The Gourmet Soap Chef: OUR STORY

INTERVIEW WITH: A. J. Abbley (Owner of The Gourmet Soap Chef)

by Merchants.com   (Aug. 2011)

Why did you start your business?

In 2004, I started researching "soap" because I felt my skin was not being properly nourished using commercial soap bars. Since that time, I have become somewhat of an "expert" on clean skin, because skin is on duty protecting the body every minute of the day. Skin is also our first line of defense against infections and attacks on well being.

In order to help the skin stay nourished, soft and supple, it really has to be taken care of (this rule applies to males and females alike). I've discovered, in order to prevent "wrinkles" from controlling skin now and in the future, soap should at least contain olive oil or aloe vera. These two ingredients help control skin cancer (from sun bathing). The aloe vera will heal the skin and the olive oil will help moisturize and nourish the skin. So, since skin covers the body from head to toe to help the body control the defense system against germs, I wanted my skin to be really clean. If skin is clean…the body will be healthy.

During my research, I discovered some commercial soap companies are putting fats, chemicals, hardeners and the like in their moisturizing bars. The FDA won't even let these companies call their bars "soap"...they are called moisturizing bars. Well, I didn't want those chemicals on my skin. So, I opened The Gourmet Soap Chef, and decided to give people custom soap bars that are pure and organic in nature. My company soap bases are made with vegetable oils and contain no animal by products, hardeners, detergents or filler such as wax or alcohol. In addition, all of my company soap bars are CUSTOM made to order, and no two bars are alike. Small imperfections in my soap bars are not flaws, but bring out the handcrafted quality of custom made soap. I also use 100% pure essential oils for constant aroma...as well as FDA cosmetic approved fragrance oils in today's popular aromas.

The Gourmet Soap Chef offers "gourmet decadence"...and if you...
 "Enjoy the Decadence...your skin will thank you!! "

What makes you different than other similar businesses in your community?

Each year, The Gourmet Soap Chef offers our Artistic Nutcracker soap bars to Ballet Companies to sell as a fundraising item during their Nutcracker ballet performances. During the Christmas holidays, the Nutcracker is presented across the United States by Ballet Companies. We offer our "Nutcracker" soap bars "at cost" to ballet companies, so they can raise money for their organization. Being a past President and Past Assistant Governor of  Rotary International, I sincerely believe in "Service Above Self".

What do you like most about your community?

Ashburn Farm is a very progressive community. I've only lived in this community approximately 3 years, but the infrastructure has more than doubled since my arrival. New shopping malls and theaters have opened two-fold in this area. I also enjoy being so close to Dulles Airport, and I'm approximately 30 minutes from Washington DC. It's a wonderful community to create a brand, and establish a new business in these hard economic times. (end)

Owner: A. J. Abbley

7 years in operation!