"E-tailer Spotlight" - Lathered Up

Angelene of Lathered Up is featured in our “e-tailer spotlight” this week. Angelene shares with us how she started her business. Holding down a full-time job doesn’t keep Angelene from her love of soap-making. On the banner of Lathered Up’s website you will see the words, “Handcrafted From The Heart. To Nourish The Soul.” I do believe Angelene handcrafts her products from the heart. They will nourish your soul – you will receive items for your pure pampering indulgence. When we receive products from Lathered Up to be included in our sample box – it is like Christmas for us just seeing what she has come up with this time. Angelene sends a variety of her products (most are full-sized items). They all smell fantastic!

Well, ladies it is your lucky day. Angelene is offering a special product set for the drawing. It will be an oil, bath salt, sugar scrub and soap bar set. All you need to do to be entered into this drawing is: visit Lathered Up – return to our blog – comment on Angelene’s website or products. You will be entered in the drawing and one of you will be very, very lucky! Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you when you win.

How or why did you start your business?
In early 2000, while living in California, I began making soap and bath products in my home. What began as a hobby and relaxation technique soon grew into a passion. I spent several years making products for myself and as gifts for family and friends. The positive feedback poured in. I was pleased and began to study more about the processes of soap making, essential and fragrance oils, natural colorants, bath and body products and aromatherapy. My products are 100% tested on my family and friends. The feedback continued to be good and the offers to purchase what I was making kept growing. As a result, Lathered Up was launched as a web-based business in October 2007.


What kind of products do you carry or make?
All of my products are handmade primarily from natural ingredients. Infused with fragrant oils to relax your mind and body, while lifting your spirit. I carry a diverse selection of natural soaps, salts, butters, bath teas, and body scrubs. You can view them all online at www.latheredup.com. I also offer useful information for the aroma-thusiast, bath-ologist, or mood-toligist in each of us. Visit my "Featured Article".

My product selection is continually expanding with new items added on a regular basis. Most recently added are my Luxury Honey Bar, Luxury Oatmeal Bar and Mango Body Butter. So be sure to visit often!

Custom Scenting is available in a variety of scents in our wonderful Body Oils and Body Butters. Scents include Lemongrass, Jasmine, Passion Fruit, Patchouli and many more.


Do you carry handmade products? Do you make them yourself?
With a desire to produce handmade natural and skin healthy products that are infused with love, here at Lathered Up, I am committed to bringing you the finest handcrafted products on the market. I make my products in my production shop at my home in Illinois. They are pure handmade products, perfect for self-indulgence and they make wonderful gifts for friends, family and loved ones.


What’s your favorite product to make or create?
Making cold process soap is my favorite product to create. It’s a bit like cooking a gourmet meal. I really get into tweaking and testing new recipes, noting exactly what I did so I can do it again, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. But most of all I like to test them!!! The anticipation created by the 3-5 week wait while they cure sometimes drives me crazy. I keep going into my pantry to peak at them. I get so disappointed if the bar doesn’t come out exactly how I planned on the FIRST try. I guess that’s because I spend some much time researching and writing the recipe that I just expect it to all work out perfect. NOT!! Try and try again. But when I get it right. Boy there is no better feeling.

Do you have a storefront, sell strictly on-line or both?
I currently sell my products strictly on-line. But one day I wish to open a storefront, or two, or three. Call me ambitious, call me a dreamer, but I’m happiest when I’m creating something.

Website and email address
www.latheredup.com
latheredup@latheredup.com

Do you have more than one website?
I only have one website related to my bath and body products. However, I also distribute Partylite candles. I’m a total junkie for them!
www.partylite.biz/sites/angelenebonner

Do you work at another job?
I do have a day job. I’m a Sr. HR manager for a high tech company.

What or who inspires you?
I’m most inspired by the tiny miracles of life that go unnoticed most days. Like how the sun rises and sets each day. How flowers bloom and the grass grows. The smell of leaves after a rain shower. How our hearts beat without the need to think about it. How kid’s laughter makes you laugh too. Yes, it’s the little things in life that inspire me to make the most of every day.

What advice would you offer to someone starting their own business?
Follow the passions of your heart. Don’t let others rain on your dreams. And remember success doesn’t come over night. It takes focus, commitment, and a “can do attitude”.