 2020:
- Sales of Born this Way and the special Transform raised $720.50 for Transform.
- Ew, David soap was introduced and twice sold out on the day bars were released.
-The Oakley Soap Co was discussed on self-care podcast Forever35
- Cincinnati Magazine featured The OSC as place to buy local soap during the pandemic
-Spectrum News Ohio did a feature on OSC, giving us our first TV exposure
- The Oakley Soap Co is can now be purchased at Fitness Physiques with Nico G, Fit Philosophie, The Collective, My Mindful Market store, Messy Bun Mantras and Gloss Salon.
What to look forward to in 2021:
-Shampoo Bars. It might not be until the end of the year, but I will finally perfect and start selling shampoo bars.
-New Packaging. I got started on this huge project and then the pandemic hit and I was suddenly paralyzed with fear. But 2021 will be my year. I can feel it.
-A new space? Maybe? I'm outgrowing my current nook of the basement so I am tentatively looking into a new studio space. No retail store but maybe I'll throw a few open houses!
I can't wait to see what 2021 brings. Here's hoping your year is filled with vaccines, safe hugs and happiness.
Introducing the Fall 2020 Soap Collection from The Oakley Soap Co! Of all our seasonal lines, this one is probably my favorite! Pre-Orders for Fall Boxes will be available for sale starting 8/15 and individual bars will go on sale 9/1.
This year's soaps include:
Stay Classy Cincinnati- An old favorite with a new look. I listened to your feedback and took out any exfoliating elements. It's now a smooth lather scented with a custom blend of Brown Sugar, Fig, and a tiny hint of tobacco leaf that you can only find here!
Dancing in September- This mix of spicy cinnamon and clove with top notes of apple and green leaves. This soap smells like the store at your favorite apple orchid.
Tiger Style- This is ain't nothing to mess with. Beloved by Cincinnati football fans, Halloween fans, and fans of the greatest rap group of all time. Tiger Style contains activated charcoal and smells like woodsy cedar, warm cinnamon, and earthy patchouli.
My Cherry Amour- Asking me to pick my favorite soap is like asking me to pick my favorite kid. However, My Cherry Amour is the soap that never sasses me and always hangs up the towels after a shower. The cherry amaretto scent makes me so happy and the rose clay adds a silkiness to the lather.
Finally, I am so excited to introduce the most delicious smelling scrub I've ever made: Dark Chocolate Orange. This scrub has the same great exfoliating and smoothing qualities of all our emulsified sugar scrubs but it smells like rich dark chocolate with just a hint of bright orange. You'll want to eat it- but don't. Just use it in the shower for an indulgent treat!
Keep an eye on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok page for more information on when these soaps are officially released.
]]>This probably isn’t going to be the Easter you planned. Brunch will be shared via Zoom and church services will be watched on the computer. That doesn’t mean the Easter fun has to stop. The Easter Bunny can still show up. He just needs to leave the baskets on the porch and wash his paws between every house.
This year, our Easter Bunny will be filling baskets with gifts from small businesses instead of the Bunnyland Dollar Store. With the cancellation of Spring markets/evets, lots of makers are counting on online sales to stay afloat. Here are some of the places I requested the Bunny to check out.
Candy
Ruby’s Chocolates- Truffle cake and buckeyes and chocolate covered pretzels are way better than having to pick through jelly beans to avoid getting the black ones. You can order online or, Cincy-area folks can get curbside pick up from their Hamilton or Oakley locations.
Aglamesis Bro’s- A Cincinnati favorite for over 112 years, Aglamesis has some of the best ice cream in town as well as handmade assorted chocolates and Easter candy. They have online ordering and offer local pickup/carryout from their Oakley and Montgomery stores.
Toys
The Happy Groundhog Studio Get handmade and eco-friendly huggable art from a Cincy-area Momma. I mean, how cute is this sloth? The Happy Groundhog is currently offering free shipping on all Etsy orders!
King Arthur’s Court My kids are spoiled because under normal circumstances we can walk to King Arthur’s Court and play in the store. Unfortunately, they are not open to in-store shopping but you can still order via phone. Cincy-area delivery is available and they can ship. Not sure what to get? King Arthur’s staff know their toys and can help you find the perfect gift for your special somebunny.
