Meet Laura Alzubi | Small Business Owner | Scrub Studio Soaps

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

Hi Laura, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
It’s an interesting question and something I struggle with every day. The questions litter my mind- Why don’t I have sales? Do customers really like my items? Should I change things? Am I going to succeed?

It is really hard to know when to throw in the towel, but at the end of the day, you have to measure your personal happiness and WANTS vs. NEEDS. Is the business sustainable over time? Can I be a successful entrepreneur to the point where I can create balance with myself and my family?

The answer is I still don’t know. What I do know, is that I am working at my own pace, in hopes that my talents will shine through… where at some point, there will be no option to ‘give up’.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very proud of what I do, because I create all my soap and skincare products by hand personally. My vegan soaps are small batched and have been specifically formulated with natural oils, organic, or exotic butters. They are cold-processed which means they are created using the old-fashioned method, with cure times of 6-8 weeks. I love to make each slice look like a piece of art. I have expanded my line to include skin balms, lip balms, body butter, sugar scrubs, and bath salts. I love to research and create new items and love hearing ideas and feedback from my customers. I don’t take shortcuts. I am honest and make honest products. All my raw materials are made in the USA.

I am here today professionally because of the long path of growth and challenges in many aspects of my life.

I am a first-generation Italian, with both parents from small farms in Abruzzo, Italy. My parents literally came to this country with nothing but the shirts on their backs and became small business owners doing the one thing they knew how to do- make amazing Italian food. I spent the majority of my youth learning the ins & outs and working at the family restaurant business. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but that experience shaped me for years to come.

I have always had a very strong creative side that was like a hidden superpower. In 3rd grade, I created magazines inclusive of my designs for purses, clothing, hats, jewelry, and other fashionable items. I made purses and clothes for my barbies with my grandma. However, back in those days, “artistic” passions didn’t get you a stable job, so my dreams of being a fashion designer weren’t taken seriously. I pursued my love for science instead.

I earned a BS in Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona. I then spent the next 24 years in the field of science: first as a Microbiologist, then as a Forensic Scientist. I worked hard at the Crime Lab and learned a lot about myself over my 16-year tenure. The career allowed me to serve the community and do my part in assisting to solve crimes, however, I found that raising my two boys while working a demanding job and holding a side business was starting to take its toll. It was difficult to balance being a career woman, mom, entrepreneur, and wife.

Then, COVID hit. It hit our family (and the world) like a hurricane. We found ourselves teleworking, managing online school, and having to stay away from the people in our lives that we were closest to. During quarantine, it was hard to keep everyone sane and busy. Enter my 8-year-old son: “Mom, I think we should learn how to make soap and give it to homeless people”. Well, when your child has an idea like that, you don’t turn your back on it!

And we learned how to make soap. I was immediately hooked after one batch. It filled both my science cup AND my artistic/creative cup. I was making something useful, something beautiful. My son’s eczema disappeared. My mom’s psoriasis has improved. We now donate soaps to the homeless. We also donate proceeds from our sales to many worthy organizations.

I “retired” from the Crime Lab at the end of 2021, and am now expanding this little soap business, Scrub Studio Soaps. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done. However, my fear is slowly being replaced with excitement and clarity. Was I crazy to leave my career and pursue a passion? There was a lot of pressure, stress, and worry. I was worried I would fail, or worse create a financial burden on my family if I set out to pursue my passion.

I have learned along this journey of mine, mostly- that it may feel as if nothing really goes to plan… but it may have been the plan all along.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely hit Old Town Scottsdale for some really good food, activities, and mingling. Maybe a staycation at the Saguaro Scottsdale for some fun flair- and walk to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Swing by Arcadia Farms Cafe for an amazing lunch. Old Town has some unbelievable shops- I would shop all day! Another day, if the weather was decent, I would take my friend for an amazing hike at Piestwa Peak. The views are excellent, and the reward would be dinner out at the Rokerij. An amazing atmosphere with a delicious menu. Perhaps afterwards, calls for craft cocktails at the rooftop bar Don Woods -Say When, to see the beautiful city lights. I would also plan for a day-trip! Sedona is my favorite spot. Jeep tours, trolley rides and hiking with spectacular views. Shopping, wine tasting, and maybe a trip to the spa. My favorite place is Amara Resort & Spa for a relaxing, mindful stay. Of course you can’t leave without an amazing margarita and authentic Mexican food from 80Agave Cantina.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family. I start with my 8-year old son who came up with this idea, and enjoys going with me to markets to promote my items. Branching to my older son who helps me set up for the markets and runs some of the finances. My husband is my business counselor and soundboard for many of my business choices… he is also my fragrance manger (he just doesn’t know it yet!). My brother has been an inspiration as a lifelong entrepreneur and has helped me create my website and vision. Both my parents have supported me in every way they can- from helping make products to creating essential equipment for my business.

My Friends. I have such an amazing supportive group of friends that have really helped me expand my business. Those willing to write reviews, make unboxing videos, and recommend me to their own friend circles. They are willing to listen to my failures and lend me an ear when I need it.

Other small business owners. I am also so thankful to have met so many other small business owners along this path. I have learned so much about myself and my business simply by being around the market ‘experts’. The kind of people who really want to give the win to the next person. The kind of people who you want to share this journey with.

Website: www.scrubstudiosoaps.com

Instagram: @scrubstudiosoaps

Twitter: @scrubstudiosoap

Facebook: @scrubstudiosoaps

Other: tiktok – @scrubstudiosoaps