Makers ~ Toni Michaels ~ Charlestown
Artist name: Toni Michaels
Shop Name: The Blue Sister
Website: Etsy.com/shop/TheBlueSister
Facebook: @thebluesister
Instagram: thebluesistersoap
1. Tell us about your work.
I’m a small batch maker of vegan artisan soaps; designing, mixing, and cutting one batch at a time in my home in Rhode Island. I make my soaps using the cold process method, completely from scratch using high quality butters and food grade oils. I then cure my soaps for 4-6 weeks before packaging them. I also enjoy making sugar scrubs, body sprays, bath truffles and bath salts.
2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
Yes! My sister and I are very close and from the time we were little she loved everything pink while I loved everything blue. We even made a pact that when we are old and grey she would dye her hair pink and I would dye mine blue, hence, I’m The Blue Sister!
3. How did you become a professional artist/crafter/designer.
Completely by accident! My youngest went off to college and I found myself with an empty nest. I decided to take a soap making class just for fun. Before I knew it I was hooked. My house was filled with soap, my friends and family had enough bars to last a lifetime, and no one could get in the kitchen because my equipment covered the counters. I turned into the crazy soap lady!
4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
I my find inspiration everywhere. The ocean, the forest, and my flower garden have inspired many a bar. But sometimes I simply come across a candle, shampoo, or delicious dessert and think, “I have to make soap that smells like that!”
5. What’s your favorite item to create?
I made a rubber ducky soap special for my grandson, but it turned out customers loved them too. I’ve since expanded the line to include mermaid, pirate, monster, unicorn, and holiday themed rubber duck soaps. I can’t make them fast enough and each time I complete a batch they always make me smile and giggle. They are just so cute!
6. What’s your best seller?
My Sunny Day soap. It looks and smells like a sunny day at the beach. Both Rhode Islanders and tourists love it. It’s a great Rhode Island memento that can be enjoyed year round.
7. How long have you lived in RI?
About 18 years with short stints in Singapore and Connecticut, though we have owned a home in South County during that time.
8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
I absolutely {heart} the gorgeous beaches and beautiful coastline!
9. Favorite Place to take out of towners.
Well again, the beach! But also Newport, Watch Hill, and my favorite restaurant Ella’s Fine Food and Drink in Westerly.
10. Any advice for new/ wannabe makers?
First, be passionate about your craft, love what you make and others will too. Watch lots of YouTube videos! There are so many wonderful artists who are kind enough to share their expertise. I’ve learned so much from them.
11. Please include anything else you would like to add.
I think everyone should be able to treat their bodies the way they were meant to be treated; with a little love from chemical-free products. Stores today are flooded with overpriced skincare products that are harmful to our bodies and our planet, and I truly believe that giving people environmentally friendly, affordable, and enjoyable bars of soap is a small step on the path towards a better beauty industry.
Shop Name: The Blue Sister
Website: Etsy.com/shop/TheBlueSister
Facebook: @thebluesister
Instagram: thebluesistersoap
1. Tell us about your work.
I’m a small batch maker of vegan artisan soaps; designing, mixing, and cutting one batch at a time in my home in Rhode Island. I make my soaps using the cold process method, completely from scratch using high quality butters and food grade oils. I then cure my soaps for 4-6 weeks before packaging them. I also enjoy making sugar scrubs, body sprays, bath truffles and bath salts.
2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
Yes! My sister and I are very close and from the time we were little she loved everything pink while I loved everything blue. We even made a pact that when we are old and grey she would dye her hair pink and I would dye mine blue, hence, I’m The Blue Sister!
3. How did you become a professional artist/crafter/designer.
Completely by accident! My youngest went off to college and I found myself with an empty nest. I decided to take a soap making class just for fun. Before I knew it I was hooked. My house was filled with soap, my friends and family had enough bars to last a lifetime, and no one could get in the kitchen because my equipment covered the counters. I turned into the crazy soap lady!
4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
I my find inspiration everywhere. The ocean, the forest, and my flower garden have inspired many a bar. But sometimes I simply come across a candle, shampoo, or delicious dessert and think, “I have to make soap that smells like that!”
5. What’s your favorite item to create?
I made a rubber ducky soap special for my grandson, but it turned out customers loved them too. I’ve since expanded the line to include mermaid, pirate, monster, unicorn, and holiday themed rubber duck soaps. I can’t make them fast enough and each time I complete a batch they always make me smile and giggle. They are just so cute!
6. What’s your best seller?
My Sunny Day soap. It looks and smells like a sunny day at the beach. Both Rhode Islanders and tourists love it. It’s a great Rhode Island memento that can be enjoyed year round.
7. How long have you lived in RI?
About 18 years with short stints in Singapore and Connecticut, though we have owned a home in South County during that time.
8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
I absolutely {heart} the gorgeous beaches and beautiful coastline!
9. Favorite Place to take out of towners.
Well again, the beach! But also Newport, Watch Hill, and my favorite restaurant Ella’s Fine Food and Drink in Westerly.
10. Any advice for new/ wannabe makers?
First, be passionate about your craft, love what you make and others will too. Watch lots of YouTube videos! There are so many wonderful artists who are kind enough to share their expertise. I’ve learned so much from them.
11. Please include anything else you would like to add.
I think everyone should be able to treat their bodies the way they were meant to be treated; with a little love from chemical-free products. Stores today are flooded with overpriced skincare products that are harmful to our bodies and our planet, and I truly believe that giving people environmentally friendly, affordable, and enjoyable bars of soap is a small step on the path towards a better beauty industry.
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