Every Monday, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Sam Johnson, who runs online venture Soap & Mhor from Tore from the Black Isle.
How and why did you start in business?
Raised in Dorset, I moved first to Helensburgh and then to the Uists, where I had a number of part-time jobs, as well as running a soap-making business – The Outer Hebrides Soap Shack.
I was given a soap-making kit containing everything needed to make 10 bars as a birthday present many years ago and loved it – learning something new and having something to show at the end of it.
The more I practised, the more soap I had and, despite giving it away to friends, family and passers-by, I ended up with boxes and boxes. The answer was to sell it but in a very small way.
The pandemic gave me the perfect opportunity. Zoom allowed me to meet website creators, branding specialists and graphic designers with ease.”
I then decided to move east to the Black Isle to live and work, and it immediately became obvious that using where you live – the Outer Hebrides in my case – in a business brand name can be a mistake. I closed that business and went into employment, working primarily in hospitality.
But I knew I was good at making soap, that people want honest, greenwashing-free, top-quality soap, free from false or misleading claims, and that I could make more environmentally-conscious and sustainable products than many on the market.
After a five-year break from the Outer Hebrides Soap Shack, I decided to start up again, launching Soap & Mhor in August 2020.
How did you get to where you are today?
Despite my previous experience, I put eight solid months into research and development to make sure I got it right.
The pandemic gave me the perfect opportunity. Zoom allowed me to meet website creators, branding specialists and graphic designers with ease. I also listened to business podcasts and watched YouTube videos.
Who helped you?
My friends and family have been incredible, and my partner, David, has kept me going through thick and thin.
Highland Business Women is a great source of inspiration and support, as have been the other small businesses I’ve met along the way.
Business Gateway and high street banks provide a wide range of resources completely free, while my journey would have been so much harder without the Federation of Small Businesses.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
No advice is bad advice – it may have just come at the wrong time. And store everything, because it might well be needed in a week, month or year’s time.
What is your biggest mistake?
Doubting myself and not promoting my business enough, especially in person. Stepping out of comfort zones makes the magic happen, so take that step.
What is your greatest achievement?
Winning the Highland Business Women’s excellence in sustainable development award this year.
It was a huge shock and honour to be shortlisted in my first year of operation, but to go on and win… it was such a lovely evening.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I’d make politicians listen to each other and the people they represent, and stop the incessant arguing. Winning small battles against other politicians seems more important to them than the good of the country, and that’s tragic.
What do you still hope to achieve?
To build on Soap & Mhor’s reputation as an authentic, top-quality, ethical and eco-friendly brand, with refill options. That is very important to me and we are also Vegan Society registered.
What do you do to relax?
Switch off my phone, spend time with friends and family, or go to the gym or for a walk. Whatever the weather, getting outdoors is always a positive experience.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on TV?
My reading tends to focus on work-related books or blogs, but I’m loving SAS Rogue Heroes on BBC1 and House of the Dragon on HBO.
What do you waste your money on?
Not a waste, but I do buy a lot of soap and skin care products from smaller producers – all in the name of research, of course.
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
Coffee – David leaves for work before I’m up, and he always leaves a cup for me next to the bed.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive A VW TRoc but would love an original Mini Cooper Works – it may lack the VW’s heated seats, but you can’t beat an old classic.
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