This Friday marks a significant milestone for Jessica Gallardo and her business, SageHouse Bath and Body. For the past five years, Jessica has been passionately handcrafting an array of natural bath and body products that cater to individuals who like her struggle with sensitive skin and a yearning for natural remedies. Nestled at 312 N. Main, SageHouse has not only become a local haven for holistic wellness but also a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and community support.
Jessica’s entrepreneurial adventure began right at home when she stumbled upon an online video showcasing the art of soap-making. With her own sensitivity to commercial products, she decided to try making soap herself. As she shared her handmade soaps with friends and acquaintances, the demand for her creations grew rapidly. Motivated by the overwhelming positive response, Jessica tested herself by selling her products at pop-up shows and events to validate her concept and gauge public interest in her natural skincare alternatives.
At SageHouse Bath and Body, every batch of soap is handmade and then cut into individual bars of soap. Each batch consists of around 24 bars, amounting to approximately 5 pounds. It takes Jessica a couple of hours to create a single batch, which then undergoes a 24-hour insulation period before being cut and placed on drying racks for 4 to 6 weeks. The result is a beautifully cured soap ready to be wrapped and displayed for customers to purchase.
For Jessica, the entire soap-making process is a form of art, this is where she expresses her creativity. Experimenting with fragrances, colors, and ingredients, she continuously strives to develop new and exciting products that captivate her customers. Listening attentively to her clientele’s feedback, Jessica tailors her soap creations to their preferences, ensuring a diverse range of scents for both men and women. From alcohol-infused soaps to those crafted with goat’s milk, her imaginative ingredients tantalize the senses and keep customers coming back for more.
One of the cornerstones of Jessica’s success has been her deep connection with the local community. She began forging partnerships with other businesses and participating in events within Kansas. These collaborations not only expanded the reach of her products but also fostered a supportive network that has contributed to her growth. Jessica firmly believes that her business thrives because of the community’s unwavering support, and she takes pride in having a positive impact on people’s health and well-being.
As Jessica celebrates her fifth anniversary, she humbly acknowledges that she is still learning and evolving as an entrepreneur. Each year has presented valuable lessons, teaching her to persevere through challenges and embrace her mistakes as opportunities for growth. She urges aspiring business owners to have faith in their visions and work tirelessly to bring them to fruition. Jessica’s unwavering determination and commitment to excellence have not only brought her success but also provided inspiration for others venturing into the world of entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, Jessica envisions expanding her business within the confines of her current establishment, allowing for more diverse product offerings. With a firm belief in the power of natural remedies, she hopes to continue providing customers with a wider range of wellness options. Furthermore, Jessica dreams of establishing a second location.