Today we’d like to introduce you to Alena Goco
Hi Alena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with SoapyMania began out of personal necessity. When I moved to the USA, my skin, which was already extremely sensitive, became severely traumatized. It became unbearably dry, and I developed eczema. None of the creams or treatments I tried, from the cheapest to the most expensive, made a difference. Faced with this challenge, I realized I needed to engineer a solution for myself.
In 2010, I began experimenting with soapmaking, diving into the process to create something that would work for my skin. It was a transformative experience—not just because it solved my skin issues, but because it allowed me to channel my creativity into hands-on crafting. I fell in love with the art and science of soapmaking, refining my techniques and incorporating natural, skin-loving ingredients into every bar.
What started as a personal project soon grew beyond my own needs. Friends and family loved the soaps I made and encouraged me to share them with others. In 2014, I launched my first website, marking the beginning of SoapyMania as a brand. I worked tirelessly to develop unique products that combined care for the skin, emotional well-being, and sustainability.
The true breakthrough came in 2019 when a national retailer placed a substantial order for our products. That pivotal moment propelled SoapyMania into the next stage of growth, enabling us to reach a wider audience while staying true to our mission of crafting thoughtful, eco-friendly skincare.
Today, I’m proud of how far we’ve come—from a personal necessity to a thriving business that transforms everyday self-care routines into indulgent rituals. SoapyMania is not just about skincare; it’s about resilience, creativity, and the joy of crafting solutions that make life better for others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am today has been far from smooth, but every challenge has played a vital role in shaping my journey. As an immigrant, I faced the added difficulty of learning English and adjusting to a completely new culture. I didn’t come from an entrepreneurial background—my family had no examples to follow, and I never imagined I could build a business. With no blueprint for entrepreneurship, every step felt like venturing into uncharted territory. It took tremendous effort to learn, push through self-doubt, and find the courage to keep moving forward.
One of the biggest challenges came when a national retailer placed an order for 100,000 units of our products. Scaling up from fulfilling just one or two orders a month to managing such a massive request required building a team, creating efficient systems, and ensuring the quality of every single product. Balancing rapid growth while maintaining SoapyMania’s high standards was incredibly demanding, but it proved to be a turning point for the business.
In 2020, just six days after giving birth to my son, we launched our products in Whole Foods. Setting up the display and seeing our products on the shelves was both overwhelming and deeply fulfilling. Having to bring my six-day-old baby to the store in the midst of a pandemic to set everything up was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. But it also became a defining moment, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
Looking back, every obstacle has been an opportunity for growth. The road hasn’t been easy, but the challenges have made SoapyMania stronger and more resilient. I’ve learned that perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn can overcome even the toughest barriers
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At SoapyMania, we are passionate about crafting natural, eco-friendly skincare products that nurture your skin, uplift your mood, and respect our planet. We specialize in bar soaps, loofah soaps, and sugar scrub cubes, all designed with a deep commitment to caring for your skin, enhancing emotional well-being, and promoting sustainability.
What truly sets us apart is the thoughtful multi-tasking nature of our products. Each one is designed to save you time (and money) by serving multiple purposes. Our bar soaps cleanse and nourish, our loofah soaps combine cleansing with gentle exfoliation, and our sugar scrub cubes provide cleansing, exfoliation and hydration in one simple step. This all-in-one approach means you can enjoy premium self-care without the need for multiple products.
What I am most proud of is how holistically we approach every aspect of our brand. From meticulously crafting formulations to designing eco-conscious packaging and ensuring cruelty-free production, we’ve built a brand that reflects care for your skin, emotional well-being, and the planet. Every detail is intentional, from sourcing sustainable ingredients to creating products that bring convenience and joy to your daily routine.
To your readers, I want to share that SoapyMania is more than a skincare brand—it’s a celebration of thoughtful self-care. Our multi-tasking products not only make life easier but also align with your values of quality, sustainability, and emotional harmony. By choosing SoapyMania, you’re investing in products that respect your time, your budget, and the world we all share
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is spending summer school breaks at my grandmother’s village. Surrounded by nature, my grandparents lived in harmony with the land, growing their own vegetables and embracing a self-sustaining lifestyle. One of the most magical parts of those summers was the banya—a spa-like sanctuary they had built.
The banya was more than just a place to bathe; it was an elevated ritual for both body and soul. From the soothing heat of the sauna and invigorating cold plunges to the calming herbal teas brewed with leaves from our garden, every element was crafted with care. We would even create natural masks using fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, turning self-care into a shared and joyful experience.
Those moments of indulgence, surrounded by the scents and textures of nature, inspire my mission today: to craft products that transform daily routines into meaningful rituals, combining care for the body with nourishment for the spirit.
Pricing:
- Bar Soaps: Starting at $8.99, crafted with skin-nurturing natural ingredients.
- Loofah Soaps: Starting at $9.99, offering a dual-purpose cleanse and exfoliation experience.
- Sugar Scrub Cubes: Starting at $24.99, perfect for cleansing, exfoliation and hydration in one step.
- Gift Sets: Starting at $35, ideal for treating yourself or someone special.
- We also offer seasonal bundles and promotions, making it even easier to incorporate high-quality, multi-tasking products into your daily routine. Our goal is to deliver exceptional value while staying true to our mission of caring for the skin, emotional well-being, and the planet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soapymania.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soapy.mania/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoapyMania
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soapymania
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soapy.mania
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/alenagoco/
Image Credits
3 Images to be credited are named started with “credit Ryan Hartford”
It’s Ryan Hartford @eclipticphoto on Instagram
