Check Out Ashley LeBaron’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley LeBaron.

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A little about me and how I got started making soap. I’m Ashley Marie, the artist behind all of this. I grew up in Chihuahua Mexico in a large family that I am proud of and adore. I was taught to work hard from a young age and I’ve always been very independent. My mom had 13 children so that probably explains it. She taught us to live a clean and healthy lifestyle and I’m passionate about natural healing and products that have ingredients I can actually read and understand.

I started making soap when I was living in Mexico working a job I didn’t enjoy. It was in October, 7 years ago, and I had decided that year that I wanted to make Christmas gifts for my family instead of buying them. I had no idea what I was going to make until I saw a post on IG from my friend who made her own handmade soap. I had never made soap in my life but I knew if she could do it then so could I. I ordered a book on Amazon and taught myself how to make it. I was so afraid of being burned by Lye. In my first batch, I blew up a bowl 3 feet in the air! I screamed so loud!

It was a huge hit for Christmas gifts so I continued making it as a hobby for two years until I decided it was time for a change. I quit my job and started this business full-time. I was so afraid that I couldn’t make it. I worked day and night all of 2017-2019. I had never worked so hard. There were so many late nights and early mornings and here I am still going strong thanks to all of you and your support. Each day I wake up in complete gratitude for my life, this business, and all that God blesses me with.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Lots of challenges and learning curves along the way.

Some of the most important ones were learning to balance work and play because when you’re an entrepreneur you tend to work 100 a week! I almost reached a breaking point a few times because I was working too much and didn’t know how to stop. I also needed help so bad but I didn’t want to bite the bullet and pay someone so I kept overworking. I finally hired someone and she was a Godsend.

Now I can focus on improving my products while she does the time-consuming things such as shipping orders and cutting and labeling soap.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make all-natural handmade soap and skincare and I’m known for using only the most quality ingredients such as clays and botanicals for natural colors, essential oils for scent, and recyclable packaging.

I am proud of the fact that I found my niche in the skincare world because it can be so intimidating and that I am able to make a living off of the products I make. What sets me apart from most other soap makers is what I mentioned above- I use only quality ingredients that are 100% to create the best skincare!

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Spending time out in nature, going on walks and hikes, and being with people I love.

It brings me peace and joy because It helps me understand why I work so hard and it inspires me to keep going. There’s nothing like going on a trip and then coming back ready to get back in gear and
start creating again.

Pricing:

• My soap is $8.50 a bar and each bar weighs 5 oz.

Contact Info:

• Email: ashleymariesoap@gmail.com
• Website: ashleymariesoap.com
• Instagram: @ashleymariesoap