HappyBody Soaps, Essential Business in Need of Markets

“As far as my business goes, I rely mainly on markets and events, so I’ve taken a huge hit. I really enjoy interacting with my customers, so I very much look forward to when it’s safe to do so again.”

COVID-19 hit artisan vendors like Bothell-based Dani Clewell’s HappyBody Soaps hard. A mom of two grown, high school boys, Clewell makes her living making natural, essential oil soaps, foot soaks, and body scrubs “using old world methods.” Her sustainably sourced, chemical-free, pure soaps lather up more, last longer, and all-around nourish the skin, naturally, without any drying effects, over brand names. That is, if you can find brand-name soap on store shelves these days.

Over five years ago, she discovered the healing, invigorating properties of hand-made soaps at a local woman’s co-op. After making natural bath/foot soaks and body scrubs for extended family and friends, Clewell took her HappyBody Soaps to the next level, offering them to the general public at farmers markets, local craft fairs, and bazaars, selling well. After COVID happened, she’s been relying on repeat customers, social media word-of-mouth, and her Facebook business page to continue generating sales.

“I have been selling soaps online, but it is a little tricky since I only use Facebook. My order sheet is in the first post (pinned) on my business Facebook page, then people message me their order and pay via Venmo or Square online invoice. I ship orders from my home and also offer local porch delivery on orders of $20 or more to Bothell and surrounding cities. I am licensed and have an official Facebook business page.”

How have you adapted? Honestly, it’s been really hard on my family. My husband is also self-employed, so we’ve taken a huge hit. We are thankfully all staying healthy. We have two boys in high school and one is a senior, so naturally it’s been really hard on them, too. As far as my business goes, I rely mainly on markets and events, so I’ve taken a huge hit. I really enjoy interacting with my customers, so I very much look forward to when it’s safe to do so again.

What’s the response been? I have some repeat customers who have been very supportive by ordering soap from me and also referring me to their friends and family. My new customers have been very generous with compliments when they recieve their orders, which always brightens my day.

Do you offer gift cards or gift certificates? I do sell gift cards, customers just need to message me and I can send an eGift card or mail a hard copy if they prefer. I can also do a complimentary handwritten card (a blank greeting card) with any porch delivery or shipment.

Are you doing anything for Mother’s Day? For Mother’s Day, I will be offering free handwritten cards with every order, free gift wrapping, and porch delivery. Personally, I hope to drop something nice off for my mom, and spend some time with my teen boys.

How can people support you? People can support me by helping spread the word on social media (which is currently my only platform for selling right now). I consider myself a one-woman “micro”-business and mainly rely on farmers markets and events to sell my products. Currently, I am offering free local porch deliveries and can also ship orders from my home, so customers placing small orders and referring me to their friends is the best way to support me right now. My new customers usually follow me on Facebook after trying my products; that way, they can stay up-to-date about my events when they do resume.