Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Haby owner of Southern Suds Co.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I am a Southern living, Sweet tea sipping, Jesus loving, Wifey, Homeschooling Mama of four who loves DIY projects, Travel, and Rae Dunn. In the South, farm to table is a way of life for many, so essentially I wanted to be able to do the same with my products.
It started with sensitive skin with myself and my kids which is how my notorious goats milk soap came about then I added in bath bombs, lotion, candles, chapstick, birthday boxes, and seasonal items too! Made with 100% pure and natural ingredients, handcrafted with love then shipped from my Southern door to yours! Each month Southern Suds directly donates .50 from EACH item sold to a new charity of choice chosen by myself with the help of YOU!
In July, I sold over 100 bars from pre-sale orders and directly donated enough to clean up TWO pounds of trash from oceans across the world with an incredible organization called 4ocean.org. I didn’t even officially open until July 15th, so I was so incredibly blown away at the response, and since then my business has continued to grow, and each month another charity is helped all because someone just like you purchases an item and believes in my products!
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning (which honestly I have only been open 3.5 months, so it is almost still the beginning) I had a few bumps along the way which I feel is probably normal with any startup for a business.
I had some packaging struggles due to the extreme Texas heat that I wasn’t as prepared for so I had to trial and error a few things and figure it all out immediately to avoid delays. Since my products are completely natural shipping things in the natural state is trickier because you aren’t adding the icky stuff to keep it preserved.
Another issue I had to work through was the inconsistency of the candle scents, so I was experimenting daily and burning about ten candles per day for probably two weeks straight before I could even launch my candles into the shop! So besides the extra product used that I hadn’t planned for, I also had many frustrating late nights, but once they were perfected, it was well worth it.
I anticipate I will have many more struggles along the way, but I feel that is what helps continue the growth of a business and allows an appreciation for the products and customer’s in a way that without struggles one cannot understand.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Southern Suds Co is a one-stop shop for 100% pure ingredient products shipped from my Southern door to yours!
I am notorious for my Citrus Rosemary goats milk soap for its amazing lather and scent that will leave your skin feeling oh so soft! It has been known to aid in eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, diaper rashes and more with plenty of reviews to back all of these up!
*Disclosure* This has not been medically or scientifically proven nor am I a doctor. These are just the real testimonies of real people.
As a small business owner, I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to juggle running my business while being a full-time wife, mama and homeschooling too.
Being able to show my children that you can truly do whatever you want in life and can chase your dreams if you put in the work means the world to me. They have seen my early mornings and know I have late nights, but they also see that I do it all for them. They love to help me stamp a package or place my business cards inside the box, so I try to keep them included as much as possible too which I think is important and is teaching them early entrepreneurship too.
For me, what I hope sets me apart from others is the fact that I take time to handwrite thank you cards that are personalized for each and every order so that my customers understand how appreciative I am of their order regardless of how many times they have ordered with me. I want them to understand just how important that order is not only for my family but for the monthly organization too.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was the one who wanted to be friends with everyone, loved being outdoors on my bike, played make-believe and dress up with my little sister, and spent many days at the theater as acting was where I loved to spend my time away from home. My childhood nickname was “Hollywood” because I could turn the tears on in a matter of seconds.
As the oldest and a natural born leader I was always trying to make money and was either selling lemonade, baking cookies for profit, hosting neighborhood plays for admission fees, or making crafts to sell to the neighborhood kids for holiday gifts.
One year I raised enough money to buy my mom this expensive perfume she wanted for Christmas, Coco by Chanel. I had to of been maybe eight years old, and right then I think my family knew I would succeed at whatever I chose to do in life.
Pricing:
- Citrus Rosemary Soap $6.00
- Birthday Box $29.00
- Large Candle $18.00
- Peppermint candy bath salts $9
-
Peppermint salt scrub $10
-
Lip balm $3.25
-
Holiday gift boxes wrapped and personalized starting at $19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southernsudsandsimpleliving.com/
- Email: southernsuds18@gmail.com
Image Credit:
www.Courtneymoorephotography.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
