Roberta with Herbs Daughter makes some of the most delightful custom soaps. You can often find her at local farmer markets and you can order her soaps on her website. Checkout her website for further details.
Business Name: Herbs Daughter Custom Soaps
Main Contact: Roberta Michaels
Web Address: www.HerbsDaughter.NET
Phone: (503) 318-1974
Q: What made you want to start Herbs Daughter?
A: Eleven years ago, a friend asked me to make her a soap that was not only hypoallergenic, but was pretty and moisturizing. I made her a few soaps who she shared with other family members and friends. I actually had 4 different soaps when someone asked me if I would be interested in selling them. I had never thought of selling them but went to a holiday fair with 4 products and the rest is history!
Q: If you had to pick one thing out of your day, what’s the most exciting / favorite?
A: Last fall, a woman came to my booth at the Farmers’ Market with a really bad itch. She had had stitches on her pinkie for which the doctor recommended Vasoline. (This actually dries the skin with petrochemicals!) I asked her if she wanted to just try a sample of my herbal salve (Salve the Planet). Reluctantly, she unwrapped her bandage and put the salve on her stitches. She left the booth but in 10 minutes, she returned, telling me that the itching that she had for over 10 days was completely gone!!! I felt good that this special product that I make in my greenhouse helps people.
Q: Who is your ideal customer?
A: Someone who cares about the quality of the products and is willing to support their health by being selective.
Q: What do you consider your biggest weakness?
A: According to my husband, I don’t toot my horn enough!
Q: How are you improving on that weakness?
A: Practice, practice, practice!
Q: What is your biggest strength?
A: I care about the quality of products that I produce and am always improving what I make.
Q: How do you like running [their business]?
A: I find making the products fun and joyful. I am still learning “the business”.
Q: If you could change one thing about your businesses day-to-day routine, what would it be?
A: I don’t have a day-to-day routine. When I am working the Farmers’ Markets, I revise what I do all the time. I am always learning and customers guide how I do my work.
Q: Any new specials you can tell your customers about? 🙂
A: I have been studying perfume-making and have made a new herbal perfume roll-on and spray. The top note is tangerine which is just yummy.
My husband asked me to make him a shaving soap (to be used with a brush) that is moisturizing, healthy and that lasts a long time. I sell the Wild Whiskers shaving soap in a mug (with an optional Italian brush) that lasts a very very long time. These have been very popular.
Q: If you had a chance to say one thing to a brand new customer, before they walk in the door, what would it be?
A: Remember that whatever you put on your skin goes into your bloodstream in 30 seconds. When you use soap, lotions, lip balms, etc. remember that you can support your health by using the highest quality products.