Natural Soapy Suds
Is there anything more luxurious than slipping into a deliciously warm bath on a cold day, and lathering up with a luxe soap or enjoying the fizz of a bath bomb releasing creamy bath milk, and perhaps even rose petals into the water? And how much fun for the little ones, and for us watching our little ones, as they delight in the bath water changing colour, or enjoying the natural-learning science experiment of watching a bath bomb explode?
Rockingham soap maker, Christine, of Natural Soapy Suds, has been bringing this kind of deliciousness to our local community for the last 3 years. Her business organically bubbled up out of a desire to gift her ‘Zumba girls’ a thank you present, and her students a birthday gift…her generosity started getting expensive, so she decided to maker her own soap. ‘I watched one video on YouTube and that was it. I was totally hooked. I then made so much soap I thought I might try and sell it at the Rockingham markets. Six months later, Rockingham Centre called me and asked if I would do a pop-up shop. After a year of popping in and out, I was asked if I would like to become permanent.
That was 2 years ago.’
Sustainability is an innate part of her products, which include moisturisers, body scrubs and even shaving cream, as well as soaps and bath bombs. ‘My products are all handmade, vegan, friendly and all-natural…I believe in sustainability and all natural products. I also believe in products being biodegradable.’
A personal approach is important to Christine, who delights in connected communication with her customers. ‘I never started my business to sell online. I love the one-on-one contact with my customers. I can recommend how to use my products and explain the ingredients. They get to smell and touch which you can’t do online. I’ve explained to all my customers that they can contact me directly to place an order. Then I can custom their order to suit. Sometimes they ask me to make a product in their favourite fragrance.’
I like people to touch and smell my products. I like to have that interaction and to be able to explain how to use my products. I like to know that my customers are happy. I love feedback. That is how I grow, and I get such joy when I have children having fun with my products. I’m after bath time being fun and enjoyable, even if they have sensitive skin.
Whilst at the Rockingham Shopping Centre, Christine held children’s workshops. ‘The centre allowed me to run fairy dust workshops in the school holidays. It was so much fun. I think it would be fun to do something like that at a child’s birthday party too. If anyone is interested, they can call me directly on 0423 762 944 to enquire about workshops.’
Natural Soapy Suds is now moving towards a more regenerative way of doing business. Christine has moved away from being at the Rockingham Centre on a permanent basis.
‘I’ve loved having some time with my family. That is one of the reasons I decided to go back to being a pop up. Family is so important and I’m missing my grand-children and my children growing up.
Because I make all my products, it can be very tiring trying to sell and make at the same time. Unfortunately, my sales didn’t cover the wages and rent and the cost of the ingredients. I loved having my own shop and my customers are lovely. I’ve made some great friends.
Rockingham centre has been very supportive. I can’t thank them enough. I popped back in for the school holidays and it was great to be back.' Natural Soapy Suds will also be popping up at the Stockland Baldivis Shopping Centre next week. ‘We have grown so much in just 3 years. It’s amazing. My dream is to have a shop with a door. I have no idea where my business is going but I’m really enjoying the journey.’
Christine encourages other Creative Entrepreneurs. ‘Funny, my advice to other entrepreneurs is to never give up. Keep pushing through the tiredness and accept help if it is offered. I’ve had so much support throughout from such wonderful people.
Believe in yourself.’
She’s a Rockingham original, and lives a life she loves, locally.
‘I am a Rockingham Local. I have lived here for 43 years. I grew up here. Went to school here and had my family here. I have watched Rockingham grow in the years. I think we live in a wonderful place. We have such beautiful beaches. Lots of nature and wildlife. We are so lucky.’
It was such a lovely experience to meet Christine. Natural Soapy Suds is also on Instagram. I really love to showcase and support local creative- and community-minded entrepreneurs, so if you identify as one, or know someone who does, please contact me: let’s talk!
