Love Lavishly, the handmade soap company, started by Anju Philip is more of a journey. Philip talks us through the start, the hurdles and where she is today with her dream project.
QH: What led you to start this business?
Philip: In 2018, I resigned from a well-established job, I had a lot of time to myself and wanted to do something that was useful for me and everyone around me. I was also battling a skin condition on my hands, and looking for an alternative to the dishwashing soap I was using, and it is there that I stumbled upon this concept of handmade soaps that are made safe for sensitive hands. So I worked out a good recipe that was effective and then there was no turning back. I was hooked to making all kinds of soaps. The journey never stopped – I am still learning and I still love what I am doing.
QH: What sets your company apart from other handmade soap manufacturers?
Philip: Though all handmade soaps everywhere are still soaps, each person’s recipe and designs are different. All our soaps are carefully researched, beautifully fragranced and creatively designed to make it the best soap to have, to use and to gift.
QH: Talk us through your learnings since you started.
Philip: It all started with finding an alternative to dishwashing soap. After many failed attempts, I finally stumbled on the right recipe which is still my base for all my other products till date. I’ve attended multiple online classes and one physical course to help me learn and finetune my soap journey.
QH: Organic ingredients cost more – and since your company aim is not to compromise on quality, how do you address the pricing aspect?
Philip: Soap making is an age-old practice and predates the introduction of commercial soaps during the industrial age, but it has become obsolete, mostly due to its pricing and availability. Hence, for reintroducing natural soaps into the commercial market, one must start from scratch. Prices have not moved down but only increased over time. But pricing our soaps too high will not help either the customer or us, as the manufacturer, and we have found ways to make it feasible for everyone without compromising on quality or purpose.
QH: What are your medium-term plans for the company – in terms of product diversification; in terms of quality certification; and in terms of making a larger product profile?
Philip: We’ve been in this market since 2018, all these years have not just given us not only the opportunity to know the market but also to build a good clientele. We’ve been featured in both print media and on air. To boot, we have a growing footprint on social media. This year, our target is to grow and make more noise about our products. We just got our company registered legally so that gives us the confidence to spread the love and fragrance amongst our clients and beyond. We are researching a new product and will soon introduce it into our stable. I have been certified by the government of India and our constant goal is to continue our innovation. Our journey into this world of soaps has just begun!
The diversified platter of six new products
- Liquid hand wash
- Body butters & creams
- Lip balms
- Sanitiser
- Dish wash soap
- Body scrubs
