Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Fleming.
Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and worked in the landscape architecture profession for nearly 15 years. I really enjoyed the creativity and problem-solving that came with landscape architecture, but over time I started feeling like I wanted to do something different. I found myself becoming more interested in health and wellness and looking for something that would allow me to be creative while also working more directly with people.
That’s what initially drew me to Magnolia Soap & Bath. I loved the products, but I also really liked the idea behind the business. It wasn’t just about selling soap. There was an opportunity to create a fun, welcoming place where people could come in, find something they loved, learn how to make something, celebrate with friends, or just take a little time for themselves.
Marcus and I decided to take the leap, and we opened our Houston Memorial location in 2025. It has been exciting—and definitely a learning experience—to build something of our own and become part of the Memorial community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think the biggest surprise has been just how many different hats you wear as a small business owner. There is so much more to it than having a great product and opening the doors. You are thinking about inventory, staffing, marketing, customer experience, community relationships and a hundred little decisions every day.
I’ve also learned how important it is to be flexible. Not everything works the way you expect it to, and you have to be willing to try something, learn from it and adjust. At the same time, some of the best parts of the business have come from things we didn’t necessarily plan—community partnerships, workshops, parties and relationships with customers that have developed along the way.
I’ve also discovered that some of the most rewarding parts of the business are the things we didn’t necessarily anticipate when we opened. Our workshops, parties, school partnerships, fundraisers and community events have allowed us to connect with people in ways that go far beyond a traditional retail experience. We’re still relatively new, but it has been incredibly rewarding to watch Magnolia become part of the community and to see the vision we had for the store begin to take shape.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Magnolia Soap & Bath is a plant-based, locally handcrafted bath, body, beauty, and home brand. We offer everything from our signature bar soaps and body butters to sugar scrubs, bath bombs, shower steamers, laundry wash, candles, room sprays, and more. We use plant-based ingredients, phthalate-free fragrances, and domestically sourced ingredients whenever possible. Many of our products are handcrafted right in our stores, which is a big part of what makes the Magnolia experience so special.
I live and work in the Houston Memorial area, so I know this community well. When I was looking at bringing Magnolia to Houston, I felt there was an opportunity to create something new here—an experiential store that brought together some of the things I felt were missing. I wanted to offer products made with clean, thoughtfully chosen ingredients, but I also wanted to create a space where people could gather, be creative, have fun, and connect with one another.
What I think sets Magnolia apart is that we are more than just a place to buy soap. We are a very sensory brand. When you walk into our store, you can see, smell, touch, and experience the products. We have more than 100 scents and a wide variety of products, so there is something for everyone—from someone looking for a new skincare routine to someone trying to find the perfect scent for their home or a thoughtful gift for someone else.
We are also very focused on making everyday routines feel a little more special. Whether it’s washing with a beautiful bar of soap, doing laundry with a scent you love, taking a few extra minutes for a bath or shower, or lighting a candle at the end of the day, we believe those small moments of self-care can bring a little more joy into everyday life.
At our Houston Memorial store, we have made it a priority to create an experience that goes beyond shopping. We host workshops, parties, and community events where people can come in, make something with their own hands, and spend time together. We love collaborating with other local businesses and organizations and finding ways to be involved in our community.
I think what I am most proud of from a brand perspective is that Magnolia allows us to bring together so many things that are important to me personally—health and wellness, beautiful spaces, creativity, self-care, and community. We want people to know that our products are thoughtfully made, but that our store is also a place where you can come in, have fun, discover something new, and connect with others. To me, that is really what the Magnolia experience is all about.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can plan, but you can’t plan for everything. Coming from a background in landscape architecture, I’m used to planning, anticipating problems, and thinking through all the details. Owning a business has taught me that sometimes you just have to be flexible, figure things out as you go, and be willing to ask for help.
I’ve also learned that I don’t have to do everything myself. Whether it was relying on friends to help us find employees, learning when to delegate, or leaning on other local businesses and community members, I’ve realized that building a business really is a team effort. There are going to be unexpected challenges, but if you keep showing up, stay open to learning, and trust the process, you can work through them.
Pricing:
- Home Care: Products range from approximately $7–$40, including hand soap, laundry wash, candles, room sprays, and other home fragrance and cleaning products.
- Self-Care: Products range from approximately $8–$35, including handcrafted soap, body butter, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, shower steamers, and other bath and body products.
- Workshops and hands-on experiences: Start at $25 per person, with a variety of creative experiences available for both children and adults.
- Private Parties: We offer a variety of private party experiences, including Bath Bomb Parties starting at $225 for up to 8 guests, Candle Pouring experiences ranging from $12–$40 per person, and Soap Pouring experiences starting at $37 per person. Summer Soap School: Three-day camp sessions are $150 per session.
- Wholesale and bulk orders: Available for businesses, realtors, hospitality businesses, schools, and organizations. Pricing varies based on products and quantities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mymagnoliasoap.com/houston-memorial
- Instagram: @magnoliasoapmemorial
- Facebook: @magnoliasoapmemorial
