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Kim Jones - CEO of Urban Tranquility
During last years Soap Camp I had the opportunity to meet this months featured student, Kim Jones. She brought a relaxing element to the class. We soon coined the term “expressing your inner Monet” throughout the Soap Camp weekend. It was through the medium of soap making where those who had an artist side or not could showed their unique creativity. I am pleased to introduce to you Kim Jones the founder and owner of Urban Tranquility.
What classes have you taken with the Handmade Soap Coach?
I attended the Summer Soap Camp, Liquid Soapmaking Class as well as the Lotions and Creams Class
What made you decide to register for the class?
I was immediately interested in Soap Camp! 3 days of all things soap was just what I wanted in order to get myself into the world of Cold Process and Hot Process Soap making . I knew I had to attend.
What did you like most about the class?
I totally enjoyed the fun, encouraging, and creative atmosphere created by the Soap Coach. Our entire class bonded! I also liked that she shared her knowledge of soap making from the perspective of the hobbyist as well as the business owner. It was fantastic! Not to mention I was able to find my inner Monet (you’ll have to ask The Soap Coach about that)!!!
How did you first start making soapmaking?
I have had a love for essential oils for quite some time and sought different ways to bring my blends into the world. I started with creating body oils and eventually decided to try melt and pour soapmaking as the vehicle for the aromatic blends I was making. I found that I really liked the marriage of aromatherapy and soapmaking.
If you were already making body products what new products did you make after taking the class?
After my classes I have been able to add shower gels, lotions and creams to my product list.
Why did you decide to start a body care product business?
I decided to start a business because one – I wanted to help people have tranquility in urban settings instead of having to go to the country to get it and two – I was really burned out at my full time job at that time.
What inspired the name of your business?
I was attmpting to get information about an upcoming crafting event in Manhattan but I couldn’t find the info. Instead I was constantly directed to rural retreats with tranquil settings. I couldn’t afford a retreat and I didn’t want to go to a rural setting. I wanted tranquility where there was concrete and I just shouted “I need some Urban Tranquility” and that is how I got the name of my company.
What do you enjoy about making your own body products?
I enjoy the entire creative process. But really I enjoy seeing the smiling, relaxed faces of those who use the products.
Of all the soaps/products you make which one is your personal favorite and why?
Urban Tranquility Products
It’s hard to pick which of my products is my favorite. It’s like being asked to pick a favorite child. I love them all!! Right now I am using my Peppermint Eucalyptus Olive Oil Soap.
Do you have any plans or goals?
My goals are to continue expanding my product line, complete my aromatherapy certification program and to implement a strong marketing plan including social media.
How can people purchase your products?
My products can be purchased at my website www.urbantranquility.com and craft fairs throughout the tri-state area in the spring and summer.
What is your current professional career?
By day I am a Business Systems Analyst for a data warehousing software company. Yeah its very different than my evenings of creativity and yoga (smile).
Do you have any recommendations for others who may thinking about taking a natural personal care product class?
I say if you are remotely curious about taking a natural personal care products class to go ahead and take it! You will not only learn a great deal about how to make them but you will also find yourself surrounded by many like minded, creative people. Makes for a fantastic experience!
Do you have any advice for someone thinking about starting their own soap and/or bath and body beauty biz?
I have two pieces of advice to anyone thinking about starting their own soap and or bath and body beauty business. The first is to really identify your points of uniqueness and move from there, always maintaining what you love about making your products. The second is to make sure you understand the business aspects of being a business owner. I found taking an entrepreneurial training program offered by an SBA to be an amazingly beneficial program for me.
To learn more about the great products offered by Kim Jones by visiting her online web store Urban Tranquility. You will also see she is an Yoga Instructor as well as offers Belly Dancing classes where you can get your inner beauty on!
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