Meet Nicolette Samson, Handmade Soap business owner
At Bulk Apothecary, we are proud to support and highlight the talented skincare, candle, and handmade soap makers who rely on our high-quality ingredients. Every month, we feature a standout creator from the maker community, showcasing their unique journey and passion for crafting.
This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Nicolette Samson, the handmade soap maker behind Soaphee, a soap brand known for its beautiful skin-friendly soaps. Nicolette’s dedication to creating skin-friendly soap products has captured our attention, and we’re eager to share her inspiring story with you. Whether you’re a boutique owner or a skincare, soap, or candle maker, you’ll find inspiration in her journey.
Thank you for taking the time to share more about your business with us and the maker community. Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey as a handmade soap business owner.
Hi! I’m Nicolette Samson, the founder and owner of Soaphee. I’m a stay-at-home mom and small business owner with a background in chemistry. After working for 15 years as a professional chemist in industries like public utilities and petroleum refining, I decided to step away from my career so I could focus on my family and pursue my passion for soapmaking. I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. at age 24. I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and now I get to use my experience to create handmade, skin-friendly soap products through my small business.
I am sure your chemistry skills have helped you to really master the art of soapmaking. What sparked your passion for creating and selling your handmade soaps? We’d love to know what motivated you to start your own business.
My inspiration started during a visit to Barnes & Noble, where I came across a book called “DIY Artisanal Soaps: Make Your Own Custom, Handcrafted Soaps” by Alicia Grosso. I was immediately drawn in and told myself that one day, I would try making my own soaps. That period came during the pandemic, shortly after I gave birth. I began experiencing skin allergies and suspected that commercial soaps were to blame. With my background in chemistry, I decided to take control of what I was putting on my skin. I read that book cover to cover, picked up more soapmaking resources, and even revisited my college chemistry books to fully understand the process. Soapmaking wasn’t entirely new to me. I was first introduced to it in junior high during a chemistry project, where we made soap from virgin coconut oil we extracted ourselves. The idea to sell my soaps came later, encouraged by my family. Once I felt confident in my recipes and ready to share them, I opened a business account and began selling on Etsy. That’s how Soaphee was born.
What was your inspiration behind the name of your company?
Soaphee is a blend of two words: SOAP and GHEE. I wanted a name that reflects the luxurious feel of my products like butter on the skin. Many of my customers have described my soaps as having a smooth, buttery texture, so the name felt like the perfect fit.
We love that you’re committed to using skin-friendly ingredients. What is one of your favorite ingredients from Bulk Apothecary that you use in your soaps?
My favorite Bulk Apothecary product is the shea butter. I use it regularly in many of my soap recipes because it adds a moisturizing quality that’s perfect for sensitive and dry skin. The texture is smooth, the quality is always excellent, and the price is reasonable, especially for a small business like mine. It has become a staple ingredient in my recipes.
What values does your business embody?
Honestly, my business is all about care, quality, and keeping things real. I put a lot of thought into what goes into each batch of soap. Nothing fancy or overcomplicated, just ingredients that are good for your skin, especially if it’s on the sensitive side like mine.
What do you love most about creating your products?
Knowing that each one is made with ingredients that truly support skin health. I enjoy carefully selecting oils that are gentle and nourishing, especially for sensitive skin, and using essential oils that add both therapeutic benefits and a natural scent. I also love the creative side of soapmaking. Since everything is handmade, I get to design each batch from scratch. From incorporating dried herbs and flowers to experimenting with textures and colors, I enjoy making soaps that are not only good for the skin but also visually beautiful and enjoyable to use during everyday routines.
What is your favorite part of the creative process? Least favorite?
My favorite part of the creative process is designing the textures on my soaps. It’s the step where I can truly relax and let my creativity flow. Whether I’m swirling in colors, adding dried botanicals, or creating unique surface textures, it feels therapeutic and helps me unwind. My least favorite part is when the final result doesn’t match what I had envisioned. Before making a new soap batch, especially if it’s a first-time recipe, I plan everything carefully, from the formula to the soap design. So when things don’t turn out as expected, it can be frustrating. I’ll often spend the rest of the night thinking about what went wrong and how to fix it. But I always take it as a learning opportunity so I can improve and avoid the same mistake next time.
From where do you draw your inspiration to create your products?
To be honest, I draw a lot of inspiration from experienced soapmakers who’ve been part of the soap community for years. I follow many of them on social media, and I’m constantly inspired by their creativity, techniques, and dedication to their passion. It motivates me to keep learning and evolving in my own soapmaking journey.
Out of all the handmade soaps you have created, what is your personal favorite?
My personal favorite is definitely my Turmeric Citrus Soap. I’ve always loved fresh citrus scents and this one is not only refreshing but also packed with skin-loving ingredients like turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. I also have a soft spot for my Honey Oat Delight Soap. It’s made with simple & gentle ingredients that are perfect for sensitive skin. It reminds me that sometimes, less is more.
What is one piece of advice that has helped you in your business?
One piece of advice that has really helped me is: go at your own pace, opportunities will come with time. Success looks different for everyone. For me, especially as someone just starting out, it’s not about making a big profit right away. I measure success through small but meaningful milestones like growing my presence on social media, joining local farmers markets, and gradually building trust through bulk and consignment orders. Taking things step by step has helped me stay grounded without feeling overwhelmed.
What are some of the biggest challenges you and your business face?
Managing inventory, especially with the rising cost of quality ingredients like oils and butters. I’d love to use more premium butters in my soaps, but the cost can be off-putting. Thankfully, with my background in chemistry and knowledge of fatty acid profiles, I’m able to substitute different oils to achieve similar skin-loving properties without compromising quality. Another major challenge is finding the right customers. Many people are used to paying just a few dollars for mass-produced soap, so convincing them to invest in a $10 handmade soap bar can be tough. That’s why identifying and reaching my niche market is so important. I focus on creating unique and high-quality soaps tailored to those who value ingredients and skin health.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer any aspiring makers?
For the aspiring soapmakers, my biggest advice is to start small. Don’t feel like you need to jump into complicated recipes right away. Read as much as you can like soapmaking books, some guides, or even watch soap tutorials. Because learning the basics really helps you build confidence. You can start with a simple recipe, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Each mistake teaches you something. Instead of avoiding them, figure out what went wrong and how to troubleshoot it because that’s how you grow. Once you’ve got a few batches under your belt and you feel good about your recipes, then you can start thinking about selling. Just take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. 🙂
It’s been wonderful getting to know more about you and your business! Before we wrap up, can you let everyone know the best way to explore more of your work and connect with you?
If you want to learn more about starting a business check out this blog, Easy Ways to Start Your Candle Making Business
