Conversations with Patty Falls Gonzalez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Falls Gonzalez.

Hi Patty, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always loved and appreciated handmade soap and one day decided it would be fun to try exploring the process and see what I could learn. I did lots of reading and watching tutorals (a special shout out to Simi at Muddy Mint!!) and one day took the plunge and tried my first batch. The chemistry of soapmaking had me hooked form the beginning! The possibilites seemed endless and immediately the ideas I had for making my own soap, just exploded and I knew this was something I would continue to do. It is such a creative process and I enjoy the sensorial aspect of it, the smells the textures, the different botanical elements just visually are so appealing and leave so much room for creativity. I especially love working with botanicals and make my own infusions which I then use in my soaps, body oils, salves and lip balms. Harnessing the healing power of plants, as well as appreciating their unique botanical properties and beauty is another aspect of creating with them that I love.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d say it is all happened for me really organically, which is another aspect that I love of how my business has unfolded. It started out very small scale, and then, as people took interest and started asking about buying my products, things started naturally growing…, I like to believe there’s a dash of serendipity in there, that by following a passion, that element becomes part of your creation and what draws people to it. Had I been doing this full-time or starting out with a really set vision or goal, there undoubtedly would’ve been some bumps in the road, but the process and the way it’s worked for me has had a really perfect flow, I have embraced the growth and love the direction that it has led me. Now I have more solid goals set for my business but again want to allow things to happen organically as I feel it will lead me to the exact spot where I need to be at any given time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
During the traditional business hours, I am an oncology research nurse, I work full-time and help screen and enroll, and then ultimately manage and care for patients on clinical trials. I love the work and find great joy in connection and taking care of people and helping them achieve their best state of health while fighting their cancer. I also have to say they have been one of my greatest inspirations. When I first started making soap eight years ago, I would give it as gifts to my patients, using high-quality ingredients, meant that not only was it gentle on their skin, but moisturizing and pleasant to use. I use many essential oils and the scents are not too overwhelming for the sensitive nature of the olfactory system when in treatment for cancer, as well as sensitive skin many people develop when receiving chemotherapy.

My business grew out of the love of what I do not only in oncology, but my joy in the process of creating. It feeds my soul and rejuvenates my spirit when I step into my studio and can lose myself in the process of creating, especially after a day of taking care of people with needs that can sometimes be very complex and challenging. I am a big believer in the connection of mind-body-soul and making soap and candles really helps in taking care of my own needs…filling my cup so that I could turn around and fill others….. and out of that my business was born. I never would’ve expected it to turn into what it is today, it was a gift to me to see how well my products worked for people and how much they loved them, and then my business started growing by word-of-mouth.

I think what sets me apart from others is that my love and passion for what I do both in my day job, and in my soap business is reflected in my process, in working with natural ingredients, and creating a product that will be used by somebody every day and bring a smile to their face. I like to say that these small acts of self care are integral in making the ordinary moments extraordinary. I think if you do what you love, then you will naturally shine. I am always looking for ways to use local ingredients in my soap, I harvest Mesquite pods, which I grind and use in one of my soaps, I have aloe and creosote growing on my property, and I harvest all those to use in my soap. I also use yucca and nopal in my products, and nothing is colored with anything but natural botanicals, teas and clays. I do have some soaps and candles that I make that use blends of Essential and Fragrance Oils and I very carefully select the highest quality fragrances that are non toxic, paraben free and phthalate free. I initially intended to just stick with essential oils but as my business grew, I had more people asking me for a “stronger “scents or those not available in essential oils only, and that is what led me to expand into the area of fragrances.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To not bite off more than you can chew! I have a never-ending to do list and so many creative ideas and simply not enough time in the day. I think the hardest thing for me is keeping balance in my life, I need to remember to leave time for me that does not involve running my business or creating my products. I love what I do so much it’s easy to lose myself in it. I try to be mindful and set realistic boundaries for myself and not let myself get carried away with all the ideas I have that I want to grow with my business. The constraint of time is the biggest challenge, that and a healthy balance, I have my husband, two dogs, and a cat, as well as two grown daughters that live in Phoenix… and an amazing group of friends that I want to have time for all of them as well.

Pricing:

• Soap $11
• Candles $24
• Salves $20
• Bath salts $14
• Lip Balm $8.50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gigglestars.com
• Instagram: @gigglestarssoapco
• Facebook: gigglestarssoap