Cleaning up in business more than skin deep for Suds & Soy
by Kathy Dumbleton
Suds & Soy founder Emma Grant with sons Hudson and Nathan.
Emma Grant’s natural soap and candle business was born from family life - creating products to assist her sons Nathan and Hudson with their sensitive skin.
“With Hudson we tried it all, not much would get along with his skin,” Emma says.
“There were months of eczema and outbreaks. I have always loved being creative, and making my own soaps seemed like a new craft that could be very beneficial to my kids.”
The quest to make products that were toxin free involved a year of research and trialling different suppliers.
“It was surprising and concerning to see the amount of synthetic and petrochemicals in our bathing products,” Emma said.
From helping her own sons, her creations have developed into something beyond Emma’s expectations.
“After starting to make my own soaps and candles I was asked by family and friends if they could use it too, which then started Suds and Soy.”
The Calliope-based business owner trialled a range of different suppliers from the Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth in her search for the highest quality ingredients.
A selection of Emma’s Suds & Soy products. Photo by Trudi Bartley Photographer.
“I love supporting local businesses. Unfortunately I can’t get all my ingredients locally, but I have teamed up with a local woodcrafter to help design and make bath boxes for hampers, soap holders and display stands, I work with local printers for label printing, and talented local photographer Trudi Bartley for some beautiful photos,” Emma said.
While Emma has only been officially in business for five months, the business has transformed dramatically along with her client base.
“The pamper packs have really taken off with the inclusion of new soaps, soy candles, bath bombs, milk baths and lip balms. They have been popular for birthdays, wedding, bridesmaids and baby shower gifts.”
Suds and Soy supplies local customers in Calliope, Gladstone and Tannum Sands as well as sending out online orders as far as Rockhampton, Biloela, Emerald and Bundaberg.
With the expansion of the business Emma is keen to enhance her line of natural non-toxic merchandise.
“I like to use quality essential oils for their skin benefits and therapeutic qualities. My all time favourite would be the rosehip and lavender bar, It’s beautiful on the skin and smells amazing, the other would be my stress relief milk bath with cedarwood, grapefruit, orange valenica, frankincense, rose absolute, it’s a beautiful blend.”
Emma finds it rewarding that her own journey with sensitive skin could be of benefit to so many. “I’m so grateful to my beautiful customers who have allowed me to grow and continue this venture. I love connecting with clients and forming a relationship, hearing their stories and hearing amazing feedback on products of mine they’ve used that have worked for their skin,” Emma said.
Emma has great plans for the future of her newfound business venture. “I am excited to keep working on new recipes to expand the range, continue growing the gift pamper packs and to start attending some local markets next year.”
