Maker of the Month: Midnight Soapworks
Sophia from Midnight Soapworks began her small business journey four years ago, after many years of purchasing handmade soaps from other small makers. Today, she creates beautifully intricate designs with embeds, swirls, layers and vibrant colors. Meet Sophia!
I’ve been making soap for about 4 years, but before that I was making skin care products like facial balms, cleansers, and toners. I had known for a long time that I wanted to be a small business owner, to contribute financially to my family as a stay-at-home mom.
I was actually a customer of many small artisan soap shops first, and I really loved all the amazing bars I was purchasing. I started having some of my own ideas after seeing all the design and scent possibilities, so I decided to try making some myself. Then, like most of us, I was addicted! I realized pretty quickly that making soap brought me joy due to the creativity involved, and thus Midnight Soapworks was born!
What sets your products apart, what makes them unique?
I’ve always loved the idea of soap as more than just a utility item—but a form of art. Even when I was just a buyer, I was drawn to soaps that brought a little extra joy to an everyday routine. I love creating something fun and interesting that turns a simple task like handwashing or showering into something to look forward to—whether it’s a fun design or an irresistible scent. It’s those little details that can make the day feel brighter. That’s what I aim to do with my soap, and I think it’s what sets many of us artisan soap makers apart from the mass-produced options.
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
I find inspiration in a few different places. Other makers are a huge source of creativity for me—shops like Love Your Suds and Creamy Obsession, with their incredible soap tools, constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. From stunning mountain landscapes to beautiful sunflower designs, it’s amazing to see what can be created with their tools! I also draw inspiration from suppliers (looking at you, Bramble Berry!), especially when they release cohesive collections of fragrances. There’s something so exciting about exploring new themes, seeing the colors, and smelling the fragrances—it sparks ideas and brings entire designs to life in my mind.
What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?
One of the biggest challenges I've faced as a small business is building brand awareness in a competitive market. Without the large marketing budgets of bigger companies, it has been difficult to get my business in front of the right audience. To overcome this, I try to shift my focus to my local customers through craft fairs and through local community groups on social media.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a small business?
My advice would be to remember it takes time and don’t give up. Keep making and keep posting, because someone is watching- even if it doesn’t seem like it and even if you have no sales. Stay consistent and trust the process—often, growth happens when you least expect it. Focus on building your skill set, having fun, and connecting with your community. Over time, the results will follow. Oh and remember your “why”! That really helps when success feels far away.
What other makers do you admire, and what do you like about their work?
Milkmade Soap! She has been a favorite of mine since before I started making. I think she’s brilliant, I love all of her designs and creativity, her craftsmanship is unmatched, and her recipe is absolutely divine! I’m a huge fan!
What dreams do you have for Midnight Soapworks?
My goal is to open a store someday—there’s something so special about having a space where people can experience all the smells and colors in person. Living in New Hampshire, I’d love to have a little shop in downtown Portsmouth or Exeter, where I can create a warm, inviting space for customers to explore unique scents, textures, and designs. Bringing my soaps to life in a storefront setting would be a dream come true for myself and my family!
What are three of your must-have Bramble Berry products, and why do you love them?
I’m a huge fan of the fragrances. It’s very difficult to narrow down, but my top three would be Lush Succulent & Cannabis Cashmere. They are addictive, behave well in soap, & are always crowd pleasers! You simply can’t go wrong with a Bramble Berry fragrance!
More products I love: I also adore the lotion quick-mixes. It’s so nice to not have to formulate the lotion from the ground up, but also be able to customize. For example, using aloe juice instead of water. That’s what sets the mixes apart from the bases commonly offered elsewhere- way more customization possibilities.
Lastly, the micas. Each one has a photo of how it looks in soap which is invaluable when it comes to cold process!
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