Conversations with the Inspiring Karen Steuer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Steuer.

Karen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The first batch… I was maybe 12? 13? It was Girl Scout camp in the Berkshires. Made a batch of tallow soap that stunk so horribly! But my mom kept that stinky bar of soap (under the bathroom vanity) for years. Fast forward to 1999. I wanted to make homemade Christmas gifts and ordered a book on Amazon, when Amazon sold books only. Spent a day driving all over to find ingredients, and it took me all day to make my first batch. And it was that first batch that made me fall in love with the process of making soap. I’ve been making soap since then, mostly doing it part-time and for fun until I went full-time in 2013. Haven’t looked back since! I love the blend of art, science and math, and I still enjoy unmolding every single batch and inhaling that scent. I’ve expanded into many other product lines (like lotions, creams, perfumes and more) but I still love making soap.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall, it has been fairly smooth, but with speed bumps along the way. I’ve learned to define my market and figured out where they shop. Cash flow is something that comes up on occasion, and mitigating risky venues (like outdoor markets where whether can have a serious impact not just on sales but on a product!) can be a challenge.

What I would advise women who are starting out is just try it. Master your craft. Then, share it. My only regret is not having started this at a younger age. Can’t imagine how much further along I’d be if I had started full time in my 30’s! Wish I had the confidence then that I have now.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Hemlock Springs Soaps story. Tell us more about the business.
I make GREAT soap. Seriously. Most anyone can make soap, but after years of trying every ingredient and every ratio of ingredients, I hit on a soap that lathers well, lasts a long time, makes you feel great, doesn’t dry out your skin, and smells amazing. I use fresh goats milk, olive oil, shea butter, etc. No filler oils like rice bran, soybean or canola.

And I am super fussy about my fragrances. I have tried every brand under the sun, and have pretty much narrowed my scents down and *nailed* them. What’s great is I belong to a private group that purchases directly from manufacturers, and the scents they make for us are specific to us. AND usage-wise, I don’t use nearly as much fragrance in my products as most.

And lastly, I know my market. I know they like great quality products that aren’t super-fussy, they aren’t overpriced and are delivered with what I call “Sassitude.” Just a little sassy attitude in the names, the shopping experience, the whole package!

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I was so fortunate to find a business coach through a free seminar in New Hampshire. She and I clicked, and all these years later, I’m still working with her to help me prioritize my goals, figure out paths of growth, etc. She has been instrumental in guiding me to the successful level I’m at today. My advice would be to find someone you admire and ask them. Seriously. It’s a compliment to be asked, and most people are willing to help.

Contact Info:

• Address: 17 Brandy Brook Road
  Lyndeborough, NH 03082
• Website: HemlockSpringsSoaps.com
• Phone: 603-465-1899
• Email: karen@HemlockSpringsSoaps.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/hemlockspringssoaps
• Facebook: facebook.com/hemlockspringssoaps
• Twitter: @hemlocksprings

Image Credit:
karen/hemlockspringssoaps

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