Seeking a less expensive option to in-store brands, Selby set about making some soap of her own. Made with all-natural ingredients and essential oils, the initial products were wildly popular with friends and family.
“Needless to say I was giving a lot of soap away in samples and everyone was wanting more,” she said. “My husband, Tal, who’s very much an entrepreneur, said, ‘You know you can’t keep giving this stuff away. You’ve got to start selling it.’ ”
That’s what she did, turning suds into sales at MissSelbysSoap.com and the Pendleton Art Center in Middletown.
Shoppers in Warren County can find Miss Selby’s Soaps at Girlfriends Gifts, a storefront Selby operates at 55 S. Main St. in Waynesville with Melissa Slohn of West Chester Twp., the owner of La Crema Coffee Company, and Amy Gantt of Oakwood, owner of Lula Bell Art and Designs.
Selby, who ships to chain stores nationwide, also opened a permanent booth at The Columbus MarketPlace in Dublin.
“Wholesale has definitely changed things,” she said. “It’s definitely increased volume.”
Production varies depending on the time of year, but typically reaches 500 bars a day during peak production months.
“September, October and November are insane,” she said. “That’s when I do most of my trade shows.”
A move into a new Middletown facility at 1131 Central Ave. started last week and is expected to increase efficiency when it comes to completing orders.
“My children will be very happy to have their home back,” Selby said. “(We’ve got) trade shows on the dining room table. It has just completely taken over our home.”
“Bath bombs” cost $1 to $3, soap bars costs $5 and soap cupcakes, which closely resemble their edible counterparts, cost $7. Liquid soap costs $6, salt scrubs are $10 and soy candles are $15. Orders $30 or more ship free.
Bar soap options include Avocado Lime, Bay Rum, Citrus Basil, Fruit Smoothie, French Lavender, Patchouli Orange and Goat’s Milk, Oats and Honey, among others. There are even antioxidant-rich wine soaps with names like “Have a ChardonDay” and “How Merlot Can You Go?”
Selby said she comes up with many of her ideas in her sleep, then jots them down when she wakes up.
“A lot of my ideas are crazy and they don’t work, but my idea is to just keep trying and see what sells,” she said.
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