Fort Worth Local Showcase: SOS Bliss

Those of us over here at Shop Small Fort Worth are all about preserving our community's character through local businesses. We care about their stories, their trials, and their successes. We love the concept of creating for and buying from one another, and we love to support others seeking to do the same. So that is what this blog series is all about -- championing local businesses. Telling their stories, and maybe, encouraging others to start one of their own!

SOS Bliss

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your shop?

Well, my name is Yolande Adedokun. I am a mother of three, and I have been married for 15 years to a wonderful husband. I started my business five years ago for the love of handcrafted artisans soaps. I wanted to make chemical-free bath and body products that were more vegan base.

What made you want to start your shop?

I made a lot of products for family use, and I expanded by giving some away to family and friends to try. Everyone loved it so much, and they encouraged me to sell my products. Also, I wanted to focus my products towards green beauty concepts and reusable packaging, which you don’t see a lot in my type of business.

What have been your biggest struggles so far in owning your own business?

My biggest struggle so far is trying to maintain a social media footing and getting more local wholesale clients. To address that, I decided to start photographing and videotaping behind the scene shots of me producing my bath and body care products. It gives potential clients the chance to see my work, which gives them a small glimpse into my world and the ingredients going into the products.

Thinking about the past year, what has been one of your big successes?

One of my top goals was to reach ten wholesale clients by the end of 2016. I snagged twelve! I was so proud of myself. I hope that I can double that by the end of 2017. Also, I reached out to our local media outlets, and 360 West Magazine just recently featured me in their January Issue.

Where do you draw your creativity from?

I look towards nature for my inspiration, which has been a building block for me. All of my ingredients are plant base oils and butters. I also use natural colorants, and no synthetics.

What do you like most about being part of a community of local shops in Fort Worth?

I love the fact that we all support and help one another. That’s how we can keep our community running and growing. Also, I have a great following. I love when people come up to me and mention how much they love my products or have seen my line at a local retailer. It makes me feel good, and that I’m on the right track with my business.

You can find SOS Bliss and other businesses like hers at the Shop Small Fort Worth Spring Market on March 25th and 26th, 2017. It's coming up soon, and we could not be more excited! This two-day event will feature amazing local artists, small businesses, and craftsman, as well as including live music, food trucks, yard games and a cash bar. Tickets are available here, and part of our proceeds will be going to Pure Adventure.

Written by Stacy Aguilar of Janie Bird & Co.