Picadilly This play cafe and toy store out of Columbus, OH comes highly recommended by multiple friends! While the play cafe is obviously closed, you can still order toys and craft bundles to be delivered in time for Easter.
Books
Blue Manatee Literacy Project and Bookstore Due to the Ohio shelter-in-place rules, my favorite children’s bookstore is closed but you can still order online. For every book purchased, a book is given to a disadvantaged child to promote literacy.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers The new Joseph-Beth website has lots of great options for both big and little readers. Currently, they offer a service where they design an entire Easter basket for you! Perfect for those of us who just don’t have the energy for one. More. Thing.
Clothing
Rocco Bee Collective Your child will be the coolest kid on the class video chat when wearing a shirt from Rocco Bee. Chicago area-momma (and someone I first met in Kindergarten!) Allison, has great designs featuring some of my favorite things like tacos, Mr. Rogers and visual puns.
Together Textiles Together Textiles offers super soft handcrafted Turkish towels that can be used as blankets, wraps, and scarves. They also sell luxurious robes for adults and the super snuggly children's robe pictured above. If you’re sitting around the house anyway, why not do so wrapped in luxury?
Stitches and Sass- Need something for baby’s first Easter basket? How about hand-sewn bibs, blankets, burp cloths, and teethers? And while you’re there, you can also pick up adorable scarves and bowties for your pup! Sharon, the owner, and maker of Stitches and Sass is currently sewing like mad to create free face masks for local healthcare providers. Buying from Sharon will help her continue this awesome endeavor.
Other Stuff
Mini Miscellaneous- While not exactly “toys” my kids are OBSESSED with the adorable food magnets I picked up over the holidays from Mini Miscellaneous. My youngest uses them at doll tea parties when they aren’t being used to hold up the massive amount of art created while stuck at home.
Stella Chroma- Did you know nail polish can be handmade? I didn’t until I got to know Pam of Stella Chroma. Her polish is better than anything I’ve purchased from a big box store and it is free of the “big 5” dangerous ingredients you usually find in nail lacquer.
Shameless Self-Promo- The Oakley Soap Co And of course, since your kids need to wash their hands incessantly, why not make it fun with colorful soaps by me! Born This Way, Tutti Frutti and Yo Ho Ho are all kid faves!
]]>Well, 2020 has turned out to be a kick in the pants, hasn’t it? The speed of change that happened in the last 24 hours have left many shocked, stunned and even a little panic.
Just a little update here since pre-orders of the Spring/Summer collection are scheduled to go out at the end of next week. I am diligently working to get everything packed and sent out within the next 4-5 days.
If you scheduled for local pick-up or delivery, expect an email me from me soon with arrangements. Due to the call for social distancing, I request that all delivered orders allow for me to do a porch drop off.
Please note, that if I or anyone I’ve come in contact with begins to feel ill all orders will be stopped until the quarantine is over.
Now, for something a little happier.
This is a tense time. People are scared. People are fighting over bleach and bananas. Hand Sanitizer is selling for 100x the price by a-holes on Facebook. I want to do my part to bring a little kindness to the world.
I have 20 packs of Keep Calm shower steamers to give away to those currently having a tough time in the midst of this outbreak.
Examples include:
-Health Care Workers,
-First Responders
-Janitors, Sanitation Workers, and Maintenance people keep our spaces clean
-Cashiers dealing with psychos freaking out over toilet paper.
-People who are out of work
-Small business owners that are losing money
-Parents struggling to work from home while their kids are home
-Folx with anxiety
- Anyone else you feel deserves a bit of happiness in the mail.
If you know someone who could use a bit of happiness, please email me their name, mailing address and what you’d like me to include in the note to them. Laura@TheOakleySoapCo.com or contact me via social media.
Be kind to each other and be gentle with yourself,
Laura
Name
Kelli Gleiner
Location
Cincinnati
Family
Husband Nate, Son Ezra, and Cat Buffy
Company/job/cause/thing that takes the majority of your time
I feel fortunate to be able to do a variety of things to make ends meet and also feed my creative needs. I work part-time at a nonprofit, Madisonville Education and Assistance Center, doing communications and pixel-pushing (I hasten to call myself a designer). I also handle MEAC's day-to-day finances. On Tuesdays, I teach an art class for ages 2-5 at Lilypad in O'Bryonville, which is just delightful. I've been teaching glass classes at Brazee Street Studios and spending at least one day a week learning how to work with glass, which is vastly different than my typical medium, which is felted wool. Both involve sharp things, so there are similarities. I usually spend my nights making things out of wool or folding laundry.
