Meet Rachel Heflin of February Gardens in Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Heflin.

Rachel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started off by making my own soap in my kitchen as a hobby back in 2013. I’ve always had sensitive skin and had trouble finding the right products for my skin that were natural and affordable.

I was really interested in all the science that goes behind making cold process soap and loved how much I could customize each batch of soap I made.

I started giving bars away to friends and family as gifts, and they loved them. They soon started to ask if I was selling them because they wanted more!

So, I made small batches, mostly custom orders, and started adding extra skin-loving ingredients for specific benefits on request. Interest grew more, and after a few years, I began adding to my product line.

I started making bath bombs and eventually added sugar scrubs and more.

I absolutely love creating bath and body products. I love the formulating aspect, I’m a true scientist! I love that I can customize it to specific needs, and I love how good it makes my skin feel! I’ve gotten so many positive responses from friends and family, and that’s why I keep doing what I do.

Has it been a smooth road?
While I love making new products, it’s been hard to market outside of friends and family.

I’ve had several opportunities to sell at conferences, vendor fairs, and school fundraisers, which has really helped me get the word out, but I’ve been trying to create more of an online presence. I’ve been on Etsy for a while, but that hasn’t really worked.

I’ve just redesigned my website and gotten a professional photographer to help capture my products, so I’m hoping that kickstarts a better online presence and more sales.

I’ve also really been working on my Instagram account. I think that will really be a valuable tool in getting my name out there.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I make high-quality cold process soaps and other bath products to nourish and moisturize the skin. I’m known for my bar soaps, but I also make bath bombs, scrubs, whipped soaps, and more. I love customizing products for other people. Whether it be for a special event like a baby shower or wedding, or someone with eczema or acne that just can’t find an all-natural product that works for them, I love helping others.

I’ve seen so many people struggle with acne and skin redness only to find relief after using my charcoal soap, just to name one example.

What sets me apart is the value of each product I make and each ingredient I use.

I value quality over quantity. I didn’t start this business to make money, I started it off of a need from others to have high-quality, skin-nourishing ingredients.

I search for ingredients that will give you the most benefit for your use and how to pair them together to not only make something that’s ultra-moisturizing, but also that looks and smells amazing.

Bath and body products are meant to take care of your skin, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to indulge yourself and enjoy being good to your skin!

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Half Moon Bay, California, just south of San Francisco. We lived two blocks from the beach and went there almost every day.

I was an adventurous kid. I loved being outside, riding my bike, getting my knees scratched up and dirty, and only coming in after the sunset or my mom called me in for dinner.

I absolutely loved gardening and still do (it’s just a bit harder now in the Arizona heat). I also really love incorporating botanicals to my products.

As a teenager, I started making and selling cheesecakes. I was always looking for something to create and show others. This (like my soap business) turned into friends and family wanting to buy cheesecakes for parties, celebrations, gifts and more. So, that started my first business venture!

I graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in Environmental Science and a focus in Chemistry. I love chemistry, I think that’s what attracted me to making cold process soap so much. There’s a lot of chemistry that goes into making it.

After that, I moved to Arizona to be closer to family. I’ve worked as a food scientist for five years now. I formulate and flavor nutritional beverages such as sports drinks and protein shake. It’s actually really similar to soap making, just one is edible and the other isn’t!

Pricing:

• Cold Process Soap $7.50
• Sugar Whipped Soap $12.50
• Lotion Bars $5.00

Contact Info:

• Website: Februarygardens.com
• Email: Rachel@februarygardens.com
• Instagram: februarygardens

Image Credit:
Jennifer Wilhelm Photography

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