Meet Brittany Guerra | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Guerra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The inspiration to start my own business stemmed from my father, who transformed his life from a rough past that involved selling drugs in multiple states and serving time in prison to becoming a successful small business owner in the air-conditioning industry. His journey of personal growth and entrepreneurship motivated him to encourage me to embark on a similar path. Having three children and a demanding job as a billing manager at the state’s largest structural engineering firm, the idea of starting a business initially felt like an unattainable dream. I lacked the necessary knowledge and financial resources, and I knew that air-conditioning wasn’t the right fit for me, even though my husband worked in the same industry.

Despite my explanations to my father, he persistently pushed me to pursue entrepreneurship and strive for more. As the years passed and my children grew older, I began to realize my desire for something more fulfilling for myself and my family. Determined to show my loved ones the power of hard work and dedication, I embarked on a journey to find my passion. Inspired by soap flowers received from a friend, I immersed myself in soap making through research and classes, discovering an instant connection to this craft.

The journey took a heartbreaking turn when my father passed away by suicide shortly after I started the business, leading me to question my motivations and face immense grief. I grappled with the emotional turmoil of continuing a venture that was closely tied to my father’s inspiration but also now to my deepest pain. Despite the overwhelming sadness and uncertainty about the future of my business, I realized the importance of persevering for my children, who were looking up to me as a guide on how to navigate loss and carry on.

Through the profound grief and challenges, I found the strength to carry on with my business, creating and promoting soap even on the hardest days. Despite the ongoing pain, I find solace in the belief that my father would be proud of my accomplishments and that I am setting a positive example for my children. Despite the loss of my father, mentor, and friend, I continue to nurture my business, seeing it grow to the point where local demand has kept me from shipping and my products are now stocked in two stores. In the midst of the lingering pain, I find a sense of peace in knowing that I was honoring my father’s legacy and providing a source of strength and resilience for my children.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
At Enchanted Moon Soapery, we take pride in our commitment to selecting natural ingredients that are responsibly sourced and consciously chosen for their quality and sustainability. Our soap-making process involves using the cold process method, which combines sodium hydroxide with oils and butters to create luxurious and nourishing bars of soap. Each batch of soap is carefully cured for six weeks to ensure optimal quality and performance.

We prioritize the use of essential oils in our products, steering clear of fragrance oils that may contain a multitude of synthetic chemicals. By opting for essential oils, we maintain a focus on natural and pure ingredients that not only provide delightful scents but also offer potential therapeutic benefits for the skin and senses. Our dedication to using only the finest ingredients and crafting our products with care reflects our commitment to creating high-quality and environmentally conscious skincare solutions for our customers.

One of the most significant lessons I have learned on this journey is the importance of taking action and starting to create without being held back by fear or self-doubt. We often expend a great deal of energy worrying about potential obstacles or competition from others in the market. However, it is crucial to remember that what sets us apart is our unique perspective, designs, and ideas that cater to the specific needs and desires of consumers.

As small businesses, we play a vital role in offering genuine variety and authenticity to our customers, particularly in an era where choice can sometimes seem like an illusion. Consider the reality that many well-known brands, such as Dove, Lux, Sunsilk, and others, despite appearing as distinct entities, are all owned by a single conglomerate like Unilever. Similarly, Pantene, Herbal Essences, and Head & Shoulders, are all under the umbrella of Procter & Gamble.

By understanding this dynamic, we can appreciate the significance of small businesses in providing truly unique and independent options in a market where larger corporations often dominate under various brand names. Embracing our uniqueness and boldly sharing our creations allows us to stand out and make a lasting impact in a competitive landscape.

If there’s one message I want to share with the world through my story, it’s that regardless of how challenging your upbringing was or how limited your opportunities seemed, each one of us has the responsibility to play the hand we’ve been dealt and transform it into a winning one. This is not about seeking validation or approval from others, but about fostering personal growth and the evolution of our souls.

It’s about understanding that your presence makes the world a better place, and that you possess the strength to navigate through life’s most intense storms, heal your wounds, and break generational curses. You can be the change your family has been waiting for across generations. By daring to believe that you can make a difference, you might just change the world and in the process inspire others to do the same. Despite the hardships, never underestimate your potential to rise above challenges and make a lasting impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My husband is of Hispanic heritage, which has enriched my perspective of Phoenix through the lens of Chicano culture. Whenever we have visitors, we relish the opportunity to show them around in our 1963 Impala wagon. On the first Sunday of each month, we partake in a car cruise at the South Plaza in South Phoenix, where a varity of classic cars and low riders are on display. Following that, we would head to Prescott to explore the historic courthouse and Whiskey Row. My maternal lineage traces back to cattle ranchers, and I would make sure to take our guests to my Uncle Jason’s place to meet his cherished roping horse, One Eyed Willy. If the weather permits, a day at Fossil Creek would be delightful! For meals, The Chuck Box in Tempe would be our go-to for scrumptious burgers, and to see the portrait of my grandfather photographed by Jay Dusard!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I attribute a significant portion of my success to my husband, Rito who has been unwavering in his support since the moment I shared my dreams with him. From the very beginning, he stood by my side, cheering me on and believing in my vision without a hint of doubt. His support has been a constant source of strength, with his presence at every market and store opening, his willingness to try every bar of soap, and his assistance in setting up at farmers’ markets. During the challenging time of my father’s passing, he stood as my biggest pillar of support, offering comfort and encouragement when I needed it most. I am truly grateful for his unwavering belief in me and his steadfast dedication to my journey as an entrepreneur, wife and mother.

I am also immensely grateful to Caruso Turley Scott, the structural engineering firm where I began my professional journey at the age of 19. Since the day I walked through their doors as a 20-year-old, the individuals at this firm have been a constant source of support and encouragement. Despite my youth, vulnerabilities, and lack of experience, they recognized potential in me and took a chance by providing me with opportunities to learn and grow. The team at Caruso Turley Scott not only taught me valuable skills in marketing and accounting but also played a significant role in shaping both my professional development and personal growth. They became like a family to me during a time when I felt alone, lifting me up and guiding me towards success. Their belief in me and their unwavering support have been instrumental in my journey as an entrepreneur, and I am truly thankful for their mentorship and camaraderie.

I am also deeply grateful to my father, whose tough love, honesty, and resilience have been invaluable lessons that shaped who I am today. His hardships and unwavering support have taught me perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. I am thankful to my mother for instilling in me a sense of strength and tenacity that has guided me through difficult times. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to my grandmothers, whether by blood or not, who welcomed me with open arms when no one else did. Their unconditional love and support provided me with a sense of belonging and security during times of uncertainty. Each of these individuals has played a significant role in shaping my character and supporting me on my journey towards success.

Website: www.enchantedmoonsoapery.com

Instagram: @enchantedmoonsoapery

Facebook: @enchantedmoonsoapery

Yelp: Enchanted Moon Soapery

Image Credits
Taken by me 🙂