This 31-year-old former nurse creates an organic soap business and soon makes a profit – Wired PR Lifestyle Story
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Khoo Teck was a former nurse at Puat Hospital. While in the hospital, Singaporean Chew Jia Tian decided to create Rough Beauty, a business that sells handmade soaps.
As a person who had to wash his hands frequently for his work, he thought of creating handmade bath and body products with botanical ingredients that soothe and nourish the skin.
Jia Tian intended to create soaps for those who love rural simplicity and enjoy a responsible cleaning experience. The products would be attractive to those who are sustainable and environmentally conscious.
Jia Tian graduated with a degree in nursing from the University of Manchester in 2016 through the Singapore Institute of Technology, where the Rough Beauty business was already underway.
The 31-year-old decided to run his full-time business that same year. It was a good decision as Rough Beauty soon became profitable.
“We focused on a first-line approach to keeping our expenses low and our soaps affordable,” the entrepreneur said.
Today, Rough Beauty is not a solo show, but a group of five people.
Since then, he has worked with brands and organizations at Shopee, Lazada, Far East Flora, Lee Hwa Jewelery and the National University of Singapore.
Singapore’s successful craft brand is now among the most eco-conscious people, and attracts many returning customers by using only natural ingredients such as vegetable oils, and herbs and spices for scents and colors in all its products.
Its products are free of synthetic fragrances, colors, sulfates and parabens.
The former nurse became an entrepreneur
Jia Tian has shared that he is mostly self-taught, having learned the method of making soap in the cold process on his own when he started the business.
The cold process allows you to better control the ingredients, such as the types and quantities of oil that is included in the final product. “Our team spends time experimenting with these formulas to create soaps with different properties,” he said. The soaps are handmade and made in Singapore.
The business creates and sells bar soaps and these have remained the best sellers and customers ’favorites.
Some of its bestsellers are Mint Rose and Saffy Fields soaps, valued at S $ 9.50 for a 110 g block. The ingredients are clearly stated on the website so that consumers know what goes into the products. For example, Mint Rose soap contains a blend of flower, herbal and citrus essential oils with dried herbs like rosemary leaves.
Rough Beauty developed a line of liquid soap products after the success of its soap bars. “The specialty of our liquid soaps is that we also make soaps from scratch, which is unlike many commercially mass-produced products,” said Jia Tian.
Rough Beauty uses only natural ingredients for the scents and colors of soaps. For example, it touches essential oils and does not create odor oils.
Soap odors are generated through an internal R&D process and customer feedback is often cited when formulating new products.
Sustainable production line
Rough Beauty said it is committed to sustainability and that is seen in the day-to-day operations. On the one hand, their soaps can be donated to the paper of the magazine if customers choose a low-waste option when paying.
“We keep our packaging simple to reduce the materials used. We use recyclable materials, such as paper and cardboard, to package our products. We also reuse bubble wrap from our supplies and donations, ”Jia Tian said.
It also produces small batches of soap on demand to reduce waste.
“We make an effort to achieve sustainable ingredients. For example, we use sustainable palm oil in our production. We also sell our soap tips (pieces of soap that are cut from the ends of soap cakes) and we also sell soaps that don’t make quality cuts so you don’t lose soap, ”Rough Beauty said.
The brand wants to implement its philosophy of “living easily and carefully” through its offering. “Our vision is to promote awareness in everyday life, and we see simplicity as part of this process. We want our products and packaging to reflect that character, ”he added.
“We also use botanicals and natural ingredients in our soaps. Once produced, our soaps are also cured to achieve the best conditions for the best cleaning experience. ”
Reuse bottles and sell packs to fill
Bar soaps usually take about a month to be used by a single person. To help it last longer, Jia Tian recommends storing soaps in a soap-draining container between uses.
Due to its natural ingredients, it is recommended to use soaps within four to six months, as the scents of the essential oil disappear over time. They can still be used for cleaning and last for several years.
Rough Beauty’s e-commerce store offers shipping and auto services. He also opens his studio at Sin Ming Lane on Friday to walk around and make an appointment.
A pack of 500 ml liquid soap costs a little less at around S $ 29.00 compared to the same amount as a $ 32.00 bottle. “Customers can purchase our products without packaging or to fill their packaging,” Rough Beauty said.
Business gifts and wedding gifts
In the midst of the pandemic, Rough Beauty increased its demand for soaps as a care package for front-line employees and as a business gift. Most orders are in the hundreds and can range from soaps to sets or batches.
“Soap offers something as practical and different as a business gift to customers to give to business partners or employees,” Jia Tian said.
The brand also sells wedding favor packages within its product line, following the demands of customers.
“Couples usually go for soaps in the middle of the bar. As part of our customization packages, customers can choose colors, designs, scents and even include custom labels, ”he added.
The company also runs a soap subscription club to keep its loyal customers in touch with the latest scents and products. Today, the brand has several dozen members in this club and they have long been fans.
“Our Rough Beauty soap club has been a favorite way for Rough Beauty enthusiasts to consistently put our soaps in their hands. Our soap club ships products every two months and customers can choose from two to five soap bars, and use depends on individuals,” Rough said. Beauty.
Pandemic challenges, focusing on more products
Regarding the business impact of the pandemic, Jia Tian said Rough Beauty should suspend its soap making workshops for all health and safety reasons.
“We are learning to deal with it as a company and that means dealing with the pain that comes with it. We are still receiving inquiries for the workshops and hope to return soon, ”he said.
Covid-19-induced supply chain disruptions also affected the business and forced it to deal with unexpected changes in demand and supply.
On the plus side, the pandemic prompted the introduction of its own range of disinfectants. The series comes with Rough Beauty’s signature scents like Cedar Woods and Geranium Reefs. There has been good customer feedback and reception for these products, Jia Tian said.
In the short term, Rough Beauty will focus on expanding its product range.
“We want to continue to bring new products to our supporters and we now have some products up and running. We rely on the opinions of our customers on what products you would like to sell. For example, we recently introduced our face bar, which is made up of a smooth, fragrance-free soap formula, something our customers demanded, ”Jia Tian said.
Another highly sought after item is the working hair shampoo series. The brand is currently creating the right formula that combines effective cleansing and the values of Rough Beauty. This year-end series is on its way to launch.
Looking for a purchase offer? Get $ 20 discount your request VP Label When you pay with peace and code PACEVP20 (spent at least $ 80).
Featured Image Credit: Rough Beauty, Sabrina Shares
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