An interview with maker The Bristol Soap Company as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
I'm Chloe. I run The Bristol Soap Company as well as a charity in Bristol. I am also a mum to two.
I’ve been running The Bristol Soap Company since 2018, when I turned a hobby for making lovely, natural skincare into a business. Every product is handmade by me in my workshop in Easton, Bristol, just minutes from The Prior Shop. I'm passionate about creating luxury, ethical skincare that's natural, vegan, palm oil-free, and free from single-use plastics – beautiful products people love to use, that are kind to both people and the planet.
Where are you based?
Easton, Bristol
Tell us a secret about you?
I am a bit of a workaholic!
How do you make your work?
I hand-make all of my products in my workshop in Easton. I use the traditional cold process method to make my soaps. I carefully blend and heat a special mix of oils, wait for the lye to cool, then combine them by hand until they saponify – the magical moment when it becomes soap! The mixture is then poured into moulds, insulated for a few days, and once set, I hand-cut and individually stamp each bar with The Bristol Soap Company logo. After that, the soaps are placed on drying racks to cure for several weeks before being lovingly wrapped and ready for sale.
Describe your studio…
My studio is based at the Easton Business Centre on Felix Road, a hub of workshops, local businesses, and charities. I work from a single, well-organised room where I hand-make, wrap, label, and store all of my products – everything happens right there, from start to finish.
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
I’m committed to using only natural ingredients in all of my products, as this is something important to me. To fragrance and colour my items, I use essential oils and natural botanicals. Whenever possible, I choose suppliers whose values align with my own. For example, I source my olive oil from the Essential Trading Cooperative and work with a British, family-owned business for many of my other raw ingredients, including oils and essential oils. I’ve taken time to research my suppliers, to try and ensure I have a supply chain with the least possible negative impact.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
I’ve always felt a deep responsibility for the impact my choices have on other people and the planet, and I try to make choices and live my life being mindful of this. With that in mind, I’ve designed my business to minimise any negative impact it has on people, animals, and the environment, all while creating beautiful, high-quality products.
How and why did you start your small business?
I’ve always loved using luxurious, high-quality cosmetics, but I’ve been concerned about the environmental and ethical impact of many products. I’m also aware that the skin is our largest organ, and I wanted to avoid using harsh chemicals on mine and later my children’s skin. When I was pregnant with my first child, I decided to turn my hobby for making natural soaps and skincare into a business that allowed me to earn money while doing something I love, that could fit around being a mum. That’s how The Bristol Soap Company was born.
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
Starting my business was far more work than I initially anticipated. While I was drawn to the creative side of making my products, turning it into a fully-fledged business involved navigating strict health and safety regulations, developing a product range, and handling every other aspect of starting a business. I’m especially proud that I did all this during the COVID pandemic with two young children at home, while also working part-time running a charity. It was a huge challenge, and I spent many late nights after my kids went to bed bringing my vision to life. Sometimes, I still wonder how I managed to do it all!
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
I love running my business for the flexibility it offers, allowing me to spend lots of time with my kids and partner. The creative process of making my products brings me as much joy as cooking does, which is something I love to do. Right now, my favourite product is the Rosemary and Black Pepper Salt Soak, they transport me to a spa. As a big fan of baths, I created them as part of my mission to craft the perfect bath experience, and I absolutely love using them!
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
While I understand the convenience of online shopping in our busy lives, shops like Prior are truly special, and it’s vital to support them. They offer a unique experience that online shopping simply can’t replicate – a chance to slow down and explore a selection of beautiful handmade items. It’s also a place where you might discover something you never knew you were looking for. Stocking at places like Prior has also allowed me to connect with Bristol’s small business community, which has been invaluable for sharing ideas, receiving support, and creating new opportunities. It’s a platform that helps keep artisan makers alive, fostering the creation of purposeful, beautiful things that contribute to making the world a better place.
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
I love visiting Prior as a customer, especially when I need a gift – I always know I’ll find something really special.
It’s also a brilliant place to stock my products. The team takes such great care of the makers and the products, and they run everything so professionally that I have complete trust in them. They make the whole process easy and put so much thought and energy into both the shop and the community around it. It’s a joy to be part of it.
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
It’s hard to choose – I’ve bought so many wonderful things from local makers over the years! Two of my favourites are the beautiful headbands I have from Abel Mabel. I also have a beautiful print by Rosanna Morris. And I have a future favourite in mind too – I’m planning to treat myself to a Priormade lamp, but I’m waiting until I’ve painted my sitting room so I can pick the perfect colour!
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
I’d love to see my products stocked in more shops and help grow not only my business but also others with a similar ethos. My hope is to make ethical, responsible choices more mainstream and accessible, making it easier for people to spend their money in ways that reflect their values.
View The Bristol Soap's handmade collection at Prior Shop here.
