Meet Monica Gomez | Artisan Soap Maker & Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Gomez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first began making soap in 2016, I had no idea that this would become what it is today! Initially, I started making soap for my family because we suffered from sensitive skin. The commercial products offered in retail stores and products prescribed by a physician weren’t working for us, so I turned to the internet to do my research. I found lots of information online to help with our skin sensitivities, pointing me towards handmade soaps. Initially, I thought, man, this is a lot like cooking, which I consider to be one of my favorite things to do, aside from making soap, of course. So down the rabbit hole I went, and here we are after lots of research and many test batches, I fell in love with the craft of soapmaking. I began giving soaps as gifts to my friends and family during holidays, and whenever I had new creations, I wanted to get opinions about them. Then I started getting messages asking me if I had any more of those soaps I had gifted them and if I could make them a batch for a special occasion. It wasn’t until 2019 that I decided, hey, maybe I should share my soaps with the rest of the world too! And thus, YansaGarden.com was created.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from everyone else is the time and commitment I put into my social media platform. I have spent a lot of time balancing social media with the business side of things, making sure everything was aesthetically pleasing, educational, and informational, adding personal touches to it, and letting people know the human side of the business. When I started in soap, it was because of people, initially just my family. When it evolved, it was because of people, friends, and family requesting more. The common factor has always been the personal aspect of the experience. As the journey has evolved into a business, I wanted to ensure that the element that got me to where I am today always remained.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the best life choices I ever made was moving to the Treasure Coast. There are so many things to do here, from beautiful beaches to nature hikes, to dinner at excellent restaurants. Geographically speaking, both South Florida and Orlando are only an hour and a half away; there are many different options to choose from out there. One of my favorite outdoor activities on the Treasure Coast is watching the sunrise at “Jetty Park” in Ft. Pierce.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thanks to all the soapers from which I have obtained bits of knowledge throughout the years. The soap-making communities online have been instrumental in my growth. Shoutout to my family’s sensitive skin; I probably would not have started this journey without it. My husband and children have supported me from the very beginning. They trusted me with their precious skin, and I couldn’t let them down. They push me to be the best version of myself daily, and for them, I am eternally grateful.

Website: https://www.yansagarden.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yansagarden/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yansagarden