Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Golden.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been crafting cold process soap on and off for over 15 years now and loved it! I enjoy the creativity and the science behind soap making. My mother is very artistic totally left brain dominant, perfectionist! I am the total opposite! I feel like the mad professor! I always tried my hand at some type of craft my mother was perfecting since I can remember but nothing really captured my attention until she took a class on soap making and then showed me. Once we made our first batch together, I was hooked! What is so funny is this is the one craft my mother didn’t care for and its the only one I really enjoyed!
It took me a while to think up this name for my business I finally decided on Southern E-Scentuals because my inspiration comes from the south and I want to create essential scents that remind you of home! I also use essential oils in many of my handmade products, so it just made sense to somehow incorporate this word into my business name!
My newest soap creations are with beer, wine, and bourbon. About five years ago I started making wood wick candles, love the crackle sound when they are burning! Around the same time, I was getting out of my car and looked down and realized how many pinecones I had in my yard and I thought, wonder what I can make with them. I did some research and discovered fire starters, I added my own twist and started scenting them. The scented fire starters fit perfectly with what I was already making because I could use a lot of the same supplies. Every time I finished making an order of scented pinecone fire starters I am in awe of how beautiful they are!
Since I have an abundance of pinecones at my disposal, I had some customer requests for Zinnia Pinecone wreaths! I never made a wreath before in my life, but I did some research and am learning the art of making Pinecone wreaths and enjoying every bit of it and my customers are enjoying them too!
I have always wanted to turn my passion into a full-time business, so around May 2015, I opened my Etsy Shop! I was getting tired of saying I am going to do that next year and then next year comes and goes by and nothing is done, as they say in the south “Getter Dun”. In March of 2018, I went full time!
I am not a native southerner, but have now lived in Georgia more than my birth state and feel this is my home now and I am glad to be a part of the south!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The daily struggles of taking care of family on limited income and working full time, caused me to have to put my passion on hold for quite a while.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Southern E-Scentuals – what should we know?
I wanted a business that made your home and skin look and smell amazing and creating scents that remind you of home. I am most proud of the my soaps and wood wick candles. I feel what set me apart from most are the unique scents and my own blends that represent the south.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes, I have several family members and friends who encouraged me along the way!
My mother is my biggest supporter and encourager!
Contact Info:
- Address: Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542
- Website: www.southernescentuals
- Phone: 678-549-1341
- Email: michelle6105@charter.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernescentuals
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/southernscentual
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