Rising Stars: Meet Brittany Guerra

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Guerra

Hi Brittany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The inspiration for Enchanted Moon Soapery came from a surprising source—my father, a man I reconnected with later in my adult life. After a tumultuous past, his life had been transformed by entrepreneurship, and his journey profoundly influenced mine.

At the time, I was in my early 30s, married with three children, and working in a management position at a large structural engineering firm. I had overcome a rough childhood and felt I’d done well, despite the challenges I faced early on. My dad, however, thought I was selling myself short. He often encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone and explore new possibilities.

To be honest, his words hurt. They gave me the sense that, despite everything I had overcome—much of which he played a role in—I still wasn’t good enough in his eyes. Looking back now, I think many of us can relate to this feeling. We work hard, give our best effort, and yet still feel we’re falling short of a loved one’s expectations—especially a parent’s.

I remember telling him all that I had on my plate: three young children, a demanding career, and the responsibilities of managing a household. I insisted I couldn’t possibly start a business and promised that, when my kids were older, I might have more time. But deep down, I was trying to convince myself of this more than him.

At the time, my dad wanted me to follow in his footsteps and start an HVAC company, with my husband as the lead technician and installer. While this business had strong potential—especially in Arizona—I had no interest in pursuing it. Yet, his words planted a seed. I began to wonder: Could I push myself to do more?

It wasn’t until much later that I understood his intentions. His constant pushing wasn’t because he wasn’t proud of me. It was because he was. He saw my potential and knew I was capable of so much more. Starting his own business had brought him joy and fulfillment, and he wanted me to experience that same sense of achievement. It was his way of being the father he hadn’t had the chance to be earlier in my life. For that, I’m eternally grateful, especially because I had the chance to experience this side of him before he passed away.

What I needed next was inspiration. And the funny thing about inspiration is that once you decide to find it, it inevitably shows up.

For me, it came in the form of a gift my friend received from her husband—a bouquet of soap roses. This simple gesture sparked a flood of memories: my grandmother’s house, where she always had decorative soaps in her bathroom; and a trip to a quaint shop in Durango, Colorado, where my mother bought me some fancy handmade soaps.

Soon, I found myself diving into soap-making videos on YouTube, captivated by the creativity and care involved in the process. I took a $65 soap-making class at Arizona Soap Supply in Chandler, and from the moment I made my first batch, I was hooked.

That was the moment I realized I had found my passion. Soap-making wasn’t just a creative outlet—it was a way to connect with the memories, values, and lessons that shaped me. And it was then that I knew I could build something special, not just for myself but for others.

Looking back, I’m grateful for my father’s push, even when it was hard to hear. His encouragement set me on a path I wouldn’t have imagined for myself. Today, every bar of soap I create is more than just a product—it’s a piece of my story, a celebration of resilience, creativity, and connection.

Through Enchanted Moon Soapery, I hope to share that inspiration with others and show that it’s never too late to discover your passion or take a leap into something new.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is never easy, and for me, the first challenge was funding. This journey began just a couple of years ago, and prices were just as high then as they are now. Taking a loan didn’t feel like the right option, so I made sacrifices in my personal spending. Instead of going out to eat or getting my nails done, I’d use that money to buy one thing for my business—a soap mold, some essential oils, or packaging.

That Christmas, I even made soaps to give as gifts. My family probably thought I’d gone a little overboard as I poured my heart into creating custom soap baskets for everyone. But piece by piece, I built the foundation for Enchanted Moon Soapery.

Throughout this process, my dad became my biggest supporter and mentor. Whenever I had a new idea or question, I’d call him. He loved guiding me through the steps, like securing a domain name, setting up an LLC, or opening a business bank account. His advice gave me confidence—I didn’t have to worry about the big picture, just the step in front of me.

The best part of those early days was how much closer my dad and I became. Every small success was an opportunity to call him and share my progress. But then, the hardest thing I’ve ever faced happened: my dad took his own life.

Losing him shattered me. His death left a hole that words can’t describe. On top of my own grief, I had to support my children through theirs, all while managing the responsibilities of daily life. The mundane doesn’t pause for grief, even when it feels like the world should stop. At that point, Enchanted Moon Soapery was just starting. I had only done two small markets, both with friends, and I didn’t see how I could keep going. So much of my motivation came from my dad, and continuing felt unbearable. Every milestone reminded me of his absence—the urge to call him and share my progress was a painful reminder he was no longer there.

For a while, I questioned whether I should continue at all. I realized a big part of why I started the business was to gain his approval and love. Without him, I felt lost. But eventually, I came to see Enchanted Moon as a gift he left me—a piece of him that I now have the responsibility to nurture and grow.

His absence will always be the greatest challenge I face, both in life and in business. But his loss also keeps me grounded, reminding me daily of what truly matters: family, love, and the legacy we leave behind.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Enchanted Moon Soapery, we craft more than just soap—we create a mindful and enchanting self-care experience rooted in sustainability and intention. Our products are handcrafted using the cold processed method in small batches using natural, high-quality ingredients that are gentle on your skin and kind to the Earth. Each bar is cured for at least six weeks, ensuring a luxurious, long-lasting product infused with the pure benefits of essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.

What makes us truly unique is our unwavering commitment to putting people and the planet first. From our thoughtfully chosen ingredients to our eco-conscious packaging—including our innovative plantable labels that grow wildflowers when buried—everything we do is designed to nurture both you and the environment. At Enchanted Moon Soapery, we blend creativity, sustainability, and a touch of magic to bring you products that make every moment of self-care a celebration of beauty, wellness, and harmony with nature.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Phoenix is the way it celebrates the beauty of the desert. The vibrant sunsets painting the sky in deep oranges and purples, the towering saguaros, and the surrounding mountains make this city feel like a living work of art and often services as inspiration for my soap designs. I also appreciate the diverse local culture—farmers’ markets, artisan events, and small businesses thrive here, offering a sense of community and creativity. One of the most special things for me, though, is the lowrider culture, which my husband introduced me to. The artistry and craftsmanship behind the cars, the strong sense of community, and the way it ties into the local history has added a unique dimension to my love for Phoenix.

On the flip side, despite being an Arizona native, I can never quite get used to the intense heat in the summer months. Anything over 115 feels excessive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.enchantedmoonsoapery.com
• Instagram: @enchantedmoonsoapery
• Facebook: @enchantedmoonsoapery
• Yelp: Enchanted Moon Soapery

Image Credits
Brittany Guerra
Reyna Guerra