Today we’d like to introduce you to Gulsen Heran and Gustavo Villegas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We are Gustavo and Gulsen, creators of Hundop Soaps. Since COVID-19 began, we noticed how commercial detergents were affecting our skin in a negative manner. We began looking for a healthier alternative and realized that making our own soap was the best option. Over the years, we have both grown to be more eco-conscious. We knew that our next step in our sustainable lifestyle was to create all-natural soap, not just for us but also for others.
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?
Overall, Hundop Soaps journey has been relatively smooth. We both have managerial experience so we had a grasp on what a business needed to thrive. The shift from employee to being our own boss was something to get used to. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced was going from having a set schedule to allocating time for the business and figuring out when to take a break, not just physically but mentally. Running a small business comes with a great amount of responsibility, however it is very freeing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We create all-natural soap with earth-based ingredients and pure essential oils. With no artificial colors or additives, our soaps are amazing for all skin types. We use eco-friendly packaging that is 100% recyclable, unlike commercial soaps which come in plastic containers that are not sustainable and end up in landfills. None of our soaps contain Chemical Detergents, Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Lathering Agents, or Unnatural Preservatives. We source cruelty-free ingredients and avoid using controversial oils such as soybean, palm, or corn oil as to not contribute to an industry that may be putting small farmers out of business. By using our soaps, we are proud to say that what goes down your drain is natures ingredients going back to earth.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, Gulsen was a creative and expressive child. In high school, she attended multiple art classes in which she was able to create beautiful, award-winning pieces. She’s always loved taking pictures and capturing memories. She translates her creativity to Hundop Soaps by creating elaborate designs, taking product photographs and managing social media.
Goose was a very curious and determined child. He always loved to learn about new things no matter how challenging it was. With his favorite subject being science, learning about the chemistry of soap intrigued him. He highly enjoys the process of soap making and experimenting with different formulas.
Pricing:
- Bar Soap $8 each or 3/$20
- Soap Ends $3
- Shampoo Bars $10
- Solid Dish Soap $12
- Bathroom Accessories $5-$6
Contact Info:
- Email: Hundopsoaps@gmail.com
- Website: Hundopsoaps.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/hundopsoaps
