We recently had the chance to connect with Larissa Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Larissa , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity. When we look at the world around us. Bad things are happening to people every day. What if integrity was the difference in someone having an amazing day or a really terrible day? Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. We, as individuals have the power of choice, so I try to make sure I am always doing what’s right. My character will say more about me than anything or anyone else.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Greetings, I am Larissa Smith, owner of Love + Lather Handmade Soaps. I am an Orlando, Florida native and a graduate of the Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU) and the Florida State University (FSU). I have a wonderful husband who supports each and every dream I have and an intelligent three year old daughter who somehow acts just like me! Could you imagine that?
Have you ever wanted to put a stop to using chemical filled products? Since 2022, our sole purpose has been to provide a natural soap bar to those who wish to transition from commercial grade soaps, without the luxury price tag.
Soon after, we expanded from just natural
Soap bars to shower steamers, foaming hand soaps, and shower gel. All products are all natural, free from dyes, parabens, and chemicals.
Our inventory is broken into two collections: the love collection focuses on products made from essentials oils and provide additional benefits to the body, while the lather collection focuses on an experience using fun and fresh oils derived from natural extracts and oils.
Love + Lather was created as a way to show you that you actually care about what goes on your body, just as we prioritize what goes in it. Not only are our soaps made in small batches, they are also hand-cut and packaged individually with LOVE!
Each bar is named after actions we observe is physical human relationships that showcase love and affection such as Forehead Kisses, Warm Hugs, and Compliment Me.” These are our everyday reminders to our consumers that there are multiple ways to have and maintain healthy relationships.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Growing up in a local neighborhood where the community practically raises you had its perks. It seemed as if the neighborhood was one big family and everyone took care of everyone.
Across the street from our apartment complex was a local neighborhood center. That space was filled with amazing mentors and tutors. We got to experience all the fun and exciting things they did for us all while meeting great people. I met my godmother there and she has been such a positive inspiration to me and my family. She invested in me mentally and reassured me that it was okay to make my own decisions. R had an understanding that as long as I was proud of the work I put in, everything else will fall into
place. Today, she’s still a woman who checks on me and is always there for me in regard to anything I need. I love her dearly and I hope she knows that volunteering her to me my godmother that day was one of the best decisions of my life!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were plenty of times I almost gave up. There was one in particular where I was contemplating not finishing graduate school and moving back home with only my B.A.
The first semester at Florida State was probably the most challenging semester I had as a student. It challenged me
In ways I had never been challenged before and I could not understand why I was having such a hard time.
I called my mom and explained I was coming home and I’ll take what I have already earned and be okay with it. She explicitly told me “no” and that I had to finish what I started. I am very appreciative of my mom and the encouraging words she had for me. It pushed me to finishing graduate school and graduating earlier than expected.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that relationships matter to me. Not just the one I have with my daughter and husband, but the ones some fail to consider one. This includes my friendships, family, and working relationships. I am a very relationship oriented person and I believe that with the right relationship, we can go far in life.
How I treat the people I care about matters to me as well. Being kind to those I love and showing grace are the two things I make sure I do on a daily basis.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Everyone will say I gave the same respect to everyone I can encounter with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovelatherhms.com
- Instagram: @lovelatherhms
- Facebook: Love + Lather Handmade Soaps
Image Credits
Delbert Clarke – Headshot
