Maker of the Month: Ophelia's Soapery

 Learn more about how Julie got started Opehlia's Soapery, what inspires her, and her favorite Bramble Berry products.

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
I've been making bath and body products for 10 years. What started as a search for a new creative hobby quickly turned into a passion. I had always loved purchasing handmade soaps, and one day I thought, “Why not try making it myself?” I've always enjoyed crafting and being creative, and soapmaking gave me a way to blend artistry with functionality. Over time, that hobby grew into a business I truly love.

What sets your products apart, what makes them unique? 
I care just as much about how a soap performs as how it looks. I want each bar to be both beautiful and genuinely good to use. I also film every soap I make because I love sharing the process and giving customers a behind-the-scenes look at how their soap is created.

Where do you find creative inspiration? 
I'm often inspired by the fragrance notes. Once I smell a scent, it naturally sparks ideas for color palettes, patterns, and the overall feel of the soap. I enjoy translating the mood of a fragrance into something visual and tactile.

What is your favorite part of the creative process?
My favorite part is cutting the soap. You never truly know how a soap has turned out until it's cut, and that moment of reveal is always exciting and rewarding.

What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?
Visibility has been my biggest challenge. Social media algorithms are always changing, and even established businesses can suddenly see a drop in reach. Navigating that unpredictability while continuing to create and grow has been one of the more difficult aspects of running a small business.

What advice would you give to other makers starting out? 
Start small and give yourself time to learn the process. It's tempting to make large batches right away, but starting small allows you to refine your recipes, learn from mistakes, and grow with confidence. Soapmaking can be an expensive process, and taking a thoughtful, gradual approach helps set you up for long-term success.

How do you balance making soap with content creation, social media, and your website? 
I keep things balanced by following a loose schedule. I film the making of the soap, package the bars after cutting, then photograph and edit content before sharing it on social media leading up to each launch. From there, I repeat the process for the next release.

What other makers do you admire and why? 
I really admire Muddy Mint for her beautiful natural soaps, photography, and overall aesthetic. Her work has been a huge inspiration to me.
Katie from Royalty Soaps was incredibly helpful when I was first starting out. She is genuinely kind, supportive, and generous with her knowledge, and her encouragement made a big difference early in my journey.

What are your dreams for Ophelia's Soapery? Where would you like to see your business in 5-10 years? 
My dream is to still be making soap and doing what I love. I want Ophelia's Soapery to grow in a way that feels authentic and sustainable, while continuing to create quality products that customers enjoy and come back for.

And most of all be calm. My first few batches I was so frantic on trying to get everything done (or maybe this was just me, lol), but I'm sure I forgot something. And by the end I felt like I had run a marathon. Just take your time. Lol.

What are your must-have Bramble Berry products and why do you love them? 
The Mini Moon Column Silicone Mold: This mold is a favorite of mine and adds a unique element to my designs. In terms of fragrances, Cranberry Fig and Rose Quartz are my personal favorites. Aqua Pearl and Queens Purple are my favorite micas!

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