Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Mora.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Breanna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The idea to begin soapmaking was sparked while I was studying abroad in Costa Rica the summer of 2019. When I wasn’t doing biological field research, I was spending a great amount of time watching DIY videos on how to make soap for beginners and was fascinated by what youtubers were creating and most importantly I found it to be very calming and soothing as I was in another country; thousands of miles away from home. At that point I knew that I wanted to create soaps for myself. As soon as I returned to the states, I purchased my very first silicone mold with a wood box and soap base. I made several mistakes in the process, but I never stopped trying to correctly calculate the measurements for better soap. You could say it’s the chemist in me that has balanced the soapmaking process.
There were many approaches to soapmaking- I began with the melt and pour process and created my first batch for friends and family. I was in my second to last semester of my undergrad, had just returned from my internship, and was financially broke. I jumped into social media and created a SoapsbyB page thinking to fund some of my upcoming college tuition fees. Soon friends and relatives out of state began to reach out to me and try my handmade soaps. After four months of trial and error, and taking over my mother’s kitchen, I joined a rummage sale at a local Phoenix elementary school and sold a few of my melt and pours for a minimal cost. I have always been transparent about what ingredients and essential oils I use in creating the soaps. After doing some more research on soaps and specific to the ingredients- I transitioned to the cold process. The cold process is aligned with the ethical standards that I would want to get out of the products I use at home. For example, I use organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, and pure sunflower oil, all which can be found at home.
In the beginning and until this day, I have had the endless support from my family, specifically my mother, Griselda Rivera. She became my #1 supporter. She would promote my soaps with her circle of friends and post on her social media page. Then one day, an opportunity arose. My mother’s former coworker, Gloria Elox reached out to her. This former coworker was on the AZ Mujeres Mercado committee, (a space for Latina business leaders to showcase their businesses) and told my mother if I would be interested in being sponsored as a first-time vendor. Of course, I agreed! I remember feeling so nervous, but when the time came, I found even more support from my little sister, Emily Rivera, who leaped in to help and set up on that day.
The Mercado was filled with so many talented women who gently welcomed me into their space. The event was a success, that I kept returning and even expanded to vending with other local vendors, South Central Mercado ran by Cecy Rivera and 1st Friday Takeover which was held by Andria Muñoz. While all the in-person pop ups and Mercado’s sadly came to an end for a few months due to coronavirus, virtual shopping arose, and I was getting ready to launch my website on Easter Sunday. Which I ended up following through with the loving support of friends and family. And though I may not have in-person interactions at the time being, with customers, once in a while I get to ship some delicious smelling boxes filled with soaps straight to their homes.
I am grateful and happy with where this soap journey has taken me. It has led me to create wonderful friendships with many local vendors across our beautiful state. Becoming a vendor has opened my eyes and has encouraged me to shop small and support local businesses not only in my community but in other communities as well. After all – “Cuando compras hecho a mano estás comprando mucho más que un objeto, estas comprando horas de experimentos y fracasos, estás comprando días, semanas y meses de trabajo. No compras una cosa, estás comprando un pedacito del corazón y del alma de una artesana.” – Unkown
Gracias Phoenix! <3
Has it been a smooth road?
Although soap making as a beginner was a challenge, there was definitely room for error and growth. In fact I remember first attempting the cold process technique, I lost a third of my ingredients when my bowl tipped over and spilled in an ice bath; I think back and chuckle to myself almost a year later as I see my own progress when making three batches of soap at once. Good times!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the SoapsbyB story. Tell us more about the business.
I am known for my soaps! Every customer that has made a purchase claim that they want to eat my soap; especially my concha soaps! Yup, they smell that good! Hearing the excitement from friends and family inspire me to create more and more soap.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Although owning a small shop in the heart of Phoenix is like a dream come true, I find making soap more personal and meaningful when made from my home to others. Which is why I foresee big plans in owning a home and converting my garage into a soap studio- where I can make and create.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soapsbyb.com
- Email: soapsbybree@gmail.com
- Instagram: @soapsbyb
- Facebook: @soapsbyb
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