This super cute Screaming Latke is an example of Kelli's glass work.
Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower
I am much more of a car singer than a shower singer, to be honest.
Beverage of Choice
I am 70% carbonated water, 20% coffee, and 10% bourbon.
Best Meal You've Ever Had
Sushi in Salt Lake City, believe it or not!
First thing you'd buy if you won a huge lotto jackpot?
A rambling ranch on a good chunk of land. And a goat. Probably the goat first.
Secret Talent
I'm pretty good at crossword puzzles!
I use The Oakley Soap Co. products because...
They smell AMAZING, they're made with top-quality ingredients, and they are pleasing to look at!
Favorite Oakley Soap Co Product
Good God, Lemon (with Poppyseeds)
Anything else you want to share/promote/tell the world?
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Boy howdy did I hustle.
This year I participated as a vendor in 17 markets. Fourteen of those were outside. One of those was in record-breaking heat. Another was in a torrential downpour. Several were massive failures. Several more were major successes. All of them left me with aching feet. I spent hours locked away in my studio, making products, and even more hours on my computer doing the annoying business-y part of running a business.
Even when it was hard, the hustle was worth it.
Yes, The OSC went above and beyond the sales goal I set for the year. However, what I really loved about this year was getting to know so many of you. At reoccurring markets like The City Flea and The Hamilton Flea, it was awesome to see people come by month after month to stock up on soap or say hello. I got literal chills, even in 90-degree temps, when someone stopped by to tell me how None More Black helped their skin or how Just Breathe shower steamers got them through a nasty summer cold. I cried more than once when someone reached out on social media to tell me how my soap made them excited to shower.
As I stated in a past blog post, I want The Oakley Soap Co. to be a place of community. In 2019, the hustle I put into this little soap biz laid the groundwork for the goal. I have a long way to go to make the dream a reality, but, I saw glimmers of that community through my interactions with you both in-person and online. I can honestly say The Oakley Soap Co customers are some of the nicest people in the universe.
I would like to acknowledge those who helped with the hustle this year. My village is filled with amazing people.
Thank you to:
Lauren, Jenny, Emily, Mandy, Cera, Melinda, and Lily- for helping me “hold down the tent” at shows so I could make a bathroom run, eat a meal or take a deep breath.
Lela Barker - for making me cry and then changing EVERYTHING with your Brick House Branding class and The Think Tank.
Tiffany, Laura, Erin, Jennifer, and Svetlana- for sharing your knowledge, ideas, and wins in our little Facebook group.
All of my friends on my personal Facebook - for talking me off ledges and sending good vibes when I was freaking out about markets
Kayleigh and Stacy - for listening to my venting.
Sarah, Courtnee, Jarrad, Brett, Mandy, Adrienne, Allison, and Katie- for taking time to answer questions for “Profiles in Awesomeness.”
Roxy, Katie, and Courtnee- for making me look awesome in my headshots.
Dana- For making The OSC branding look better than I could ever imagine
To all my fellow vendors- for your camaraderie, knowing glances and support at markets.
To everyone who shared a post, made a purchase, told someone about the company, or gave The Oakley Soap Co products as gifts. Words cannot adequately express how much your support means to me.
Most importantly, I want to thank my family. You have sacrificed so much to help me grow the company. I could go on for hours about all you’ve done and all you’ve given up and all you’ve put up with over the last year. Brett especially wins husband of the year award. I wouldn’t be here without you, my dear. I love you.
I am looking forward to 2020 and working on my new intention. I still plan to hustle, but in 2020 I want to hustle efficiently. Sounds boring, but I'm pretty pumped.
Name- Courtnee
Location- Cincinnati, OH
Family- I'm married to Doug and I have 5 awesome kids (Rian 28, Logan 26, Skylar 25, Zachary 22, and Rowan 5) the most beautiful beautiful 18 month old granddaughter and Henry the dachshund!
