We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucy Resumil and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lucy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Soap making is a very complex process, it’s not as simple as just combining ingredients to your liking. It requires developing a formulation with a good selection of ingredients in the right percentages to get the perfect parameters of quality in your recipe. It also requires patience since each batch needs to cure for a minimum of 4 weeks before use.
Another important thing worth mentioning is that commercial soap bars are produced on a large scale with harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients, cheap fragrance oils and preservatives to extend their shelf life. Some of these products are marketed as “soap” but are not truly soap according to the regulatory definition of the word by the FDA. Most body cleansers, both liquid and solid, are actually synthetic detergent products. These cleansers are popular because they make suds easily in water and don’t form gummy deposits. Look at any commercial “soap” out there, is it being labeled as soap, or is it labeled as a beauty bar, cleansing bar or deodorizing bar?
The good news is that through time, we’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of acknowledging what we put in our body. We are moving away from products that have a high content of chemicals and preservatives that are detrimental to our skin.
I have developed a special formulation made with high quality natural ingredients and skin-loving oils that result in an exceptional soap bar. That, along with the attention to detail, unique scents, aesthetics and fine presentation make our soaps one of a kind, and most of all, we put the satisfaction of our customers as our top priority. All that combined is the secret behind the success of our brand.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For many years my life revolved around my professional career which is Clinical Psychology with a Master’s Degree in Child Psychology. But I must say that I have never felt more passionate than when I discovered the world of soap making and everything I could create for the benefit of my own skin as well as my family’s. After dedicating long hours of study, research, reading books and learning from the experts, I finally found the right formula to get the perfect balance in the quality of my soaps. We started using them at home and we quickly noticed the improvements in our skin. My eczema and the dryness of my skin disappeared! I then started to share with other family members, friends and neighbors, and their enthusiasm and positive feedback inspired me to start my small business.
It wasn’t easy to start as a business. There were too many steps to follow through from creating the company, getting the manufacture permits, insurance, equipment, etc. It’s been somewhat expensive, but it’s also been extremely fulfilling and that’s what happens when you do something that you truly love.
Even though the soap business is slow at the beginning, the key is to continue believing in yourself and in your products and to keep working with passion. I find the motivation each day to keep going and when I receive positive feedback from my clients, I realize that it’s all worth it.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many things to do around here that it’s almost hard to decide. We could drive around South Beach and admire the Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive and end up in Downtown Miami. Visit Wynwood and walk around this fascinating neighborhood full of art, enjoying the murals, galleries and food. Take a walk through Little Havana and experience Cuban culture from Miami and enjoy authentic Cuban coffee, pastries, mojitos and food. Visit Miami Design District and walk through its modern and artsy atmosphere, exploring its amazing shops and restaurants.
For fun, we can do the Everglades airboat ride or the Sightseeing Cruise around Biscayne Bay, where you can enjoy part of Miami from the water.
And of course, we cannot leave shopping behind. We would probably spend a couple of days visiting shopping malls like Aventura Mall, Sawgrass Mills, The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, etc.
For dining, we would visit a couple of my favorites restaurants in my neighborhood: Entretapas, where you can have a good wine and authentic Spanish tapas while enjoying a flamenco show in front of your table. Another favorite is Lucille’s Cafe with its 1940’s old-fashioned design and great American diner-style food.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The One True Soap and its owner Rocio Becerra, who inspired and motivated me in the journey of soap making. @theonetruesoap
Vavi Balloons and its owner Emilia Anzola, who is a source of inspiration with her good taste, high creativity and hard work. @vaviballoons
Website: https://www.lucylovesoaps.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucylovesoaps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucylovesoaps