Hidden Gems: Meet Penny Roach of Penelope & Chadwick Soap Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Penny Roach.

Hi Penny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved bath and body products but, as someone with sensitive skin, they didn’t always love me. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown more concerned with the harsh chemicals, additives and preservatives and their possible adverse effects on my health.

In late 2017, I moved to Lee’s Summit from the Chicago area after helping my son move into college. I had always dreamed of owning a boutique-type shop, but being a single mother, I didn’t have the time or working capital to devote to a brick & mortar store.

Being new to the KC area, I spent a lot of time either volunteering with various charitable organizations in the Metro or practicing my skills as an artisan soap maker. I spent hours working with those in need, as well as perfecting my craft.

When the pandemic began and my company advised us to work from home, I was no longer able to volunteer in person. However, I could devote more time to soap making and I shared my products with family and friends, who urged me to go into business. Because I couldn’t participate in local farmers’ markets, I decided to open an online store instead.

My online store, “Penelope & Chadwick”, has been in business for almost one full year. In addition to soaps, I have added mineral bath soaks, moisturizing body oils, whipped body butters, tattoo aftercare, and beard oils to my collection. This platform has allowed me to donate money to a variety of charitable causes that help veterans, animal shelters, sick children, victims of sex trafficking, and the homeless in our area.

I’m very proud of the products, as well as the charitable work I have been able to do in spite of this pandemic.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with any large endeavor, there are going to be obstacles. My first obstacle was to identify my target market and their pain points. In doing so, I have been able to approach my business from a “servant perspective”.

The second obstacle was learning how to create a work/life balance as an entrepreneur. In my business, I create the products, perform the market research, photograph the products, manage the website, perform the accounting functions, fill the orders, perform inventory, etc. And this is all in addition to having a full-time day job!

It’s important to learn what is working and what isn’t and to have some flexibility and enjoy the process.

The only other struggle has been delays with shipments of ingredients and supplies on occasion, but I now have systems in place so that is no longer an issue.

We’ve been impressed with Penelope & Chadwick Soap Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Penelope & Chadwick is an online soap boutique. Each product is handcrafted by me, without any harsh chemicals or preservatives.

The products are made in small batches and are created to ensure a luxurious experience. I personally package each order myself and try to use recycled materials as much as possible. The goal is to create safe products that don’t leave a negative impact on our planet.

I also work with a different charitable organization each month, donating a portion of the sales directly to that group. I have worked with HopeFaithKC, RiseUpKC, Wayside Waifs, Lee’s Summit Cares, Missouri USO, St. Jude’s, Rachel House, and Happy Bottoms, to name a few.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I enjoy listening to Sue B. Zimmerman (the Instagram Expert), Virginia Kerr (This is Video School), and Sandi Krakowski. They have each given me so much wisdom and encouragement since starting this journey.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://penelopeandchadwick.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/penelopechadwicksoaps
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/penelopeandchadwicksoapstudio