Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I first learned the craft of soap making while cleaning homes. At a craft fair, I met a soap maker and formed a connection, which led to the opportunity to purchase a small company. In April 2018, we took the leap, rebranding as Maine Island Soap and investing in polished packaging to build a small-batch line that reflects our vision and allows us to continue growing our brand intentionally and authentically.

How do you stay motivated?

Staying motivated comes naturally when you truly love what you do. Creating soap by hand and knowing people enjoy using something made with care keeps me inspired. Every bar represents creativity, simple ingredients, and the joy of making something meaningful. Hearing from customers who love our products and support Maine Island Soap reminds me why I started and keeps me excited to keep creating.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 into scaling Maine Island Soap through strategic digital advertising, something we have never previously utilized. I would also enhance our website to improve the customer experience and conversion, while exploring direct-to-consumer partnerships to expand our reach. This investment would allow us to grow intentionally, reach new audiences, and build a more sustainable and scalable foundation for the future.