The Wanderlust Stuck at Home
Back in April 2020, like many of you, we found ourselves stuck in quarantine, searching for ways to fill our time and find meaning in our daily routines. We took on projects like building chicken coops, cooking, and yes, indulging in a few drinks. But something was missing, and I knew I needed a hobby that would truly light up my soul. Little did I know that this hobby would blossom into a business that would ignite a sense of wonder in people's lives.
One evening, as I went to get a fresh bar of soap for my son's bath, I was inspired. We had a surplus of leftover bars from a Cub Scout activity, purchased from the dollar store. I handed my son the bar, expecting the usual bubbly lather and moisturizing feel. But instead, it was hard, difficult to lather, and left his skin feeling dry. Intrigued, I flipped over the packaging and found a long list of chemical ingredients. It made me wonder, what exactly are all these things, and what makes soap, well, soap?
With curiosity in full swing, I turned to Google and typed in, "What is soap made of?" The answer seemed surprisingly simple: just oils and lye. A spark of excitement ignited within me—could I make my own soap? How difficult could it be? My research revealed that it was indeed possible, using ingredients found right in my pantry. With a touch of lavender oil, some oils from my kitchen shelves, and a small amount of lye purchased from the grocery store, I decided to give it a go.
And to my delight, it worked! I carefully mixed the ingredients, poured the mixture into a glass loaf pan, and anxiously waited for it to cure. When the first batch of soap was ready to use, and as I washed my hands with it, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. The soap was gentle, moisturizing, and made with natural ingredients. It felt like a little moment of luxury amidst the chaos of the world.
Curiosity led me down this unexpected path, and little did I know that this small experiment would lay the foundation for Wanderlust at Home.
Refining the Idea
Little did I know that my love for handmade soap would lead me to the creation of an eco-friendly candle and soap business. It had all started with a single batch of soap.
Armed with the basics, I mixed fragrant oils and experimented with various scents. The process was therapeutic, and I couldn't get enough of it. That's when I realized that I had stumbled upon something special.
As I continued mixing different scents, my passion for soap-making grew stronger. I wanted to take my craft to the next level, so I began searching for a supplier that offered higher-quality scents. It was a game-changer. The richness of these scents opened up a world of possibilities, and I couldn't wait to share them with others.
But my creative spirit didn't stop at soap. I found myself drawn to the idea of making candles as well. Determined to create the perfect candle, I embarked on another journey, this time into the world of candle-making. I tested different waxes, seeking eco-friendly options that aligned with my commitment to sustainability.
My quest didn't end there. I experimented with various wick materials and meticulously adjusted ingredient ratios. Of course, there were failures along the way—soaps that refused to harden and candles that sprouted crazy bubbles or sinkholes. But these challenges only fueled my determination to succeed.
With each setback, I learned valuable lessons about the art of crafting soap and candles. I discovered that perseverance and an unwavering commitment to quality were the keys to success. I also realized that I wanted my creations to not only be beautiful and aromatic but also eco-friendly.
So, I began sourcing upcycled jars and exploring packaging options that could be recycled. I was on a mission to reduce waste and minimize my environmental footprint. It wasn't just about making beautiful products; it was about making a positive impact on the planet.
As my collection of handmade soaps and candles grew, I found myself with a surplus. I decided to share them with friends and family. To my surprise, people were not only grateful for these products but also eager to get more. They didn't mind the occasional "failed" batch; they appreciated the effort and love I put into each creation.
This overwhelming response was a turning point. I realized that I could turn my passion into a business. People loved not only the quality of my products but also the personal touch I added by naming each scent after a place I had traveled to. My wanderlust had found a new outlet, and I was bringing the adventures of world travel right into my home.
Building the Business... and the Future
To introduce my creations to the world, I started at local street fairs, connecting with my community and receiving heartfelt support from friends and family.
Wanderlust at Home needed an identity reflecting my passion for adventure. I designed a logo and expanded the product line to include bath bombs—a symbol of indulgence and self-care.
Eager to reach a broader audience, I established an online presence with my own website, deliberate suite of scent offerings, and professional labels.
The website's launch marked a turning point, expanding my reach beyond the local community. Through social media, my products resonate with and audience who share my love for travel-inspired scents.
The most fulfilling chapter was forming partnerships with local stores, supporting the community while expanding my reach.
Wanderlust at Home became more than just a business; it embodied my love for travel, creativity, and eco-friendly, high-quality products. The journey from hobbyist to entrepreneur has been an incredible adventure, and I'm ready to share the world's beauty with more people, supporting local businesses along the way. The future looks bright!