Shopping for clothes is often an uncomfortable and intimidating experience for the transgender people. Plus, changing your entire wardrobe is hella expensive! Transform offers a safe space to try on new clothes and test out new styles, and all the clothes taken home are free! Before coming in, clients fill out a detailed profile and Transform’s teen stylists use the information to craft a custom wardrobe. I mean, they even use teen stylists since they know current fashion and trends. (Side note: I’m still so confused on what makes a VSCO girl but I am pretty sure I was one in high school) Transform is an absolutely brilliant idea and I am so excited that it’s available to LGBTQIA kids and teens in Cincinnati.
The idea for Transform was started by make-up artist Nancy Dawson, who I’ve been quietly admiring for years. Seriously, she’s one of the coolest people in Cincinnati and I’ve wanted to take one of her make-up classes years.(But haven’t because I’m terrible at self care). Nancy worked with Marissa Fine and Tristian Vaughn to start Transform. Nancy’s daughter Ella Dastillung also helped found Transform and is one of the stylists.
What I love about Transform is that it is more than just clothes. Not all transgender and non-binary kids and teens have supportive parents and even supportive parents struggle with how to support their child. Everyone involved at Transform can help clients find the support and programs they need. It’s more than just a boutique. It’s a community.
Earlier this week I dropped off bars of Born This Way that Transform will start selling as a fundraiser. Nancy and I are in top secret talks to come up with a bar specifically sold at Transform. It’s not actually top secret but I like building suspense. I promise to share more information when it’s ready!
If you want to help Transform in other ways than buying great soap, check out their Amazon wish-list and follow the Facebook page for volunteer opportunities.
Name
Sarah Henry
Location
Mt. Washington, Cincinnati
Family
Mike (husband); Louise (6-year-old human child); Charlie, Teddy, and Fergie (cats)
Company/job/cause/thing that takes the majority of your time
As an attorney with the Children’s Law Center, Inc., I work on the KEYS to End Youth Homeless Program assisting young adults to overcome legal barriers in obtaining and maintaining affordable housing. Most of the clients are currently in a shelter and require representation in a variety of issues, including pending evictions, expunging criminal records, family law issues, and LGBTQ related barriers. I'm very fulfilled by her day job as it allows me to provide quality representation to those in need while fighting societal inequities.
Favorite song to sing in the shower
Beverage of choice
Coffee!
Best meal you've ever had
Pretty much any meal at Baba Indian in Oakley makes the cut.
* Laura here: In the battle of Oakley Indian restaurants I respectfully disagree with Sarah. Baba is good but I'm Team Shaan forever.
The first thing you would buy if you won a lottery jackpot.
The life I am currently living would be considered a jackpot to 90% of the rest of the world. While I do not have an infinite amount of financial wealth, I try my best to channel my privilege in a way that effectuates positive change.
I use The Oakley Soap Co. products because...
They are high-quality products
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The Questions
Where am I going with this? What is my next step? Can I grow? Should I grow? What is my goal? These are questions I’ve been wrestling with as The OSC begins to reach its critical mass as an “in-home” business. As this out of control hobby grows, the space available to grow with it shrinks rapidly. It’s a good problem to have but it is a problem nonetheless.
It’s time for me to think about what I really want The Oakley Soap Co. to become. Do I want it to be a multi-million dollar enterprise with my soaps in Target? Honestly, no. If that happens, the handcrafted part of owning a handcrafted soap company will disappear. Making soap is my favorite thing in the world. I don’t ever want to get the point where I’m too busy working ON the business to work IN the business.
That said, I do want to grow on a smaller scale. I want The OSC to reach a point where it’s more than just me. But having employees’ feels weird. I’m not the boss lady type and that fact has kept my brain up at night has I meditate on the next steps. I think I’ve finally come up with an idea that makes me excited.
The Goal
I want The Oakley Soap Co to be a place of community, particularly for parents who need a flexible schedule. That is currently my stage of life and honestly, it can get lonely. It sucks to feel like you can’t contribute to the household because it’s cheaper to stay home than it is to pay for daycare. It is nearly impossible to find a part-time job that is willing to work around school pick-ups, soccer practice or sick kids. I want The Oakley Soap Co to provide those kinds of jobs.
