Somewhat Organic Soap Co. Sells Eco-Friendly Products Honestly

This Patch article is sponsored by Somewhat Organic Soap Co.

Established in 2010, Somewhat Organic Soap Co. is a Midwest company that is committed to making healthy, organic bath and beauty products for people looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Owners Neil Bastian and Kathie Dobrowolski are completely transparent when it comes to the ingredients they use to make their products — hence the meaning behind their company name. Lye, a necessary ingredient in crafting a bar of soap, is not certifiable as "organic," making it only "somewhat" organic.

However, customers love their honesty, as well as their promise to always guarantee products that are at least 85 percent organic. They offer products on their own website, Amazon, the Wheaton and Geneva French Markets and Geneva’s Little Traveler, along with other retailers in the Midwest.

Patch caught up with Neil and Kathie to learn more about their eco-friendly business:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Neil and Kathie: We started Somewhat Organic in late 2010, doing business initially in Illinois and Michigan.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in?

Neil and Kathie: We worked together over five years in sales for another company. We both had a passion for selling and had previously owned our own businesses. “Organic” was trending, so we decided to team up and try our hand at handmade organic bath and beauty products. We are both creators, crafters, builders and, most of all, have a passion for the healthy lifestyle.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in about five words, what would those words be?

Neil and Kathie: Sell safe, eco-friendly products honestly!

Patch: What's the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you've faced in your job?

Neil and Kathie: COVID-19 has turned our business upside down. People love to touch, smell and sample our products. That is close to impossible at this time where we need to protect ourselves from the virus. The safe shopping rules do not allow our customers to enjoy that experience at our outdoor markets or on retail shelves. We’ve overcome some of these challenges by safely passing out packaged soap shavings and Shea butter samples.

Also, when the entire country was in lockdown, our internet sales increased. Now with the tremendous loss of jobs and drop in family income, our sales have decreased considerably. We are trying to add that personal touch to our business dealings in a time when everyone needs to feel that their safety matters. Last of all, our holiday shows are either on hold or canceled for the rest of the year.

Patch: What's the most satisfying part of your job?

Neil and Kathie: Educating our customers about the value of using safe products on their body and then having them return and thank us for giving them high-quality products that make a difference on their skin. We had a man stop at our table in Wheaton and was very upset because his dog was chewing his paws bloody, wasn’t sleeping and was emotionally distressed. We convinced him to try our dog soap, which works great on grass allergies. He came back to us a while later and with tears in his eyes said, “You gave me my dog back.” These interactions make all the hard work of making good products worthwhile.

Patch: How would you say your business distinguishes itself from the others?

Neil and Kathie: We have a lot of competition online, in our markets and in retail stores. We want to be honest about what we produce, and being 100 percent organic is not entirely possible. We always guarantee at least 85 percent organic. We manufacture handmade soaps using the cold process. We also offer a large selection of Shea butter products. We choose ingredients that meet strict criteria that are minimally processed being as close to nature as possible. We try to use recycled containers and packaging. We take pride in protecting people, animals and the planet.

Patch: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Neil and Kathie: Love what you do. Love your customers. But, most importantly, give them excellent customer service and treat them the way you want to be treated.

Patch: Are there any new products or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Neil and Kathie: We have just debuted a new Tattoo Whipped Butter and a hand sanitizer that contains 80 percent ethyl alcohol with glycerin instead of aloe, which does not leave your hands sticky. We are also considering a line of CBD salves and butters.

In an effort to give back to our community, we ran two campaigns so far. We matched the number of bars sold on our website and donated them to Hesed House shelter in St. Charles. We plan to run more campaigns donating to other needy shelters in our area.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Neil and Kathie: We have the following dates scheduled at the Bensidoun French Markets located near the train stations in Wheaton (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Geneva (8 a.m.-2 p.m.).

Wheaton: Sept. 12 and 26, October/November TBD
Geneva: Sept. 13 and 27, October/November TBD

Abundant Blessings/St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 101 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174: Event date is usually mid-November. Plans still uncertain at this time due to COVID-19.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Neil and Kathie:
Neil@somewhatorganic.com
Kathie@somewhatorganic.com
Website: https://somewhatorganic.com/about-us/
Facebook: Somewhat Organic
Phone: 734-219-9339