Meet Christina Hicks | Artisan Soap Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Hicks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As my children grew older and I found myself with more free time, I decided to explore new hobbies to keep myself busy. During my search, I came across soap-making videos on YouTube and was immediately drawn to the process. There was something about watching the transformation of raw ingredients into a beautiful and useful product that I found mesmerizing.

I’ve always been passionate about creating things from scratch, so diving into soap-making wasn’t a daunting task. With some research and a lot of trial and error, I was able to perfect my technique and create some amazing soap bars. The process of soap-making also proved to be a relaxing escape from the daily stresses of life.

Before I knew it, I had accumulated more soap than I knew what to do with, so I decided to start selling my creations online. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but soon I found that people loved my soaps. It’s been an amazing journey ever since.

I’ve discovered that making soap is not only a fulfilling hobby, but it’s also an excellent way to alleviate stress and anxiety in my life. There’s something about the process that allows me to slow down and be present in the moment. It’s a form of self-care that I am grateful to have discovered.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I initially contemplated my business venture, my mind instantly drifted to my love for unwinding in a bath. The sensation of soaking in a spacious tub, surrounded by picturesque scenery, and listening to relaxing music is truly unparalleled. I love sipping on a glass of wine and lighting candles to create a tranquil spa-like ambiance. I really wanted to create a business that embodied relaxation and good vibes, so I decided to make my soaps more visually appealing and also developed a line of products specifically designed to help you unwind and destress. I think it’s important to prioritize self-care and taking time for yourself, and I hope that my products can help make that a little bit easier.

Witnessing the growth of my business and the number of customers we are reaching is a source of immense pride. Initially, I was content with operating an e-commerce business, but a friend of mine urged me to explore different markets and pop-up shops, which ultimately proved to be a wise decision. It was incredibly challenging for me to step outside of my comfort zone and connect with people in person, but it was necessary to overcome my anxiety. When it comes to facing any challenges in life, I have always turned to prayer and do whatever it takes to overcome them. This same mindset carries over into my business, instilling in me the determination and resilience needed to succeed.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from a close friend of mine: not everyone is your customer. As much as I want everyone to love what I have to offer, the reality is that there will always be some who don’t. And that’s okay. It’s important to focus on those who appreciate what you have to offer and not get too caught up in trying to please everyone.

I absolutely love incorporating beautiful flowers like wisteria into everything I do. My brand is all about being exquisitely feminine, and you can see that reflected in everything from my website to my market set-up. It’s the little touches that really make a difference, and I always try to add that special something to everything I create.

What I want people to understand about my brand and story is that it wasn’t something that just happened overnight. It was a real journey, full of ups and downs, and I had to work hard to get where I am today. I didn’t just have to learn how to make soap, but I had to learn how to market my business, manage it, and master the art of piping, lol. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

The first place on my list is Homestead Kitchen & Bar. This is my favorite brunch spot in town, and I live for their Aperol Spritz and Eggs Benedict. It’s the perfect place to start your day off right.

If my friend loves to shop, then I would take them to Tanger Outlet Mall located off of I-45 in Texas City. It’s the perfect place to find some great deals on brands like Michael Kors and Coach. I love to shop small as well, so I would also take them to a flea market or pop-up. A couple of my favorites are H-Town Market and Vibe Artisan Market which are typically held monthly and located inside of the Post in Downtown Houston. The Post is an awesome and convenient spot because you can shop, eat, and have a couple of drinks all under the same roof.

One of my favorite dinner spots in Houston is the Flying Fish located on the corner of W 19th and N. Durham. They have some of the best seafood dishes in town, and it’s worth checking out if you’re a seafood lover.

For a unique experience, I would also suggest visiting the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern near downtown. It’s a pretty amazing spot, and it’s worth seeing if you’re interested in exploring some of Houston’s hidden gems.

And finally, if my friend is feeling adventurous, I would highly recommend going on a fishing trip in Texas City or Galveston. It may not be for everyone, but it’s an absolute thrill when you hook into something like a redfish. My family, friends, and I have our preferred fishing spots but for someone visiting Houston, I would suggest Galveston Party Boats which offers a 4-Hour Bay Trip that includes rod, reel, and bait. At least try it once, just to say you did it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I just want to give a big shoutout to my amazing husband and children. Being a mom of five incredible kids – Key’Andra, Karrissa, Tamia, Johnathan, and Nyla – and a devoted wife to my wonderful husband Maceo is such a blessing. I am grateful for their constant support and help, especially when it comes to my business. I struggle with social anxiety, so it can be tough for me to talk to customers at markets. But my family always has my back and makes sure that someone is there to assist me. My son and husband are always willing to help with loading and unloading my setups, and my daughters are excellent salespeople who often join me at markets. Key’Andra, my oldest daughter, is a true inspiration – she started her own baking business at just 19 years old and creates the most delicious treats like pies, cupcakes, and cookies. I am so proud of her and all that she has accomplished. My family motivates me and inspires me to keep pushing forward.

Website: https://clsoapery.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinalouisesoapery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinalouisesoapery

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christinalouisesoapery

Image Credits
Tiffany Guerrero