Small Business Spotlight: Magnolia Soap and Bath Company
Being a small business owner is a tough job! That’s why we feature a different small business in our Small Business Spotlight every month. Today we visit Magnolia Soap and Bath Company in Lancaster.
Gracious. Southern Charm. Wholesome.
These are just a few of the words Ben and Lindsay Williams use to describe their business Magnolia Soap and Bath Company in Lancaster. The company began life in Mississippi just seven years ago when the founder was seeking healthier soap alternatives for her daughter’s sensitive skin. This fall, the company’s 43rd location opened in Lancaster where an impressive following has already begun to grow.
A tour of the store is a feast for the senses and the sensibilities. Nearly every product sold here is made in-house using only a handful of ingredients that are safe and gentle on the skin. Beautifully displayed bars of soap resemble small works for art and smell like them too. From bright solids to marbles and paisleys in rich tones of every color of the rainbow, at Magnolia there is no need to sacrifice beauty and aroma for quality and safety.
There are also colorful shower and bath bombs to choose from as well as shower oil, soy candles, beard products, shampoo and conditioner bars, bath salts, room spray and more. With scents for men, women and kids, they literally offer something for the entire family. Using all-natural plant-based ingredients makes their products safe and easier on the skin than most other brands. They even have a medicinal line for those with skin issues and trouble relaxing or sleeping. Hunters will be pleased to know they can get a completely aroma free soap in blaze orange and mechanics will find a soap especially for them too.
While customers can simply choose from the products on display, there are opportunities to be hands-on as well. Individuals, families, coworkers and friends are invited to come in for pouring parties. Customers can use one of the popular scents on hand or can mix a custom scent. “We believe it’s important to give people more than something to buy. We want to give them an experience too,” Lindsay explained. “We had a family come in to pour soap and each member of the family got to help with a step in the process. They created a custom scent so they left here with eight bars of their family’s own soap. It was such a sweet thing to watch and to know they’re making memories with us.”
Ben and Lindsay are Lancaster natives who felt called to contribute to the growth of their hometown but wanted to bring just the right kind of business to the community. Lindsay spoke fondly of visiting her dad’s hometown in Mississippi where she discovered the Magnolia brand. “I was a customer for years before inquiring about franchising opportunities,” Lindsay explained.
The pair have some experience with franchising as owners of the Steak and Shake in town. Armed with a business degree from Ohio University, Lindsay was eager to put her education to work in running a business. After much prayer and research, it was still a leap of faith to make this kind of investment but the couple believed Magnolia would be good for their community.
They signed the franchise papers in May and opened their doors on September 29 after just a few months of searching for and remodeling their Ety Road space. They credit the kindness of others for helping them get started. That list includes family and friends as well as Magnolia’s neighbors at The Shops At Ety Village who consistently send customers their way.
“People walk in and smile and tell us that Lancaster needed this. We wanted to be proud of what we do and of what we can provide our community so it is affirming that people like it as much as we do,” Ben said.
Lindsay said she loves the products but she believes the store represents more than meets the eye. “Small town life, hospitality, kindness, getting back to our roots. These are things people long for today. When people find out it’s lye soap, they brighten up. They’ll tell us their grandma used to make lye soap. It’s meaningful to people.”
With two young children at home, two businesses to run and roles as pastors at The River on Coonpath Road, the Williams’ are busy but excited for what the future holds. They say that Magnolia is a company that cares, pointing out that the company has a fundraising theme for each month. With the Hope In Soap program, each store sells a custom scented soap to benefit a local charity of their choice. That charity will receive one hundred percent of proceeds from the sale of that month’s soap.
Meanwhile, they have fun playing with the science behind their business to create new scents in pretty colors and striking designs. “People want to use something that’s better for them but they don’t want to sacrifice amazing scent or pretty packaging to do it. We are where good-for-you meets the pretty stuff. For example, Fairytale is a scent from their kids line. With a citrusy floral scent, the pinks and golds are swirled together and the bar is cut to resemble the shape of a castle.
“People don’t want to put a lot of chemicals on their body but they still want something that smells nice and we are excited to give Lancaster that option. Some of our customers are avid fans of the shampoo and conditioner bars because they’re better for the environment and they don’t make a mess when you travel with them. Some have psoriasis and find that our whipped butters can help. Everyone loves our products for different reasons,” Lindsay explained.
What to know more? Stop by and see them or get in touch! Magnolia is located at 1372 Ety Rd. NW Suite B in Lancaster. They are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For news and inspiration, follow them on Facebook or call 740.277.7103.
Having an event? Magnolia can help with custom party favors, bridesmaid boxes, gift baskets and more! They are also excited to work with local organizations on fundraising projects.