Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Kennelly
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a stay at home mom from the time my oldest (now 19) was born, and I homeschool my six children. During the 2020 covid pandemic, when the world seemed to stop, we had a lot of free time. I’d always wanted to plant fruit trees in my densely wooded backyard, and had also dreamed of having some goats, who just so happen to be great at clearing land! We bought a doe in milk and her two babies. Out of curiosity, we watched a youtube video on how to milk a goat, and my daughters and I used a Little Tykes plastic picnic table as our “milk stand.” We suddenly had an abundance of goat milk and I randomly read an article about the benefits of goat milk soap. After watching youtube videos on how to make soap and spending hours researching and formulating a recipe, we made a couple of batches of soap in our kitchen. I gave them away to family and friends and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. They all said we needed to sell it. I hesitantly brought some soaps to a small, outdoor market outside of A Vintage Marketplace in Melbourne. I had no idea what I was doing. I hadn’t brought a POS, or a even a tent, and felt very overwhelmed and out of my league. But I met some wonderful people that day. They offered me good connections, advice, and encouragement. At the end of the market, the owner of the store, Kathy, asked me if I’d like to sell my soap in her store. I was shocked, but gratefully accepted. I started researching stores in my county that I thought might be a good fit for our products and would walk in with a tray of soaps. I would speak to an owner or manager and ask if they’d like to carry our soaps in their store. I told my kids that the worse thing they could say is “No.” I firmly believe a little courage can go a long way, especially when you believe in your product. I converted a bedroom into my soaping office and we now make over 2,000 bars a month. We have attended many markets, are carried in around 20 stores, and ship all over the US. It’s been almost 5 years since I made that very first batch of soap. My children have been and continue to be a very big part of Wild Goat Soap, and it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without them. One of the things I love about our soaps is they each have a different quote on them. One of my favorites is by Albert Einstein and says “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” I feel like that very much sums up my soaping and business journey. A lot of curiosity, hard work, research, and a good amount of luck.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part has been that I didn’t have a background in anything related to this business. It really didn’t start out as a plan. I had no idea how to work social media, anything to do with business, soaping, goats – who are not the easiest animals to care for, technology, websites, taxes. All of it I had to learn through hours of research. When my older kids say they don’t know what they’d like to do with their life I remind them that I was 38 before I found what truly inspires me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I feel proud of the recipe I created to make our soap. A lot of science goes into perfecting a soap recipe. The balance and percentage of oils used will truly change the chemistry of the bar. Since starting the business I have formulated recipes for eco friendly deodorant, laundry soap, dog shampoo, human shampoo, lip balm, body balm, candles, and face cream. I love that all of our packaging for both our products and our shipping is compostable, reusable, or biodegradable. I am proud that we are doing our part to eliminate single use plastics. I get emails, calls, and texts from customers saying that our deodorant has been life changing for them. It makes me so happy every time to hear this and know that our products are helping people live healthier, happier lives. Soaping is very therapeutic and the first time I’ve felt like an artist. We strive to create beautiful, functional, earth friendly products that are affordable as well.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think most people that know me would say I’m a risk taker. I’m a balance between thinking things through and just jumping in with both feet. Although, there are times I jump first and think on the way down. Another of our soap quotes is by L. M. Montgomery and she says “Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.” I would rather take the risk, try and fail miserably, than not try at all.
Pricing:
- $8
- $6
- $12
- $10
- $15
