High quality toiletries are a popular choice of gift because they add a touch of luxury to the everyday. At the Oxford Soap Company, the range of soaps, hand creams and bubble baths is made that bit more special by being handmade in small batches using locally-sourced ingredients. We spoke to founder Ervin Tomkys Valteri.
Tell us about what you sell
We sell a range of handmade soaps and cosmetics all made by me in Oxfordshire. Our moisturising soap bars and our shampoo bars are our most popular products, which is fab as these are zero waste. We also sell shaving soap, hand creams, face creams, body lotions, eye gels, bath salts, body butters etc.
How long have you been going, and what motivated you to start the business?
The business has been going for 10 years, and we opened our first shop in The Covered Market just over one year ago. It all started as a hobby for personal use. Both the weather and Oxford hard water dried out my skin and so I wanted to create a soap that helped.
What do you like best about being based In Oxford?
The Covered Market is a local gem and at Christmas time it becomes magical. There is a really good community spirit with people wanting to support local, independent stores.
Do you think Oxford is a good place to run a small business?
Yes, completely and I would highly recommend being in The Covered Market. The Council provide wonderful support, with marketing especially, and this really helps awareness of the market and its traders.
What's the best thing about running a small business?
Being my own boss.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Time - I make everything we sell, and we have a shop that is open 7 days a week. We are hoping we can bring in some extra help next year.
What's the funniest thing that's happened in the shop?
People often come in and smell all the soap and don't realise they are then wandering around with bits of soap on their nose!
What’s your favourite product?
Our soap - specially made for the hard water, it moisturises your skin brilliantly. It is quite a special recipe.
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?
We host workshops where people can come and make their own products and we have a loyalty card where you buy 10 of our zero waste products (soap or shampoo bars), and you get one free. We also have a promotion over Christmas where you get a free The Covered Market tote bag when you spend £50 or more.
Welcome to Daily Info’s 2023 Advent Calendar – 24 days of festive tips, free activities & local shopping suggestions!
This year's calendar offers a mix of Christmas suggestions, taking in traditions in Oxford and the wider area, and free activities & events in the build up to the big day.
