Two Ravens Soap Company
Littleton, Colorado
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Jake, Two Ravens Soap Company
Hello There! I'm Jake! Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I moved to Colorado in 2008 after college and living a few years in Minneapolis.
I spent over 15 years in corporate management and was getting burned out and felt it was time for a new adventure. I've always had an interest in starting my own company. After a friend had turned me on to a local craft soap shop I was hooked and inspired! The soaps changed my mood, my day and my skin. Natural body care is where it's at!
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
Two Ravens signature item is our handmade soaps. Saponified oils of Olive, Coconut and Castor are the simple base ingredients we start with. Then we add the artistic touch that is clearly the Two Ravens signature. All products are palm oil free, vegan, phthalate and paraben free so you know you're getting a quality, skin-loving product.
The business and soaps came to be because I needed that new outlet after slaving away in corporate management. I was addicted to craft soaps, however, I thought the scent blends could be more unique, more high-end, and stand out from the rest. There wasn't a great selection for men either, and I knew I could fill that void. Women also weren't looking for only rose, or lavender, or jasmine, etc. They wanted something unique. Something interesting and with a Colorado and nature-themed vibe!
What makes your business unique to the industry?
Our style and scent options set us apart from the competition. I try to make the soaps look like a piece of art, yet reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains that surround me. Even if you don't live in Colorado, you're going to feel the vibe of nature within the scent and look.
As male soap business owners go, we're few and far between. It's fun being out at markets and people being surprised that I truly am the one who makes the soaps and owns the business. I definitely have a solid focus on the male demographic, but women love my soaps and body care products as well. My brand vibe is rugged and masculine, but my product line is a great mix for all!
Photo Courtesy: Jake Miller
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
Right now, I'm making all products out of our home. I'm pushing over 800 square feet that's currently dedicated to just the business, so I'm running out of space. The ball is rolling swiftly forward to getting me a store front/production space, so I'm just jumping through those hoops week by week. I feel that once I get space to produce more and gain more customers, I'll definitely be able to grow the brand.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
The biggest impact during COVID-19 is not being able to attend art/craft fairs locally. They're a huge source of income throughout the year, and at clutch times where web-sales are a bit lower. The balance of income works amazingly with these fairs sprinkled throughout the season and now they're non-existent. The biggest positive impact is that my website sales are booming and support for small, local businesses is in the forefront of peoples minds. I've had to change my daily routine to balance packaging/shipping orders, focusing even more so on social media, as well as keeping up with production. As a one-man show here, it can be overwhelming, but all for the better.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I love the reviews from customers. Seeing their faces at markets and creating "family" across Colorado and the other states for which I distribute. It's humbling to think that I've grown this brand in a short six years all by myself and have this overwhelming support from the community. Every time an order comes through the website and I recognize the name, it makes me think back to when I first met the customer somewhere and turned them on to my products. Then it's great to see new names and find out how they found the business and what scents are sure to be their new favorites.
What is your *must do* local activity?
For me, my must do activity is downhill skiing at Arapahoe Basin. With a season typically from October to June, and sometimes July 4th, I am able to get into the mountains, breathe the fresh air and get inspired for making more new scents or products.
I'm also a huge fan of the craft beer scene in Colorado and love to support my local tap rooms on the weekends. It's the best community vibe out there and you're always bound to run into someone you know, or meet new friends.
Where to find Two Ravens Soap Company:
Online: www.tworavenssoap.com
Instagram: @tworavenssoap
Facebook: @tworavenssoap