Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Schulze.
Hi Toni, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The start of my journey was learning how to make cold process soap in the fall of 2019. I stumbled across a few reels and videos of some amazing looking soaps and that’s where my obsession began. I wanted to create a natural option for my dog Duke who is highly sensitive to just about everything and that’s exactly what I did after much research and test batches. I started because I needed a solution, but it ended up becoming a passion and artistic outlet for me. My absolute favorite thing that I make are my soaps, mainly because it’s where I can be the most creative artistically. I do love making all the other products that I create, but the soaps have my heart and it’s what I’m most know for. I have definitely come such a long way from when Bluebird became official in January 2020 to now. I carry small batch, vegan and cruelty-free bath & body products that have a whimsical and artistic touch. I have made so many wonderful connections throughout the years I have been creating for Bluebird and I am proud to say I have four boutiques that carry my products.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running my own small business has definitely come with many learning curves. I wear so many hats because I am the only one who creates, sells and promotes, etc.. Wanting to offer a large variety of products because I love making them, was the first challenge I had to overcome. Realizing that scaling back and offering a smaller selection of items has been the best business decision I’ve made to date. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Another huge learning curve was learning how to say no. As much as I want to do every market and every event, it’s not always possible. I have learned to stay within my niche and to focus on markets that allow me to shine. There are so many wonderful markets out there with many wonderful market coordinators, but not all of them will be the right ones for you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I am most known for are my artesian soap bars. I specifically make small batch, cold process soap. What does that mean? It’s a traditional method of mixing various ingredients from scratch without the use of heat. The lack of heat allows me to get creative with colors and techniques before the soap hardens – for example, piping a soap top like you would icing on a cake. You may wonder what makes a soap bar so special? The huge amount of the research and science I have put into all of my recipes, as well as the little details of every batch make my soaps always in high demand. One thing that truly makes my heart happy is when a customer tells me my soap is too pretty to use- my response is always “ Life is short use the pretty soap..” I love how my customers recognize the artistic work I put into each soap bar. Soap is a necessity, why not make it fun?
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Honestly, at the moment, I don’t have anything I’m currently obsessed with, but I am always on the lookout for something new and noteworthy. For my particular craft I like to stay close to the socials for trends and new ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bluebirdbathboutique.com
- Instagram: @bluebird_bath_boutique
- Facebook: @bluebird2020
