Today we’d like to introduce you to Jahsmin Bowen.
Jahsmin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started making soap about two years ago, the idea came to me after doing a bit of traveling. I had just come from working seasonally in The Hamptons, NY and feeling a bit uninspired, more so wanting to tap into doing something that felt more fulfilling to my personal needs. I have always been a crafter, since childhood so once I began researching the soap making process, how there were so many ways to create the product, and how our traditional soaps contain so many harsh and unnecessary chemicals, I was truly intrigued. I began making soap via various methods and landed on the cold process method as my favorite. Specifically, because it yields such a smooth and visually appealing product. At the time, I was working at The Wynwood Yard and had been there for about two years. I began by giving out soap bars to my regular customers and out of towner’s that would come hang out at the bar, mostly to get feedback but also to share something I was working on with people who weren’t my friends and could provide honest opinions. The responses were absolutely incredible! I had people coming to the bar asking to buy soap, it was really funny actually. Eventually, through positive reinforcement, I was convinced I should really make a business out of it! I did a bit of research and before I knew it, I had applied for my LLC and had begun creating my online store. Shortly thereafter, I teamed up with In Good Company Miami to begin an event called Live & Well Day Party, where my soaps became a staple. My business was now apart of a platform that really attracted all sorts of individuals to the product and to myself, who was now officially an entrepreneur. Quickly into the process of establishing my business, I realized I had opened up even more space opportunity by offering out samples everywhere I went. I am now in the process of preparing to launch my soaps in a local vegan supermarket and of course working towards having product available in more physical locations, in addition to my online store
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Most definitely not! Though I did attend college, my focus was not business. I honestly never even imagined myself as a business owner, so it has been quite a journey learning how to conduct business professionally and efficiently. I mostly work by myself, so I am responsible for marketing, accounting, ordering, production and it is a lot of work! I have surrounded myself around individuals who believe in my vision, who have experience and can offer beneficial advice for growing upwards. I am not afraid to admit I still have tons to learn, but I would advise young women looking to start their own business to be open to people’s opinions, but not to let them rule you. Be an open book, it encourages those who are interested in your product or your vision to want to contribute to you in anyway possible, be it by words of encouragement, buying your product, investing in your vision, speaking about you to others, or referring you to opportunities you simply could not have been privy to by yourself.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I make soap! Specifically, vegan soap. The soaps are environmentally friendly from the choice of ingredients to the packaging. Most people don’t know that traditional soaps are made with animal fat amongst many other undesirable ingredients, so I make it very clear that my soaps are produced with solely plant-based oils and butter. I also handmake every single batch of soap myself, from the mixing process all the way through to cut and cure. The cold process method that I use requires a 4-week cure time, so every bar that is sold was made at least one month in advance. They are all hand cut, so no one bar looks the same as the other and has all natural additives to contribute to color and texture. Also, my soap is scented strictly with essential oil blends. So, no artificial fragrances or colors are used at all. The use of strictly essential oils adds to the unique profiles of each bar, giving them additional benefits such as uplifting mood and providing a relaxing cleansing experience.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! This is something I have struggled with in the past and still struggle with, but have gotten much better. It could be the smallest thing or a big task, but you will never know if you don’t put yourself out there and at least, ask for the help you think you may need. The worst thing that could happen is a “no” which, to me, is not as bad as hearing “why didn’t you ask for help?” You will be surprised to see the number of individuals willing to help an entrepreneur to reach their dreams and goals. Another very important piece of advice I would like to share is also to believe in your product or vision as much as you would like the next person too. There is something very special about having true confidence, it allows you to take risks that usually have the same level of reward as a risk. People will see your passion and will immediately want to be apart of what you are doing in any way they can. Let that be a testament to just how much of an impact you can make on the world around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soapsbyjah.com
- Phone: 9543713386
- Email: jahsmin@soapsbyjah.com
- Instagram: @soapsbyjah
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/soapsbyjah
- Twitter: @soapsbyjah
Image Credit:
Martin Framez, Half Full Creative Agency
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