Gabrielle Garcia, 29, talks about creating natural and sustainable skincare, crafting the perfect product, and being a lifelong learner. 

What is your business, and what led you to it? How did you come up with its name and branding?

I own a natural and organic soap and body care business called Simplye Suds. I started the business in March of 2024. 

I actually started the business because of my skin. I have horribly sensitive skin due to my food allergies, and everything always seemed to irritate it. I started with soap, then I eventually moved my way over to other body care products. I did not go to school for it technically, however I did major in science at college, and chemistry has a huge role in the cosmetic industry. My training is from college, YouTube, trial and error, and reading articles.

It took me a few months to decide on a name. I’m a little indecisive. I wanted it to be simplistic but also catchy and relatable. And to be unique, I snuck a E at the end of “simply” because you use lye to make soap. My branding is my niche. I have a rustic style and wanted that to flow into my business. 

How did you decide to turn that into a business?

What inspired me to start the business was all of the positive feedback from products I gave away to people when I was making them for myself. People would come back to me saying how much better, smoother, and more moisturized their skin felt and that I should be selling this to people who are really struggling with their skin and need natural body care products.

One customer in particular really inspired me to keep going and make the business more official. She struggles with rosacea and could never find anything that worked for her. I made a lot of batches and did a lot of research before giving her a trio product. Now her skin has never felt and looked better. She has barely any redness at all, and she says my products changed her life and her confidence. I’ll never forget the moment she told me that. 

How is it going so far? 

I am still in my first year, but I can say that I am loving it so far. It feels so good to be able to make a product that helps others and you’re proud of. The business is still taking its initial bumps and bruises, just like any new business, but I’m loving the journey. 

Is there someone who has been an instrumental/influential part of developing your business?

Honestly my family, specifically my husband. My husband and I have the same food allergies, and we have both struggled with skin and hair care for so long. I was finally fed up with spending hundreds of dollars on products I was assured would work just for our skin to be more irritated and us more disappointed. So, I took it into my own hands to create products that wouldn’t disappoint and we’d never have to worry about the ingredients. 

What was your plan when you started your business and has that plan changed since?

My plan was to solely sell soaps, but it changed very fast when I started doing more research and getting into more interests in the skincare world. Now we make body butters, sugar scrubs, bath soaks, bath bombs, shower steamers, shampoo and conditioner bars, and many more things! 

What is one of the most important things you learned starting this business?

Take your time. I have always been a person that wants everything done in 2.5 seconds. The business world, especially the skincare world, is very saturated and you need to stand out. But don’t give up on what you believe in to be mainstream either. I have gotten very frustrated with a few things, but I took a deep breath and brought myself back to the reality, which is, it will happen, you just have to be patient, take your time, and don’t give up. 

What was the most challenging thing about starting this business?

Not having the experience in the field and having to learn everything at once. People don’t usually go into a field they have no experience with and start a business right off the bat. They learn and then decide, but I knew this is something I wanted to do. 

What was most fun about starting this business?

The most fun thing was customizing it. Creating the name, logo, scents, packaging, and making it my own. 

How has your business changed?

In only three months, I’ve learned so much. From my first soap to my most recent, there is a significant difference in quality. I look at my first body butter versus my most recent ones and I still can’t believe how much better they’ve gotten already. I’m constantly learning and improving. 

How do you manage a work-life balance when you’re technically never off the clock?

I live my life like a planner. I have specific times for everything. Outside of my business, I am a mom and a full-time employee. There’s a lot on my plate, but I create time for everything so that nothing is affected by the other. 

What do you wish you had known earlier?

I wish I had known that I was going to have to work harder for my sales than in any sales position I’ve ever worked. As I said, the skincare industry is very saturated, and you have to show everyone why yours is the one to choose. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

To anyone wanting to start a business but intimidated by the competition or taking those first initial steps, don’t be. Your business and ideas are just as valuable as any others, big or small. Take that first step into your future. It’s the best decision I’ve made. •

To learn more about Simplye Suds, visit their website simplyesuds.com and follow them on Instagram @simplyesuds.