During this pandemic the closest I’ve felt to being at the spa is using my Naked Bar Soap Co. matcha mint sugar scrub. Trust me, I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s magic in a jar. And much to my delight (but not a bit of surprise), Naked Bar is owned by two fantastic local mamas Natasha and Jennifer.
What led you to start Naked Bar Soap Co? And tell us about the name!
Natasha started the business in 2011. Her son was born with severe cradle cap and her pediatrician suggested Selsun Blue for her newborn son. She was hesitant as she knows this product is medicated but also a new mother and was seeking advice from her doctor. She found it did not work and started researching natural alternative ways for this skin condition. This led her to start making natural products for her and her family. In 2013, Jennifer joined as her business partner.
The original name of the company was The Naked Bar but after one too many dick pics, we dropped “the” added “Soap Co.” to keep it clean.
How do you work together as business partners?
We stay in our own lane. Natasha is front of house which means 99.9% of all the products are created by her. This includes our original recipes, designs, scents, etc. She drives that car.
Jennifer is back of the house. The marketing, social media, meetings, networking, emails, interviews, etc is done by her 99.9% of the time.
We do help each other out with suggestions, ideas, new concepts in all avenues but mostly we trust each other completely in what has to be done to move the business forward. We respect each other. We don’t yuck the other’s yum, give a slow yes instead of a fast no, and there is a never an “I told you so”. When we have a win, we celebrate that win. And when have an L (a lost as my teenage daughter would say) we both take that L and turn it into a lesson learned.
How did you learn to make soap and all these body products?
Trial, error, tribulations, and Jesus getting off the cross to help us. We literally bought books, researched Google, YouTube, tutorials, workshops, and discovery on our own has taught us how to make soap and body products.
The finished product is always beautiful but we remember the beginning when burn (because lye burns), sweat, and tears frustrated us and doubt was cast upon us.
What are the go-to must-have products everyone needs from your store?
Definitely our Pit Cream deodorant! It is our bestseller. Many discovered Pit Cream before purchasing soap. We are extremely proud of this product we created and the people love it. Of course, soap! My favorite (Jennifer) is any salt bar!! If only I could convince Natasha to make just salt bars. And the other must-have products is our Sugar Scrubs and Bath Bombs! I cannot describe in words how much people love them. In almost any order purchased, these three products are always included.
What are your favorite scent and flavor pairings of all you do?
My favorite scents are the Almond Cinnamon Salt Bar, Almond Coffee Sugar Scrub, Almond Oatmeal Essential Soap (what can I say? I am a nut), and almost new Limited Edition scent. Natasha loves Ylang Citrus Soap, Lemongrass Ginger Soap, and anything in the Grapefruit Rose collection.
How often do you add new/seasonal products?
We add new products almost every 3 months and seasonal products in the summer and fall/winter seasons.
How have you pivoted during the pandemic?
We started our business online and did not think to have a brick and mortar but fate and opportunity knocked on our door and we answered. In 2019, we contemplating going back to online 100% and this pandemic definitely made the decision for us.
The pandemic transitioned us to be 100% online and focus on our wholesale accounts. In many ways it freed us from being “married” to the retail store. A lot of people don’t know the juggling and balancing act of running a retail store and an e-commerce and how each is different and must be treated as such.
Do your families help at the store?
No, thank you! The store is our escape from them, lol! But they are our first guinea pigs and provide us with an unfiltered, uncensored opinion of what they think whether it was asked or not.
What special things can people expect during this holiday shopping season?
This season we are proud of the new Limited Edition scents: Hazelnut Chai Latte, Spiced Pear, Crisp Apple. They smell absolutely divine! They will be available in Sugar Scrubs, Soaps, and Bath Bombs.
What makes Naked Bar Soap Co. so special?
Check us out online and you have the opportunity to meet us if you choose the option to pick up your order at the shop because we would love to meet you. Right here in Orlando is a great business that makes natural products with ingredients are not questionable or unrecognizable. The art of customer service and good quality, handcrafted products is not lost at Naked Bar Soap Co. So support a Black Latina owned business, support a local business, and shop and spread the Naked. Clothing is optional.
