Elizabeth is a bookkeeper by trade and has worked most of her life in “left brain” dominated environments within the construction industry.The opportunity for engagement of “right brain” (creativity) functions was minimal in that field.About 14 years ago Elizabeth realized she was a seeking an outlet for personal creative expression.
In December of 1993, Elizabeth’s sister-in-law gave her a homemade Christmas gift.Elizabeth shared with me, “… little did my sister-in-law realize… receiving that gift was significant… it inspired and encouraged me and sparked my interest in pursuing my creative expression!”Soon after, Soaps of the Southwest (skin care products made from natural ingredients) was born.
Initially, Soaps of the Southwest was a retail business.Elizabeth sold her homemade skin care products at church bazaars, arts and craft fairs, and New Mexico Wine Festivals.Five years later, she decided to shift her business from retail to teaching others how to make their own skin care products.Elizabeth has taught classes at Sage Ways (an Albuquerque community learning center), and S.E.E.D (Source for Educational Empowerment and Development) Open University. Currently, and for over 10 years, she has taught classes at UNM (University of New Mexico) Continuing Education.About 2 years ago, Elizabeth decided she wanted to incorporate retail back into her business.Currently, Soaps of the Southwest is both a teaching and an internet retail business.Soon you will be able to purchase products from Elizabeth via her website:www.soapsofthesouthwest.com.
Elizabeth is passionate about Soaps of the Southwest.Her eyes lit up as she explained to me with great fervor, “I provide bath and skincare products to those with super-sensitive skin… without using synthetic fragrances and colors.I use plant life as the template for creating my products… pure essential oils and various plants, flowers and herbs (for color and other herbal properties).”
When asked about her favorite aspect of running her company, Elizabeth enthusiastically stated, “It’s very satisfying… helping a student create a product that works for their skin… it’s motivating and satisfying to see the end to their frustrations.I enjoy a symbiotic partnership with my students… working together and discovering what works best for them.”
For example, she continued,” I had a client who suffered from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments… I created a specific cream (i.e. Golden Cream) that soothed his skin more than anything else he had tried before.”Although Elizabeth no longer creates “personalized” skin care products, she diligently assists her students in creating the product that best fits their skin care needs while addressing any particular allergies or sensitivities. She has utilized this skill, garnered from many years experience, to bring her handmade cosmetics and bath products to her internet store.
When asked what is most challenging about her work, Elizabeth quickly responded, “Transitioning between the one-on-one interactive and personal connections that teaching brings... to selling products to the general public via the internet where interpersonal communication with clients is rare.”
As our interview neared its end, Elizabeth shared one of her thoughts to live by, a quote from Leonardo da Vinci:“Every obstacle yields to firm resolve.”She explained what this meant to her, “The obstacle is the clients’ sensitivity issue and how to get around it or negate it entirely.The “firm resolve” part is my tenacity to formulate products that benefit both my clients and students.”
Being a member of WE has provided opportunities for Elizabeth to achieve personal and professional growth. It has allowed her to broaden her experiences and share options, challenges and resolutions with other WE members.
