Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Bober.
Hi Cindy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I love crafts. I was in a large craft store one day and came across a melt & pour kit and thought it would be fun to try. Honestly, it probably took me well over a year to do it, but once I did, I knew it was for me.
Step ahead a few months or so, and I was thinking about all of the skin issues that we had in our family. I started researching. The more research I did, the more I realized that there were so many chemicals in the products that we use. I did more research into natural skin care and soap, and how I could make them. I came across the cold process soap method and started purchasing things for my apothecary. I started by making a lavender essential oil cold process soap. I was hooked!
After using the soap I made, I noticed a huge difference in my skin. It wasn’t dry, or patchy with eczema any longer. My husband starting using it and couldn’t believe the difference. Then my daughter started using it. She was an avid body wash user. She has now completely converted to the soap I make. And, she has converted her boyfriend as well, lol.
3 years ago, I started selling my products. With selling my amazing products, I needed a name. Believe it or not, it came to me while taking a bath one night. I have 2 cats, and if any of you have cats, you will know that there is never any privacy. One of my cats was in the bathroom with me and I started blowing bubbles for him (I have a bottle of bubbles on the back of the tub for my grandkids). He was chasing them and having so much fun, and I said to him “well aren’t you just the little bubble hunter…” and BubbleHunter Soaps was born, along with my logo.
The soap recipe I use today is still very similar to the one I started with. I have added other ingredients to make the soap a little more luxurious, such as Shea Butter and Kaolin Clay. If you have never used a clay soap before, you are truly missing out.
Now, a few years later, I started incorporating more products into my line. Bath bombs used to be the bane of my existence. They were fussy and difficult and I almost took them out of my product line. Then, I finally came up with a recipe that worked for any type of mold I use and they are a hit with everyone that’s tried them.
A niece asked me if I’d ever thought about making shampoo bars. I researched them and I didn’t have to think twice about it and just purchased the ingredients to start making them. I worked very hard to develop the recipes I use today. The idea that a shampoo could be in bar form and replace 3 bottles of shampoo is quite the amazing concept. And, the thought of getting rid of yet another plastic bottle from my bathroom was even better.
More and more products are being added with the more research I do. Eventually, my goal is to be mostly plastic free and to have a line of cosmetic products for all skin types.
But, my true love will always be making soap.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been easy. Some recipes were a complete fail. A lot of trial and error. Some products just don’t sell in our area. And, it is a fairly saturated market. Being a shy, kind of introverted person, has also been difficult at times marketing myself and my products.
What has helped me is doing in-person events and shows. Everyone is able to actually smell the products, as well as see the quality. My brand is finally catching on and the product sells itself. When someone asks me the name of my company, they all say, “Oh, the one with the cat on the logo”. It always makes me smile.
As you know, we’re big fans of BubbleHunter Handmade Soaps and Bath Bomb Co.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My specialty is making handmade cold process artisan soaps, which come in a variety of scents and designs. I also make other amazing bath and body products, such as bath bombs, foaming whipped sugar scrubs, shampoo and conditioner bars, natural lip balms, and many more.
I’m proud of the brand that I’ve created. I continue to research and build my product line. I only use high quality, sustainable ingredients in my products. I’m proud to say that my products contain no unnecessary chemicals or ingredients. I’m also working hard to eliminate as many plastics in my packaging as possible.
Even though I use high quality ingredients, I work hard to keep prices down so that everyone can afford quality bath and body products.
I have created personalized custom orders and would love to do more. My products are sold online, at in-person events, and in one consignment shop, which I would love to be in more. I’m also open to wholesale accounts, private labels, and maybe some collaborations with coffee houses, breweries, and wineries.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have found many social media groups that have been amazing with answering the questions I may have. I have actually learned the most from some small YouTube channels and supplier websites. Each has their own unique way of doing things. All of them are very supportive and are amazing and willing to share what they have learned along the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://bubblehuntersoaps.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubblehunter.soap/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BubbleHunter.Soaps
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiPUnRkabLVIUJHAtqalkhA
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BubbleHunterSoaps
