Today we’d like to introduce you to Meraris Deeson.
Hi Meraris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Every year same the question. What do you want for Mother’s Day (2016)? After a nano-second of thought I said, “I want a goat!” As a joke of course. Little did I know that my husband and two kids took me serious. Sunday, May 8th, 2016, I received a goat. Her name was Pixie a Nubian goat. Goats are herd animals, and Pixie needed friends. One goat turned into five. After a few years, I wanted kids (baby goats) in pajamas. Yes, pajamas! The firstborn on the farm was Neptune. Neptune only needed milk for a few months. I continued milking Pixie and after a little research, I discovered I could make goat milk soap. Goat milk soap? I had never heard of such thing, so I started a yearlong research with recipes of trial and many errors. After my “guinea pigs” (family and friends) tested many of my goat milk soap creations, I finally achieved a successful goat milk soap recipe. Today, 14 goats later and a few years of goat milk soap making I have started a small business called Pixie Suds. Get it? When I milk Pixie, I get suds in the bucket. I know am a bit of a dork. Making goat milk soap has become my passion! Every Sunday, rain or shine Pixie Suds is at the local farmers market (Downtown Clermont Farmers Market) located in Clermont, Fl. I don’t only sell goat milk soap by have developed some amazing relationships with the most amazing customers. Pixie Suds would not be successful if it wasn’t for my customers. I appreciate each and every one.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like with any small business journey, there are struggles. Working full time, taking care of my family, self-care (which is very important), milking goats, and making sure they are all healthy is hard work but so rewarding at the same time. I have short and long-term goals which keep me moving forward. I also think of it this way, if am not “struggling” am not growing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Not only am I an Artisan Goat Milk Soap Maker, but I have also taught for fifteen years. From driving a school bus to becoming a second-grade teacher. Being an educator is a very difficult job and at the same time so rewarding. I wear many hats, no pun intended.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe that the artisan soap industry is becoming very well known. People are now looking for more “natural” alternatives. I envision my soap being in our local stores. Eventually, opening the farm to the public, having a soap studio, and inviting everyone to the farm to meet Pixie. When people come to the farm, I want them to have a memorable experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pixiesuds.com
- Instagram: @pixiesuds
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pixiesuds
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pixiesuds
