Self-employment
Soap business cleans upPeople will pay big bucks to take care of their skin, as entrepreneur Ella Nunes has learned. "Pampering your skin is important because it must last a lifetime," she says. ROGER PIERCE |
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 [ 2006-08-09 ] |
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Aromatherapist Ella Nunes makes enivronmentally friendly handmade soaps.
Nunes owns Ella's Botanicals (), a growing company that makes and markets natural handmade soap products. Her popular products are found in boutique health food and beauty stores across Ontario.
A trained herbalist and aromatherapist, Nunes uses her creativity, extensive knowledge and passion for botanicals to create products that nourish the body and awaken the senses. Ingredients are carefully chosen and blended to balance therapeutic value with enjoyment.
People who buy her products are concerned about the impact of soap ingredients on the environment. "We always keep in mind how we affect our planet," Nunes says. "For example, we don't use palm oil in our soaps because we do not want to contribute to destroying rainforests."
With more than 10 years of experience, Nunes' handmade soaps are made with a combination of oils carefully chosen for their lathering and moisturizing properties. Premium oils such as almond, avocado and hemp are added at the end of the soap-making process to ensure that their healing properties are retained in each bar so they can work their magic on the skin.
In business for about a year, Nunes says she has always wanted to be her own boss. "I've been dreaming of it for a long time. It's a chance to apply my skills for my own benefit."
She says the best part of being an entrepreneur is "creating products for people to use and getting feedback from our customers." She also says the worst part of self-employment is "all the stress and responsibility piled on my shoulders."
Nonetheless, Nunes remains committed to her company's future. "We're planning to expand our product line to include liquid soaps, shower gels and baby care items."
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