Soapylove was launched in San Diego, USA
by Debbie Chialtas and has quickly gained a reputation for its
wonderful variety of fun, quirky and colourful fragrant soaps
with an emphasis on quality and practicality. Soapylove's glycerin
soaps are handmade by Debbie and there is something for everyone
- from your little mudpie making neighbors to your fashionista
girlfriend. Every item is wrapped and ready to give or display
in your home. Beautifully packaged, they lather up like crazy,
smell great, and leave your skin feeling clean and pampered.
Debbie dreams of one day living somewhere
a lot less urban and with much more rain, but for now she is happy
to remain in Southern Californian with her husband and young family.
L & A
Tell us about yourself, how did Soapylove come about and when
did you get started?
Soapylove
My name is Debbie and I live in San Diego, California, with my
husband and 2 kids. 3 years ago, when I was pregnant with my first
child, Sequoia, I wanted to make my own cocoa butter lotion and
started learning about homemade body products. I stumbled upon
glycerin soap crafting and got hooked! I have been making soap
constantly ever since.
L & A
Why Soapylove and what does the name mean to you?
Soapylove
The name Soapylove just popped into my head when I was labeling
some of my soaps to give away at my baby shower. I like that the
process of picking a name was very spontaneous. I wanted a name
that was descriptive but not serious. My soap designs are very
colorful, so I didn’t want a sophisticated name. Soapylove
is just right!
L & A
Where does your talent come from? what is your background, training
etc?
Soapylove
I’m a naturally creative person and have always loved taking
art classes and drawing. Playing with Barbie dolls as a girl was
my first taste of fashion, which I studied in college. I got a
fine arts degree in fashion design and worked in the apparel industry
for the last 10 years. I just went on a semi-retirement to take
care of my children and devote more time to Soapylove.
L & A
Where do you draw your inspiration?
Soapylove
I find inspiration everywhere! Fabrics, fashion trends, food,
candy, graphic design, neat soap molds, holidays… you name
it! It’s hard to narrow it down and decide which ideas are
worth making.
L & A
Who if anyone inspires you the most?
Soapylove
I wouldn’t say there’s a who that inspires me, although
I often am inspired by other artists!
L & A
Where do you look for your day to day inspiration?
Soapylove
I try not to look for inspiration – I want it to come to
me naturally. So I take the pressure off of myself to be inspired
every day. If it happens, it happens! J
L & A
How does your work reflect your personality?
Soapylove
I think it shows that I have many moods! Sometimes I make colorful
and fun styles but other times I want to create something more
sophisticated. One thing it doesn’t reflect is my own fashion
sense. I’m super basic and practical, so when I make soap
I like to be really funky and trendy!
L & A
What couldn't you live without?
Soapylove
Soapwise, I could not live without my 9” shiny silicone brownie
pan. It’s my blank canvas for the vast majority of my non-soapsicle
creations!
L & A
I know you’re based in the US, tell us about your hometown?
Soapylove
I was born in New York but was raised in San Diego. I would consider
my hometown to be Tierrasanta, a suburban neighborhood in the
middle of the city. Tierrasanta feels like a small town because
it’s full of families that really get to know eachother.
My husband was also raised there and when we met we realized that
our older sisters had been best friends in middle school and even
introduced us when we were kindergarten age! Even though San Diego
is a very big city, I feel like I grew up in a small town.
L & A
What was your childhood like? has it inspired you and your work?
Soapylove
I am the youngest of 4 children and my mom was home for us. She
had a thing for living in new houses, though, so we moved every
couple of years, even if it was just down the street. I think
this makes me a very adaptable person and I crave change. I’m
always striving to create something new and rarely duplicate the
same design (except for my soapsicles).
L & A
Have you always been into creating and why do you enjoy it?
Soapylove
Yes! I think it’s just a natural part of me and it feels
great to make new things. The failed or disappointing projects
are also inspiring because it challenges me to make it right.
L & A
What are your passions?
Soapylove
Right now I am passionate about the world online. Soapylove has
not only allowed me to keep making soap by having an online shop,
but it has introduced me to a huge community of people also pursuing
their passions. I love the forums, the selling sites, the blogs,
flickr, etc, and I want to tell everyone about them! This month
I am starting to teach an evening class at a local college in
“eTailing.” I’m really excited!
L & A
What do you like to do in your free time?
Soapylove
I think my only real free time is at night when my kids go to
sleep. My husband and I sit on the couch and watch shows or movies.
I relish it!
L & A
Describe your office and your favourite things in it
Soapylove
My office is a desk in the corner of my bedroom, with a bookcase
full of soapmaking supplies and paperwork. It’s very unglamorous
but I love it because it reminds me that I’m working for
myself and am spending lots of time with my kids.
L & A
What goals do you have and where do you see yourself and Soapylove
in 5 years time?
Soapylove
My goal is to maintain a balance between having time for myself,
my family, and my business. In 5 years I would like to have a
comfortable and stable business which allows us to afford a house
yet only requires a part time commitment. (I can dream!)
L & A
You've got one hour and $200 to do whatever you want - on your
own - what do you do?
Soapylove
Go to Anthropologie and get some cool new clothes!
L & A
It's a toasty afternoon in front of the fire - who are you snuggling
and what DVD are you watching?
Soapylove
I’m snuggling with my main snugglebuddy - my husband, and
watching “Big Night.” Hopefully I’m also enjoying
a very decadent chocolate dessert of some kind. Perfect!
L & A
You've put on a fifties polka-dot dress.. with tulle petticoats..
and you're going out.. where are you going, who with and what
will you be doing?
Soapylove
I must still be in college and about to go to a 50’s theme
party with my boyfriend, because I would never wear tulle petticoats
otherwise!
