Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Hatter.
Hi Ellie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated highschool in 2020 and had already been working a full time job for years. While I enjoyed the luxury of having job security, I knew I didn’t want to start my adult life by working for someone else. I wanted freedom, and the opportunity to invest my own talents and energy into myself. Owning and managing my own business had always been a life-long dream. I just knew, this was the path for me. As someone who had always struggled with sensitive skin, I already had the foundation of research and my own personal experiences with handmade soap and associating products. Turning it into a business was the next step. After much testing, lots of prayers, and the support of my husband and family, Bibbidi Bubbly Soaps was launched at the end of 2022, just shy of my 20th birthday.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? No. Full of struggles and obstacles that challenge me to work even harder? Yes.
In December of 2023, I made the difficult decision to leave my full time job. It was not a decision I took lightly, in fact, I still have restless nights where I wonder if I made a huge mistake. Leaving a stable income to invest in what some would call a “long shot”, is not for the weak of heart. I constantly struggle with fear and anxiety that I will fail, that I made the wrong choice. It doesn’t matter how many years you have been in business, self-doubt will always be present at times. I truly believe you get back what you put into it. I put my heart and soul into my business every day-and it shows.
Unfortunately, inflation has become increasingly difficult to manage. As a business owner that also makes their products from scratch, the rising cost of raw materials has affected production and availability of some ingredients. Raw oils such as olive oil have nearly doubled from a few years ago. Not to mention raised prices of website fees, processing fees, electricity-to name a few. This inflation has caused me, and I am sure many other businesses, to change how I purchase my materials.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the only employee of Bibbidi Bubbly Soaps, I do it all. From measuring out the raw ingredients, to pouring and cutting the soap, to packaging and shipping, While I enjoy most aspects of my business, the creative aspects such as designing and coloring is by far my favorite part. I take pride in each and every soap bar, knowing it was made from someone who loves what they do.
Between allergies and eczema, I have been dealing with sensitive skin my entire life. I knew when I founded Bibbidi Bubbly Soaps, I would make a product that is not only skin-safe, but creates an enjoyable experience. No more boring soap bars for me-I want color, fun shapes, and something that smells absolutely fantastic! Because of this mission, Bibbidi Bubbly Soaps is most known for our frosted soaps and wide range of scents.
Bibbidi Bubbly Soaps is a proud sponsor of Eco Soap Bank. We show our support by a monthly subscription, and donate soap scraps. Eco Soap Bank is a women-employed business that recycles soap scraps into new bars that are then donated to those in need. As of May, 2024, Eco Soap Bank has donated over 55 million bars of soap across 33 countries. I am incredibly grateful to be a small part of this amazing organization.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic hit while I was finishing my junior year of high school. I still lived with my parents at the time, so while loosing my job wasn’t nearly as devastating as it could have been-it did show me the importance of self-reliance. I modeled my business from what I learned during the pandemic which can be broken down into two main points.
The value of multiple streams of income.
The ability to adapt.
Having multiple streams of income is once of the most important things to me and my business. Bibbidi Bubbly Soaps currently offers wholesale, accepts consignment, and frequents local farmer’s markets. We also have an online store (bibbidibubblysoaps.com) and Faire account (for online wholesale). My goal is to be in 20 retail stores by the end of 2024, and 40 by 2025 (we can do it!).
Part of owning a business is your ability to adjust. I am constantly updating policies, improving processing time, upgrading equipment-all to meet the growing demand and customer experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: bibbidibubblysoaps.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bibbidibubblysoaps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BibbidiBubblySoaps/
- Other: https://www.faire.com/direct/bibbidibubblysoaps
