Featured Entrepreneur: Lisa Aiken, Owner and Founder, Serah's

How did you become an entrepreneur?

I started crafting soap in October 2007 for myself to have natural ingredients in my bath and body products. I gave soap gifts to my family and friends for various occasions and they thought the soap gifts they received from me were something I purchased instead of something I had made. They encouraged me to sell my soap creations and I established Serah's in March 2008.



What is the nature of your business? What kind of product/service to you provide?

Serah's is an online bath and body boutique that sells cupcake soaps and artistic soaps made from some of the highest quality natural ingredients with an emphasis on glycerin and shea butter. My cupcake soaps are also sold nationally and internationally in boutiques and bakeries in France, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. My products service the needs of those looking for unique soaps for themselves or as gifts or favors for weddings, birthday parties, bat mitzvahs, and other events.



Why do you love what you do?

Soap crafting allows me to express my creativity. Some of my soap creations such as my cupcake soaps are designed by me and therefore, are unique to my company. I carve the model for the soaps by hand and I manufacture my own molds. It's exhiliarating to be able to create something by hand and share it with the world.

How long have you been in business for yourself?

I have been in business for myself for 2 years.



How do you attract clients?

Aside from word of mouth, I attract clients by participating in crafts shows, festivals, and other events in the Southern California area. I use my mailing list and social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace to connect with customers. From time to time, I will create online advertising campaigns.



Share any information that helps to further describe your business including any publications, awards you have received or shows in which you have participated.

Most recently, Serah's cupcake soaps have been featured in Télérama, one of the best magazines in France. In its first year, Serah's Mini Cupcake Soaps were featured in the VIP gifts bags at the Andy & Debb fashion show at New York City Fashion Week. Serah's soaps have been featured in The Times Picayune Newspaper in New Orleans and on Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly in South Carolina.

Contact Info:
Lisa Aiken
Serah's
(805) 268-SOAP (7627)
info@serahsonline.com
Shop Serah's
Twitter: @serahs
Facebook: Serahs Getting Clean Never Looked So Good
Blog: Serah's Blog
Flickr: Serah's Online Photos