I envision The Oakley Soap Co HQ to be a place where there will ALWAYS be coffee brewing and hours are negotiable. Need to work for 2 hours in the early morning, 2 hours in the afternoon while your toddler naps in the backroom, and then a few hours in the early evening while your older child sits by you doing homework? The OSC will be that place. While babywearing while making products isn’t possible, I like the thought of all OSC orders packed by a parent with a kiddo strapped to their back. Local deliveries are done by a mom who has a baby that sleeps like a champ in a car seat. During the busy season, when we need all hands on deck, I want The Oakley Soap Co to subsidize an in-house babysitter. And I want that babysitter to be another parent looking to make some extra holiday money.
Maybe I’m crazy. Maybe this business model is not sustainable and will blow up in my face. But I’m willing to try.
Family
In the words of legendary (and fictional) Anchorman Ron Burgundy, "It's so damn hot, milk was a bad choice." But, those warm temperatures won't be around much longer. That means it's time for some changes to The Oakley Soap Co product line! The last batches of Over Kolafied, Lime in De Coconut, Fiona Fervor and The Divider are now available. When they are gone, they are gone until next spring. Also, going away (for good) is the chai scented sugar scrub. Get 'em while you can!
New falls soaps, and two new sugar scrubs are released on September 1st. However, newsletter subscribers will get early access to all the new products! Keep an eye on your email!
I must admit that I live vicariously through the Instagram Stories of this month's Profile in Awesomeness. Jarrad Holbrook takes the coolest trips and I love watching his adventures. I was especially grateful when he shared highlights from his recent Scotland visit where he saw the Spice Girls in concert. I WAS SO HAPPY FOR HIM AND NOT AT ALL JEALOUS. Not only does he know how to take a great trip but he also does amazing and important work, which you can read about below.
Name:
Jarrad Holbrook
Family
Brad (husband)
Between July 4- July 8 I’ll be walking around mildly drunk, chanting U-S-A! U-S-A! All orders placed during that time will be processed July 9. Please be safe during the long Independence Day weekend and don’t do anything stupid around fireworks.
I will also be out of town July 15 thru 18. All mailed and pickup orders will be processed July 19. All deliveries will be made the week of July 22. If you live within 20 minutes of zip code 60463 (Southwest Chicago 'burbs) and want FREE delivery that week I am closed, please contact me at theoakleysoapco@gmail.com before placing your order.
I will be vending at two great events this month. On July 13
I will be vending at two great events this month. On July 13th I will be at the Hamilton Flea from 10-4. If you live in the northern Cincy metro area I highly recommend this event. Marcum Park is a gem with lots of great green space to run around and water features for your kiddo to cool off! There are also a tremendous group of vendors that you won’t find anywhere else.
It may be July but that doesn’t mean Pride stops. In July, I will continue to donate ALL the profits of Born this Way and The One that went Awry to Safe & Supported- a program that works to prevent homelessness in the LGBTQ+ teen community. There is plenty of Born this Way in stock but only a few bars left of The One That Went Awry. Don’t miss your chance to get that fresh lemongrass scent at a discounted price while also helping an amazing cause!
Oh hi there. You are still reading? Sweet! To say thanks, I'm giving you 10% off your order with the code IREADIT. I'm not sharing this anywhere else and I'm not mentioning it anywhere in the newsletter. It's only for the coolest of cool people. And that my friend, is you. Please keep this only for the cool people and do not share this offer. The code can be used 1 time per customer. Offer ends July 20, 2019.
See you when I start buying oil in 400 lb drums.
This month I am proud to feature Mandy Hauer as the June "Profile in Awesomeness." Mandy's work with babysitting service Juggle Cincinnati has literally saved my butt a zillion times in the last two years. As a non-native Cincy resident with no family in town, finding good childcare is a huge concern. Using Juggle has made life so much easier.
More importantly, Mandy has also saved lives with her company Brand New Day. BND offers clothing and jewelry that brings light to the suicide epidemic as well as de-stigmatizes mental illness. As a survivor, I appreciate this amazing work.
Mandy Hauer
Location
Maderia, Ohio
Family
Husband - Drew, Three kids - Barrett 8, Berkley 6, and Charlie- almost 3!
