Interview with Savor on Etsy

I was lucky enough to stumble upon a wonderful soap maker on Etsy. I've really fallen for Savor Soaps. They have been amazing for my skin I love the unique scents. I asked the owner Lisa if she would be so kind as to grant me an interview and she graciously agreed. After the interview I give my own review on Savor.
You can find Savor at http://www.savor.etsy.com/

(me)What sparked your interest in soap making?
(Lisa)I picked up the hobby when I moved to San Francisco; I had a lot of free time and didn't know anyone here. I studied library books primarily, and used the internet a little for research, but in 2000 the internet was still somewhat of a baby. It just didn't have the quality of content that it does today.
I didn't know anyone who made soap, so I had very little preconceived ideas about how to make it, what could be done and what could not be done. What I knew was cooking, so I brought that to my craft.

(me)How long have you been in the soap making business?
(Lisa)I'm just entering my fourth month of being a small business owner! Selling my soaps takes the soapmaking to a whole new level. So much more to consider -- and so many more opportunities! I am currently rolling most of my profit directly back into the business, improving my materials and inventing and expanding into new areas in skincare and wellness.

(me)Your soaps have a very unique look, Could you give customers an idea the work involved to make one bar soap?
(Lisa)Some things are common to every creation. Measurement is the first -- each ingredient has to be carefully weighed, so that the soap recipe can be duplicated. Yes -- I learned that the hard way! I had to retake some photos in the beginning, because I didn't properly duplicate my recipe.
I start with a very high-quality soap base -- vegetable, olive oil or goat's milk. It's melted down -- a double boiler is the best method -- and scent is added. Pretty simple stuff, but with some creativity you can do a lot with the base. Playing with color and texture is what I'm most fond of.
You can make a basic bar in about 10 minutes -- let it dry and cure overnight. You can make a fantastic, complex bar in an hour or two (like my layered Mint Chocolate or Smores soaps).
The most important thing to remember about "melt-and-pour" soap is that the final product reflects the base you use. A craft store base, full of chemicals and detergents, is not going to give you the same results as a truly high-end base. Practice with the craft store bases, but find a boutique specializing in soapmaking, or buy online, if you want truly sellable soaps.

(me)One reason I love your soaps is they do not stick to my tub/shower or soap rack. Was this part of your plan or just a beautiful coincidence?
(Lisa) My guess would be the glycerin content! The slippery feeling is the glycerin -- it's a humectant -- something that attracts moisture to you, leaving your skin soft instead of squeaky. This is probably what keeps the suds from being sticky, too!

(me) Do you have any plans to expand your current product line?
(Lisa) Definitely. Currently, I am adding to my bath salts, fizzing salts, and creme fraiche line. The creme fraiche whipped soaps I have for sale are gentle face soaps -- full of moisturizing vitamin E oil and nice and sudsy -- a little goes quite a long way. I have "lickable body oil" -- my Lix product -- and there are always more things coming!

(me)Now on a more personal note, of all the wonderful scents you offer what would be your favorites?
(Lisa)For quite a long time, it was the Amaretto Honey Oatmeal. I love it still, but it's being edged out by Bamboo. I love the Rosewood essential oil -- it's so unique. I am also very very fond of the Coconut Mochi!

My review: The turn around time is beyond fast. Once the soaps arrive they are ready to use and I've not had to wait for any curing time. Each scent has been amazing and fun to use. My favorite right now is Juice. Juice is a grown up sweet scent that makes me feel as if I am wrapping my body in silky sweet fruity pj's. Each time I use one of Savor's soaps I am always amazed at how soft and supple my skin feels. I have come to love the soaps so much that I no longer need to try other companies because I have found what works for me. Always nice to finally be able to stop the hunt.

*pictures provided by Savor
*This is an unpaid interview and done purely for my love of Savor soaps