2022 Most Stylish: The Soapery

Photography: Angela Hopper

A festival of fragrance, this boutique features intoxicating scents in hand-crafted bath and body products. Earth-friendly recyclables and refillables. Smell good, do good.

Entrepreneurial inspiration
Economic need! I was an over 40 single mom who had just been laid off. I was looking at soaps and bath bombs and was upset because I could not afford them. Then it dawned on me – I could make them and price them better! I knew nothing about merchandising, but I think my naivete is what made me a success as I broke into major markets such as Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.

Your brand in one sentence
I had a reviewer once say that if Strawberry Shortcake and Willy Wonka went into the soap business, this is what it would be.

South’s most stylish because…
We have created high-end products that are full of luxury, but kept in mind that everyone should be able to shop here. Products that are good for you shouldn’t be out of reach economically.

Finding inspiration
I find inspiration everywhere. In the ocean, walking in local parks, from clients who come into the shop, or simply a butterfly going past the window.

 Plans for the future
The business originated in Florida, but we were in love with Savannah. Both of us had deep roots in Georgia, and we wanted to make it home again. My husband James now works side by side with me, and we plan to expand but each store will have the same local feel, full of the southern hospitality you should expect.

Secret to success
While hard work certainly is part of the equation, I think part of our current success is my husband’s charm! He knows all the customers by name.

“Anyone can walk in and afford anything in our store. They get into the same luxurious quality as they would get in Bloomingdale’s without the high markup.”
– Owners Tracy and James Gunn

320 W Broughton St.,
Savannah, GA | 561.332.0622
thesoaperyusa.com

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