As many know by now, Sweetie Pie Soaps is a mother-daughter company. We make an effort to create soap and other products together most of the time. The business is based in Minnesota as that is where I (Liz-the daughter) live, but we make the soap at Susan’s (the mom’s) house. This is for various reasons. Susan has a larger home, and more space for soap making, but also there is something magical about creating soap at a house in the woods. Here’s a little peek into soap-making with Liz and Susan.
The Prep
A few weeks ahead of time, Liz and Susan plan a weekend for Liz to come to Luck, Wisconsin to make soap with Susan. For the past 4 years, this usually means planning a weekend for both Liz and her son to come. Liz can’t possibly sneak away to Wisconsin for a weekend without her son finding out and wanting to come with her. As a result, the weekend has to work for Liz and Susan, but also for Liz’s dad, Mike, who will watch Liz’s son.
Once a date is chosen, the prep truly begins. An agenda document is shared between Liz and Susan where communication goes back and forth on what products to make during the weekend. Once the agenda is finalized, Susan takes a look at stock to make sure we have everything needed for making the products we decided on. Susan also begins to prep soap molds so they are ready.
The Day Of Soap Making
The day of soapmaking arrives and Liz leaves early in the morning to arrive in Luck, Wisconsin by 9 am. The drive takes about an hour and a half. Once Liz and her son arrive, Liz and Susan promptly begin their work. As they wait for lye and oils to reach the desired temperature, they talk. The discussion ranges from marketing, products and packaging, life updates, or simply plans for dinner. There is always a lunch and nap break on the agenda of course, but we are usually done by 4 pm. The day is completed with dinner and a yummy treat afterward. Liz and Susan end the day sitting in the living room watching a movie, exhausted and happy.
We love selling soap, but even more, we love making the soap together.