Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Lozada.
Hi Leslie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey hey!
So, Lola’s Soap Shop was born during a season when I needed something creative, hopeful, and completely my own. As a mother of 3, life can be demanding, and creating became both an outlet and a lifeline. Soap literally kept me sane during some of the most challenging times in my life.. The combination of art and science was exactly what my brain needed and I quickly became obsessed with learning as much as I could.
What started as making handmade soap in my kitchen slowly turned into a business built around self-care, creativity, and finding beauty in everyday life. I’ve spent years learning, experimenting, and growing the brand into something that reflects who I am-
a maker, a reader, a dreamer, and someone who believes that even small moments can feel special.
Today, Lola’s Soap Shop can be found at local markets and community events throughout South Florida, offering handcrafted soaps, body products, and seasonal collections inspired by books, nostalgia, and nature. More than anything, I hope my products encourage people to slow down and enjoy life’s little luxuries.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Was it easy?Absolutely not. Like most small business owners, my journey has come with plenty of challenges.
One of the biggest struggles has been balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood. As a mom of three, including a son with special needs, my schedule often revolves around appointments, therapies, school schedules, and the unexpected realities of family life. Finding time to create, market, package orders, attend events, and manage the business has required a lot of flexibility, determination, sleepless nights and caffeine. Lol I also had to learn how to schedule soap releases to account for the 6 – 8 week curing time my soaps require. Which means I’m usually planning my christmas collection by July ect.
There have also been the typical challenges that come with growing a small business- learning new skills, investing in inventory, overcoming self-doubt, and figuring out what works through trial and error. Not every event has been successful, not every product has been a bestseller, and there have definitely been moments when I questioned whether I could keep going.
At the same time, those challenges have taught me resilience. Every obstacle has pushed me to become more creative, adaptable, and confident in both myself and my business. Looking back, the difficult moments are what make the successes feel so meaningful. And everytime a customer comes back for their favorite bar I’m reminded of why I do what I do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the 100% owner and creator of Lola’s Soap Shop, a handmade bath and body brand specializing in artisan soaps, whipped tallow products, body scrubs, room sprays, custom favors, and breastmilk keepsake soaps. Every product is handcrafted in small batches with a focus on quality ingredients, thoughtful design, and creating an experience that feels both luxurious and personal. Every bar is designed like an art piece , often including handmolded figures or embellishments that I personally hand mold from soap dough. So, besides my soap being amazing for your skin it also looks beautiful and brings a little whimsy to your bathroom or shower.
Over the years, I’ve become known for creating unique themed collections that tell a story. Whether it’s a book-inspired collection, a nostalgic throwback theme, a seasonal release, or a custom event favor, I love designing products that spark memories, start conversations, and bring a little joy into everyday routines.
One of my most meaningful services is creating breastmilk soap for mothers who want to preserve a special part of their breastfeeding journey. This stemmed from my own journey with my sons and wanting to do something meaningful with the milk i had left over.. now I offer a service where mothers can work with me to transform their own breastmilk into something meaningful that the whole family can use and benefit from. These custom keepsake soaps transform an important milestone into something beautiful and lasting, and it is an honor to create them for families.
What I’m most proud of is building a business that reflects my creativity while also supporting my family. As a mother of three, growing Lola’s Soap Shop has required persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn constantly. Seeing customers return again and again, recommend my products to others, and connect with the stories behind each collection is incredibly rewarding.
What sets Lola’s Soap Shop apart is the personal touch behind everything I create. I don’t just make products, I create experiences. From the fragrances and ingredients to the packaging and themes, every detail is intentionally chosen to make people feel something. I personally hand mold each embellishment that goes on my soaps , making each bar unique. I believe self-care should be beautiful, memorable, and a little bit magical, and that’s the feeling I strive to bring to every product that leaves my studio.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As a small business owner and mother of three, I rely on a combination of technology, creativity, and continuous learning to stay organized and productive. Apps like Canva have become invaluable for designing marketing materials, product labels, and social media content, while Shopify helps me manage my online store and customer orders. I also print all of my own labels and packaging through Avery.
Reading remains an important part of my life as well, and I believe that books, both fiction and nonfiction, help me stay creative, curious, and open to new ideas.
For business I will always recommend the book ” The Purple Cow” by Seth Godin.
Trust me, the gems in this one are priceless .
I also love a good podcast lol a few of my favorites are , On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Big deal with Codi Sanchez, and Crime weekly.
Another resource that has become surprisingly helpful is AI technology. Tools like ChatGPT assist me with brainstorming, content creation, problem-solving, and organizing ideas, allowing me to work more efficiently while balancing the demands of running a business and raising a family.
More than any single app or resource, I’ve learned that staying adaptable, continuing to learn, and being willing to ask questions has been one of the greatest contributors to both my personal and professional growth. And I ask alot of questions lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lolasoapshop.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/lolassoapshop