Company/Job/Thing that takes up the majority of your time
I have two work from home gigs that I am equally passionate about - Juggle Cincinnati and Brand New Day
Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower
No one wants to hear me sing, EVER, but I am a big fan of 90's rap
Beverage of Choice
Diet Coke, ALL THE TIME
Best Meal You've Ever Had
I am less than adventurous when it comes to food, but my go-to is filet and mashed potatoes.
First thing you'd buy if you won a huge lotto jackpot?
A beach house - I am happiest by the ocean!
Secret Talent
I played college soccer
I use The Oakley Soap Co. products because...
Obviously, because they are amazing, but also because, I love to support local businesses
Favorite Oakley Soap Co. product
I am obsessed with the lavender vanilla body butter
Anything else you want to share/promote/tell the world?
I feel lucky to be able to follow my passion for helping others through both of my businesses. Juggle allows me to connect sitters and families, resulting in a win-win for both! Brand New Day is a place where I get to work with my sister, share my mental health journey, and sell fun apparel to fight the suicide epidemic. Remember, you are not alone and tomorrow's a BRAND NEW DAY!
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Name:
Adrienne Justice
Location:
Philadelphia
Family:
Nic and Poppy Justice
(but I'm also a Pipitone!)
Company/job/thing that takes the majority of your time:
Teaching Artist and Small Business Owner
Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower:
Disorder by Joy Division
Beverage of Choice:
Black Coffee
Laura here: When our families get together at my in-laws, I am the only person who doesn't take their coffee black. I am clearly the weak link in the bunch!
Best Meal You've Ever Had:
Leftover partial-piece of Cake Man Raven Red Velvet for breakfast.
Ok, another interjection: On top of all her other talents, Adrienne is also an amazing cook. Many of my favorite meals have been cooked by her.
First thing you'd buy if you won a huge lotto jackpot?
A home with an attached studio and outdoor kiln pad
Secret Talent:
Jumping rope as if I was once a national champion in the sport
Final interjection: To see her jumping rope in action, watch this inspiring video made by Adrienne and her husband (and potential future Profiles in Awesomeness subject) filmmaker, Nic Justice.
I use The Oakley Soap Co. products because...
It feels like I’m doing something really special for myself on a holistic level. Deciding which scents to mix of soap, sugar scrub, and body butter feels decadent but the products also make me feel responsible. I know I’ve made a wise choice with my money by supporting a responsibly made, woman-owned product and venture.
Favorite Oakley Soap Co. Product
Emulsified Sugar Scrub
Anything else you want to share/promote/tell the world?
The sculpture class I teach to adults with visual impairments is in danger of losing funding! Check out Allen's Lane Art Center to learn more about the class.
Check out this Earth Day shout out we got from Cincinnati Magazine! Did you know bar soap is a great low waste alternative to body wash in plastic bottles? I am always looking for new ways to lessen The Oakley Soap Co’s environmental impact. I have been working on finding the perfect biodegradable packaging on our body butters and shower steamers. And keep an eye out for a way to request “no extra packaging” when placing an online order. I hope to have both figured out soon.
Mother's Day 2019
Mother's Day is May 12 and you probably haven't thought about what you're getting the mom in your life, have you? Don't worry, I've got you covered. The Oakley Soap Co has lots of great stuff that she will actually use. No dead flowers or waiting in line for brunch. Just amazing smelling soaps that feel great to use. To get your gifts on time, mailed orders must be placed by May 7. Cincinnati orders must be ordered no later than May 10. Go forth and shop for the hardworking Mom in your life.
Also, as a mom myself, let me give you a tip. When she says " I don't want anything" SHE. IS. LYING. That's a sign you need to go all out. Trust me on this one.
Free-ish Soap End Bundles
I say free-ish because you get a free bundle with orders over $30*. Saying they are fully free is unfair!
Soap ends are perfect for commitment-phobes as they are only 1- 1.5 ounces of 4 different kinds of soap. It’s a great way to try several of our soaps before buying an entire bar. This is a great deal and it will NOT be promoted on social media beyond sharing the newsletter. This is just for you, dear newsletter reader because let's be honest- I like you the best.
To redeem this offer, add a soap end bundle to your cart and use the checkout code NEWSLETTER.
*While supplies last, but don’t worry, there’s plenty. 1 bundle per order.
That report she screwed up at work. Drip.
The customer she forgot to call. Drop.
