We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dawn Quintana. Check out our conversation below.
Dawn, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The biggest thing I believe people misunderstand about my business is that since having my own brick and mortar store is that I am rich and living the high life. That is further from the truth, my business does pay for itself and offers a small draw occasionally but is far from making me rich. I do what I love, my customers are happy and that is what makes me rich. Its not about the money, its making products that provide something that commercially made products dont, natural, clean, environmentally friendly and made with love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dawn Quintana and I own Urban Lye a bath & body store in the heart of Tooele, UT. I make all of my own products and have been for over 30 years now. I am well known for my artisan soaps which are made using the cold process method. I use 5 skin friendy oils all sustainably sourced and fragrances that are Paraben and phthalate-free. I sell naked bars, (no packaging) to keep thing as environmentally as possible and when packaging is necessary I use bio film which biodegradable.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself was the relationship between me and my dad, who unexpectedly passed away May 19, 2023 it shook me to the core, I felt like an orphan. My dad taught me from a very young age to he strong, to not let people walk all over you and to hold your head high and be proud of what you do. I atribute my strength, tenacity, stubbornness and a do not give up attitude to my dad and what he taught me and it has served me well and I believe those qualities are what has contributed to my success, of building my own business. I believe my dad would be proud.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one king thing to my younger self that would be dont let the world define you, only you can define who you are and be strong in that definition and hold your head high.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies my industry tells is that you can get rich making handmade soap. HA that is not true and anyone that goes into this business thinkingnthat needs to step back and really evaluate why they are even thinking about making soap. Now its not impossible to make a lot of money but in doing so you have to make concessions that then make a less inferior product and then you lose what being handmade is all about. Its not about getting rich, its about providing a product that brings a multi-sensory, personalized, and intentional experience that goes beyond simple hygiene.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I am gone is that I truly cared about those around me and I always believed in them. That I put my two girls first and always made sure they had what they needed to ensure they could stand on their own and become strong, beautiful independent women. That I was authentic and believed the world was not all bad and I lived my life on my terms and to the best of my abilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.urbanlye.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanlye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanlye
