Product Development
Crafting artisan soap is a multi-phase process that includes research, ideation, design, and sourcing the raw materials needed to create a diverse range of products for the brand.
Design & Manufacturing
My passion for artisan soap design is what prompted me to launch Smithmade Essentials. I find joy in challenging myself to learn new techniques, explore the wide world of fragrances, and develop new formulations.
Design starts with a sketch. I then move on to manufacturing, often making my bars in small batches to manage the production of intricate designs. I operate under Good Manufacturing Practices and in accordance with the most up-to-date FDA regulations.
Collections
Designing collections has been one of my favorite tasks. It has grown into a multi-phase process that includes ideation, research and development, and then design and manufacturing. I draw inspiration from many sources including nature, art, film, and literature.
Some of the collections:
Luxe & Lather
The original rotating collection of artisan soap featuring fun and fragrant designs.
Garden Collection
Designs inspired by nature, featuring hand-piped flower, vine, and leaf designs.
Simply
An everyday soap. Lightly scented bars designed with easy practicality in mind.
African Black
A standalone bar that fuses traditional and modern soap making. Every bar gives back.
Year-Round Soy Candles
Clean-burning, non-tox soy candles made with premium scents.
Seasonal Scents
A rotating collection of cozy fall and winter home fragrances.
Autumn Moments
The Fall 2024 limited collection capturing the nostalgia of the season.
Muse Collection
A signature collection designed to inspire creativity.
Sourcing
Sourcing plays a large role in product development. Smithmade Essentials is a vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable brand. I do my best to source suppliers who share these values. This involves a lot of research and communication to reach out to suppliers, order samples, test their viability, and then coordinate shipments.
Mood boards comparing pricing and qualities for candle jars.