The lunch she forgot to pack for her son. Drip.
The call from the daycare director concerning her daughter's biting. Drop.
The dinner still not made. Drip.
The friend she's yet to text back. Drop.
All of it, down the drain, washed away with the shampoo and soap. For the five minutes she spends hiding under the spray of hot water, she is at peace. She doesn't have the time for fancy "self-care" rituals. Instead, she takes a shower.
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Location:
Chicago
Family
A goofy husband, a crazy 1 year old son, and the sweetest, divaest pitbull on the planet.
Company/Job/Thing that takes the Majority of your Time:
I wear many hats. I’m a Barber, Mother, and I run a kids t-shirt company called Rocco Bee Collective.
Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower
My Boy Lollipop by Millie Smalls and Oogum Boogum by Brenton Wood
Beverage of Choice
I love love, love Cheerwine, but unfortunately they don't sell it in Chicago. And nothing beats a cold beer tbh.
Best Meal You've Ever Had
Anything my Grandma made*. She could seriously throw down in the kitchen. Whether it be Campbell's tomato soup, her noodles or her cheesy broccoli, all just amazing comfort food you could tell was made with love.
* Note from Laura- I second this! In grade school Allison’s Grandma would watch me when I was sick and my mom had to work. Campbell's chunky soup will forever be my comfort food thanks to her nurturing during those sick days. Also, she let me watch anything I wanted on TV. No one tell my mom.
First thing you'd buy if you won a huge lotto jackpot?
Dogs. Dogs. More Dogs. Did I Say Dogs? And probably a Mexican Villa for kicks.
Secret Talent
I'm freakishly good at Jenga. like I've never lost a round, I'm that good. Seriously.
I use The Oakley Soap Co. products because...
You can literally feel the difference in quality between Oakley Soap and other brands. I feel cleaner. The soap smells amazing. I know all the ingredients aren't harmful to me or the planet.And you gotta love supporting small business.
Favorite Oakley Soap Co Product
I'm obsessed with the Just Breathe Shower Steamers. They are THE BEST when you have a cold or some sinus issues.
Anything else you want to share/promote/tell the world?
I started Rocco Bee Collective because I wanted to offer an alternative in apparel for little ones to the Punk Rock Moms and Dads of the world. I'm really excited about all the fun and quirky designs that I'm making available for these cool little kids. Cool kids need cool tees. That's why I'm here.
Be sure to follow Rocco Bee Collective on Facebook and Instagram. You can buy Allison’s great kid’s shirts at the Rocco Bee Etsy Store.
If you do awesome things like keep tiny humans alive, make cool stuff, work to make the world a better place or drink world record amounts of coffee, let me know! I’d love to feature you! Email me at theoakleysoapco@gmail.com
I’m so excited to introduce our first profile, Katie Schneider. Katie is the owner and portrait photographer at Katie Schneider Photography, LLC which serves the greater Cincinnati area. Katie works with clients to design heirloom quality portraits they can enjoy in their home and pass down to their children. She believes that children's childhoods should last forever and be a part of the family history and legacy that is passed down through generations.
Here’s a little more about Katie, in her own words.
Location?
I live in Amberley Village, OH.
Family?
My husband and I have two children- a 6-year-old son and a 16-month-old daughter.
Favorite Song to Sing in the Shower?
Though I do love listening to music, the shower tends to be a quiet time for me. It's where I think through thoughts and ideas.
Beverage of Choice?
Black strong coffee during the day, red wine in the evening.
Best Meal You've Ever Had?
The best meals that have stood in my mind were fresh, well seasoned and cooked appropriately. From fresh lobster and shrimp at the beach to a grass-fed filet mignon cooked at a specialty steakhouse, to stick to your ribs sides.
First Thing you'd Buy if you Won a Huge Lotto Jackpot?
A beach house in a tropical location that I can escape to with my family whenever we needed sunshine and relaxation.
Secret Talent?
I can make a delicious, strong coffee!
I use The Oakley Soap Co. products because…
I value handmade products that contain natural ingredients. The products smell great, feel good on my skin, and are non-toxic. That is important to me! I can use The Oakley Soap Co. products for the whole family, from myself to my 16-month-old daughter.
Favorite Oakley Soap Co .Product?