Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Shirey.
Hi Dani, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I found my passion just as much as my passion found me during my early years at Youngstown State University.
As a group project for a class, we had to write a business plan for a business we created. We came up with the idea that we should do a soap and candle company.
My classmate already made candles so she had that area covered. I went out and bought a mold and some soap base to make some soaps for our presentation. I never looked back from there. I started making soaps and opened an Etsy shop that was full of beautiful novelty soaps for different occasions filled with bright colors and fun fragrances. I sold headstones for Halloween, starfish for the summertime, and so much more.
For a full-time college student who was also working part-time, my shop was doing quite well. After about five years, I no longer wanted to focus on novelty soaps and made the decision to completely rebrand my business. I wanted a more wholesome and natural look to my products so I sold off all of my novelty molds and supplies and started developing on my new idea.
After countless hours of research, development, and self-evaluation, I was finally ready to launch my new business. I debuted Gypsy Women Soap Co on November 14th, 2015. The business has continued to grow and expand since the launch with a promising future.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Rashida Rowe said “the road to success is paved with failures” and in some instances that have been true while developing my business.
As I mentioned, I completely rebranded a previously well-operating business which was a huge gamble. I lost some customers along the way because the new products did not fit what they wanted. However, I gained many loyal new customers with Gypsy Women Soap Co.
I have had some people tell me that my business will not make it and it will be nothing more than a hobby. I struggled to believe in myself and continue chasing my dream but I never gave up and I am growing and thriving.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Gypsy Women Soap Co. creates vegan hand-crafted soaps and apothecary items which is my specialty. All of the products at Gypsy Women Soap Co are handcrafted with all-natural and locally sourced ingredients. The soaps are made through the hand milling process and all of the products are created in small batches to ensure the best possible product. In addition to the small-batch, hand milling process, and high product quality standards, I also devote a great deal of time and attention to sustainability.
Gypsy Women Soap Co is a business that is dedicated to sustainability. From curation to shipping, sustainability is included in every single step of the process and is part of the mission and values of Gypsy Women Soap Co. All of the products at Gypsy Women Soap Co are packaged in recycled, recyclable, or compostable packaging. All of the shipping materials are recycled from previous shipments that I have received and the mailers are 100% recyclable. Gypsy Women Soap Co also sells the ends of the soaps that do not meet my quality standards to ensure there is minimal waste. I hope to have Gypsy Women Soap Co become a certified green business in the near future.
In 2021, Gypsy Women Soap Co received the Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free certification which promises that none of my products or ingredients are tested on animals. This puts Gypsy Women Soap Co in the same category as some very well-known companies like e.l.f. and China Glaze. I am most proud to be a small, woman-owned, and operated business. I do everything for the business by myself out of my home. I am the maker, seller, HR team, marketing, social media, and everything in between.
There are many aspects of Gypsy Women Soap Co. that set me apart from others. Gypsy Women Soap Co is an honest and ethical business that focuses on sustainable business practices. I believe in giving my customers what they want so I use customer engagement in the development and improvement of products. I frequently evaluate my inventory to see what is selling and what is not and ask my customers how I can improve those underperforming products.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
2020 was a very challenging year for me that taught me to modify my approach to how I reach my customers. I mainly sold at farmers’ markets and craft shows but during the economic shutdown, my face-to-face sales suffered. I had to increase my online sales by driving traffic to my website.
This taught me to be more flexible and adaptable when it came to getting my products to my customers. Soaps are a product that sells well in person because you can smell them and touch them, you cannot do that as easily online. I had to paint a picture for your nose through my descriptions that would make the consumer want my soaps without ever actually smelling them.
Pricing:
- Bar soap $6
- Hand Salve $10
- Beard Oil and Balm $10
- Lip Balm $3
- Soap Ends at $2.50
Contact Info:
- Email: gypsywomensoapco@gmail.com
- Website: www.gypsywomensoapco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gypsywomensoapco/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gypsywomensoapco
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwVZ8p39vF_5uyvgRZhlB0w
