Find out how Soap with Hope helps Endangered Species.

This week we interviewed Soap with Hope Creator Nikki. She talks about why she gives back to endangered species, why it’s important to avoid palm-oil and her exciting, new soap coming soon, check it out!

For everyone who purchased the November Change Box, you know we had an interview with the Good Polish Team. We love hearing all about these beautiful companies journeys as well as developing brand awareness and encouraging other small businesses to give back to causes that are important to them.

So, we will often pop-up interviews with brands in the box to let you know how they created their beautiful product and why they give back!

This week we interviewed Soap with Hope Creator Nikki. She talks about why she gives back to endangered species, why it’s important to avoid palm-oil and her exciting, new soap coming soon, check it out!

What motivated you to start Soap with Hope?

Soap with Hope started when I realised just how unsustainable and damaging beauty and bath products can be, as many contain palm oil, preservatives and use plastic bottles. Skin and shower products are such a crucial, everyday item that everyone uses, so purchases really make a big impact on overall demand. I also wanted to be sure that what I was using was made with quality, skin-nourishing ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals and detergents, while also being environmentally friendly once it goes down the drain. I therefore combined my 3 passions of soap making, the environment and animals to help spread the word about making more sustainable choices in every day life, while also donating these funds to endangered species.

What was the biggest challenge when starting Soap with Hope?

One of the biggest challenges was developing recipes for my soaps that aligned with SwH’s core values. For so long, palm oil has been a ‘staple’ ingredient to use in soap, as it helps create a nice lather, however it’s overuse in many products has created a devastating environmental impact. Some essential oils too come from endangered tree species, such as Sandalwood. I therefore had to formulate recipes which can substitute these undesirable oils with more sustainable, environmentally friendly options.

Why did you choose to donate a percentage of your profits to helping endangered species and their habitats?

I’m very passionate about animals, particularly helping threatened or endangered species. I have been a veterinary nurse for some time, and have recently completed my Bachelor of Zoology degree at the University of New England. During the course, my love for conservation grew, and it seemed only natural to give back to help as much as possible

What is your favourite part of running Soap with Hope?

My favourite part is being able to combine this fun, creative outlet with a small business. Soap making is such an enjoyable activity, and I love getting creative with the scents, colours, formulas and animals they are donating to. Having the ability to then sell these products to allow others to enjoy them, and donate funds is extremely rewarding.

What can we expect to see from you in the next year?

I’m really excited to expand my range of soaps, and develop more scents, uses and animals to donate to. I’m currently working on a new soap, due to release soon, which donates to an iconic Australian animal. In the near future, I hope to develop the brand to include more skin care items such as face masks, scrubs and shampoo bars.

Check out Soap with Hope at: http://soapwithhope.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/soapwithhope https://www.instagram.com/soap_with_hope/