This booth at the one of kind show caught my eye because of the gorgeous “cupcakes” on display. Why is the word “cupcakes” in quotations? Well because the company at the booth sells bath and body items! That’s right, these delicious looking delicacies were actually solid bubble bath! I was so intrigued with the products that I contacted Angela about her company Whipped Cosmetics to find out more.
Angela’s Story:
I started the company in 2001 from my kitchen. It started out as a hobby when I had learnt how to make soap from my grandmother. I was fascinated with the fact that you can make something amazing for your skin with everyday cooking ingredients. I started making soap and making more and more. I did a small craft show and got an amazing response. Soon enough I had people wanting to buy more! I continued doing various craft shows and trade shows and have expanded from there.
What was it that motivated you to start your business?
I always enjoyed creating things since I was a young girl. Art and Home Ec were always my favorite subjects in school. I was working in the financial field at the time, probably the least creative job there is! I would come home and make soap. I used to do it as a hobby and when it turned into an obsession I knew I could take it further.
What was the inspiration for your products?
I am inspired in everyday life. Whether it’s a food, a word, a colour or a scent I find that my best ideas are things I love.
If you weren’t creating this line of products what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t working on my line of products I would probably be a flight attendant. I love to travel and meet new people.
What do you think makes your products/line so unique?
Our line of products are different than many which are currently on the market. We pride ourselves on the fact that every single item is handmade from scratch, we don’t use any pre-made bases. We have a little bit of a funky twist. There is a story behind our logo lady. She is smart, sweet, funny and flirty with a little wild side. I believe that she incorporates our many moods. You may be in the mood for a relaxing bath filled with the sweet scents of whipped vanilla frosting or a good exfoliating scrub with Lavender buds and one of our signature scent blends.
Can you take me briefly through your creative process?
I usually have a backwards way of developing a new product. First I will think of a name and story to the item and work from there. Our “Yoo Hoo.. Cabana Boy” soap as an example. That name reminds me of sitting on a beach in the warm sun, a slight breeze filled with the scents of suntan lotion and a tropical slushie drink. All of a sudden we have got a great story happening.
Describe what a typical day is like for you
Well I can surely say that no two days are the same. I usually start by checking my emails and planning the day. What needs to get made today? Working on sourcing some new packaging? I tend to work later in the day. I am definitely not a morning person. I would stay up working till 3am any day of the week before waking up at 7am. I usually head down to the work shop and see what needs to be done. All of this is done while juggling a toddler! lol
What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
I think the most challenging part is maintaining a positive outlook on both business and life. You aren’t always going to develop products that work the way you want them to and you just have to keep going. Sometimes the best ideas come from mistakes. We still have a long road ahead of us with many obstacles to face but somehow if you remind yourself that things aren’t always as bad as they seem at the time, they usually sort themselves out.
Do you have any advice for others out there looking to pursue their artistic or creative dreams?
I think if you are waking up every morning to do something that doesn’t make you happy then you should be thinking of other things that do. I truly have a passion for what I do and can’t imagine my life any other way. Sure it would be nice to “clock out” at 4pm and not think about work till the next day but then I wouldn’t be doing what I love. When your hobby turns into an obsession that consumes more time in the day than anything else, you’re on the right track.
What is your best selling product at the moment and why do believe it’s doing so well?
Our best selling product would have to be our Tub Cakes. We have been making them since 2002 and have been one of our most popular items to date. Somehow people never seem to tire of them. They are a solid bubble bath shaped as a cupcake. They are the Cadillac of all bath treatments. They fizz, foam, and bubble and moisturize your skin too! They come in 8 mouth watering scents including Whipped Frosting, Pink Cupcake, Bubblegum, and Blue Raspberry. These puppies are truly addictive!
What new products do you have in mind for the line?
We are currently working on a full line of mineral makeup which should be making its debut this summer. It is a line of natural cosmetics without the use of paraben preservatives and animal testing. We don’t test any of our products on animals, only family and friends! lol
This line of cosmetics has been in the works for about three years now. I am a bit of a perfectionist with product development and they have to be just right.
You can find Whipped Cosmetics on their website.
Thank you Angela for taking the time to answer my questions! Looking forward to the mineral makeup line and can’t wait to get my hands on one of those yummy looking Tub Cakes 🙂
As an aside – I made an error on my review of the Avon ExtraLasting Foundation – turns out the colour I had wasn’t Light Beige but Natural Beige! No wonder it was so dark for me!