BUSINESS FEATURE GTX Soapshop Local chef channels creativity into soap making W hen COVID-19 put Tara Smith’s culinary career on hold, she decided to put her creativity and passion into a new form of nourishment.
BY HUNTER TERRELL
moving and hopefully expanding their soap-making undertaking. Smith said with the help of her web- site and social media, GTX Soapshop does orders nationwide. However, she hopes to gain support from her local community. “We are named GTX Soapshop for a reason,” Smith said. “I really want to embrace this community and support like-minded small businesses.” GTX Soapshop’s products, includ- ing bath bombs, bar soap, lip balms and salt scrubs, are available for purchase at Sugar Mommy’s Bakery in downtown Georgetown. Additionally, local customers can order online but opt for pickup at Sugar Mommy’s instead of shipping. “Sugar Mommy’s has been very supportive in our journey, and I hope we can
“Soap making is a lot like being in the kitchen for me,” Smith said. “It’s trading your sense of taste with sense of smell, but it still makes you feel good.” Smith was with her partner, John Larkin, when the idea to start her own business came to her. “I found a soap mold at his house one day [in 2020], and I have been doing it ever since,” Smith said. Because her products do not use chemicals commonly used in soap making, Smith is able to use a hot process, allowing the soaps to be mixed, set and ready to use in about 24 hours. Smith said her products use natural ingredients such as grapeseed oil, coconut oil and goat’s milk, which are bene cial for skin. Larkin said after one time using GTX Soapshop’s products, people notice a di erence in the softness of their skin. The base of her soaps can be combined and customized depending on what each customer wants. “Being able to customize and be creative with your product will help us stand out,” Smith said. The couple is in the process of
Tara Smith and John Larkin are the lather gurus behind GTX Soapshop. (Photos by Hunter Terrell/Community Impact Newspaper)
Among the products GTX Soapshop makes are bath bombs.
GTX Soapshop’s customizable products use natural ingredients.
Hot process uses external heat to bring the soap to gel phase, where it is then poured into the mold. Just like Tara Smith makes soap for her business, GTX Soapshop, out of her house using a hot process, members of the community can experiment by making small batches of soap at home. Here is how. HOW TO MAKE HOT PROCESS SOAP
continue to work together,” Smith said. Smith said her favorite scent is Beach Hippie. “It has the
“I REALLY WANT TO EMBRACE THIS COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT LIKE MINDED SMALL BUSINESSES.” TARA SMITH, CO OWNER OF GTX SOAPSHOP
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Cut soap base—a mix of lye, water, glycerin and oil—into cubes. Place in a heatproof container and melt in a double boiler or microwave on medium-high heat. Add any petals and essential oils. Stir well.
Pour the soap into the mold, and spray the surface with isopropyl alcohol. Once hardened, remove the soap from the mold. Store nished soap in a cool place.
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earthy smell of patchouli mixed with the fresh scent of the sand and saltwater,” Smith said. Smith and Larkin are exploring the possibility of o ering soap- making classes; selling natural deodorant; and having Smith’s daughters, Chloe and Brinley, con- tribute with their own “bath salt art.” “This is more than a hobby; this is what I want to do full time,” Smith said.
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GTX Soapshop 1215 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown (inside Sugar Mommy’s) 512-704-5942
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www.gtxsoapshop.com gtxsoapshop@gmail.com
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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