Check Out Karey Boerst’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Karey Boerst.

Hi Karey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always liked art and have tried to find a hobby/creative outlet I enjoy. I discovered cold-process soap making in October 2021 and purchased a beginner kit online from BrambleBerry to try making soap at home. I made that first batch and was hooked! 

I love the combination of art and science, which is soapmaking. It feels challenging, and there is always something new to explore and learn. Plus, I have to say there is something really rewarding about making something with your own hands and being able to use and enjoy it. 

After some trial and error, I perfected my current soap recipe and created an online website to sell some of my soaps – because a girl can only use so much soap, right?! Eventually, a great local shop reached out, and I started selling some of my soaps locally in their market. 

Fast forward to January 2024, we moved to Nashville to explore and enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer. I continue to work full-time as a dietitian and make small batches of soap in my kitchen on evenings and weekends, which I sell online. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Learning to make soap and discovering the properties of the oils, how they behave when creating designs, or even if they produce good lather – has all been really interesting yet challenging at times. It takes a lot of trial and error to find out how things work together, but that is half the fun! 

On the business end, the main challenge has been being discovered, and creating sales has been slow/challenging at times, but I do it because I enjoy it. Soapmaking went from a hobby I wanted to try to a passion of mine. Soap makes me happy! 

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always thought that I am a creative person – I loved art in school and went on to become a Graphic Designer for a few years, which then transitioned to following my passion for animals and grooming dogs professionally for about eight years. 

Eventually, I went back to school and down the path to becoming a dietitian, but I think I later missed that creative aspect, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to teach myself soap making and fully embraced the creativity in it. 

I love to make bright-colored, fun-smelling soaps that are gentle on your skin and good for the earth! They make bathing more fun while keeping your skin moist and feeling great! Give me some neon colors and a fun, fruity scent like Fruit Loops – that’s my jam! 

I’m most proud that I can create something from scratch that people need and love, that also brings them some joy or comfort. It’s a pretty cool feeling. 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The soap industry and handcrafted soap will always be needed and be around – I don’t see it going anywhere. 

There are a lot of us out there making soap, but I feel there is room for everyone, as people will always need soap! Besides, we all do it a bit differently, and each brings something unique to the table – or should I say shower? 

Pricing:

• Most bars are $7-7.50 each

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smallbatchsoapery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbatchsoapery_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbatchsoapshop