Meet Ms. Monica Curry, owner of SweetsationalSoaps. I met Monica on You Tube through our shared interests. One being that we are striving to live a healthier lifestyle, and the second is that we are both stay-at-home moms running our own businesses.
Monica left a lasting impression on me when she joined my Facebook Page and made her presence known. As a result, I placed an order and the rest is history.
Monica is a stay-at-home mom and she runs her soap business. I couldn’t see how she does it, but today you will learn how Monica does what she does.
There are times when she gets overwhelmed, but she has some good tips on how she overcomes them.
Evelyn: Hi Monica, Thank you for this interview and sharing a bit of yourself with biz chicks.
1. What inspired you to start your soap business?
Monica: SweetsationalSoaps was founded in 2009 because of my son and daughter. My son and daughter both suffer with eczema and sensitive skin issues. I learned that the commercial soaps have what’s called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in them which acts like a degreaser for engines. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is the culprit to problems with dry skin and irritation. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate strips the skin of it’s natural oils which causes further damage to skin issues such as eczema.
I researched on the Internet about the benefits and found testimonies about using natural soap. I started researching how to make natural soaps and after I made my first batch, I was in love!!! I’ve never bought another commercial soap since. My testimony is that neither my son or daughter has had a ezcema flare up since.
Evelyn: Your testimony about your son and daughter’s eczema is amazing!
2. What makes your soaps special?
Monica: I try to custom make soap based on the needs of my customers. Some of my customers like fragrance oil, mica colors and some prefer essential oils for different skin issues. Some of my customers prefer unscented. Most of my products are vegan however, I do make a few batches that have goat’s milk in them .
Evelyn: That’s so cool that you custom make your soaps. What I especially find interesting is your use of essential oils for the different skin issues.
3. How do you manage and balance family along with your soap business?
Monica: I always put family first! When I do soap, I usually will do it first thing in the morning while everyone is asleep or late at night while the little ones can’t get in the way or get hurt. This schedule allows for me to be free to get the kids off to school, help with home-work, clean house, and cook my family a wholesome meal.
4. What do you to stay in shape and healthy (mind, body, spirit)?
Monica: I make it a point to meditate on scripture every morning, listen to inspirational music, and exercise. I’ve found that these things keep me balanced and in a positive frame of mind each day.
Evelyn: That’s great!
5. I know it is not easy juggling a family and a business, but what do you do to overcome being overwhelmed by it all?
Monica: I weed out any negative energy immediately, focus on a scripture, speak positive words, place myself outside the situation by going for a long run.
Evelyn: You definitely keep it balanced and that is good for the mind, body and spirit!
6. What advice do you have for other women who have a family and are running a business?
Monica: Put your family first! You run your business, don’t let the business run you! Make time for “You” get a pedicure or massage. You deserve it!
Evelyn: I am long over due for a pedicure.
7. Do you any final parting words?
Monica: “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that he didn’t trust me with so much.” ~ Mother Teresa
Monica shares her current exercise regime and eating plan: Cardio 4-5 days a week for 45 minutes alternating a 3-4 mile run on Saturdays. I weight train 4 days a week (Circuit training) to help me tone while reducing my body fat. I currently eat a low fat diet consisting of flax seed milk, vegan meat substitutes, eggs, oatmeal, coffee (no sugar), chicken breast, sweet potatoes, fresh fruits, and spinach. I supplement with multivitamins and raw protein powder. I try to drink about a gallon of water throughout the day (no sodas). I am slowly transitioning to becoming a vegetarian.
Evelyn: Thank you, Monica for sharing with us how you manage home and business without letting it overwhelm you.
Connect with Monica on:
Photos courtesy of Monica of SweetsationalSoaps
@Evelyn Parham@Red Kathy Yeah! He said that when his daughter was young, he brought her along.
Now, my son is a rambunctious three year old and isn’t going to “sit” anywhere but the gesture was really nice. One time I did bring my son to meet with a new client and he really surprised me with how well he behaved.
Yeah, Traffic there are so many different things we can get into. When we are passionate about those things it shines through!
I have a client who makes her own shea butter creams and they are really good. She enjoys making those creams so much that she will set-up a blog for that and that’s where I come in.
Thanks for stopping by! @TrafficColeman
Wow, that’s cool, Tia about the investor telling you to bring your son. I know you really liked that! @Tia Peterson @Red Kathy
Wow, that’s cool, Tia about the investor telling you to bring your son. I know really liked that! @Tia Peterson @Red Kathy
Wow, that’s cool, Tia about the investor telling you to bring your son. I know really liked that! @Tia Peterson @Red Kathy
@Red Kathy Hi Kathy! I had no idea about the bacterial growth. That’s yucky. I don’t want any microbes swimming around in my soaps/shampoos.
Thanks for sharing about how you worked your business while your sons were small. This is a great lesson for all of us moms who work from home and when I get to that point where I’m meeting with clients, I will know what to do.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
@Red Kathy “By making my position clear from the onset, most of them didn’t mind in the least. The ones who did, well they had to adjust to my schedule or look elsewhere for a contractor
” One day I am going to get that into my head. I had a very successful investor who took me to breakfast once say to me, “Just bring your son!” He was saying the same thing that you’re saying. I really like that.
First a big thank you Evelyn for sharing! Second, I did a study on commercial shampoos back in the day. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate when combined with the emulsifying soap/shampoo ingredients are perfect for bacteria growth, YUK!
Monica – I have very fair skin and find very few commercial soaps that don’t aggravate my skin. I will be sure to visit your site. I love your quote in the final thoughts and couldn’t agree more!
Being a work from home mother for many years, I also put family first. In fact I met with some very prominent people while my boys sat alongside me eating snacks. By making my position clear from the onset, most of them didn’t mind in the least. The ones who did, well they had to adjust to my schedule or look elsewhere for a contractor
When my worked required quiet, like you, I worked at night or prior to their waking.
It’s great to see people doing different niches online..it just shows that you can make money with showing people how you make money.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
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