Meet the Man Behind Soak Rochford

Your questions, answered

With so many new members of the Soakie community, we thought it was about time for you to get to know the man who started it all. From behind-the-scenes information about upcoming assessments to what Jay gets up to in his spare time, we’re answering all of your burning questions.

What is the next assessment?

Get ready for some sunshine vibes and a splash of excitement! Our upcoming assessment is like a burst of summer fun waiting to happen. We’re diving into a brand-new product that’s not currently on our shelves, and let me tell you, we’ve poured a ton of enthusiasm into this one. Picture this: it’s a product for everyone, and no worries – you won’t need to own a bathtub to enjoy it!  So, get ready to ride the wave of something fresh, fabulous, and absolutely fantastic! 

What gave you the idea to start Soak Rochford?

To be honest, I was sick and tired of terrible, overpriced products in the market. I’m sure most of you know the story of how I was nearly late to work two nights in a row after using bath bombs laced with “secret ingredients”. One of which being seaweed and the other being glitter. Immediately after bathing I had to then shower to get rid of the awful ingredients stuck not only to me but also to my bath.

I started to manufacture my own cosmetics but very quickly became fed up with a handful of awful suppliers. Being refunded on items I had ordered that were out of stock, or with threats of being banned from shopping purely because the owners didn’t like me etc. I realised that there are many more (better) ways to treat customers who rely on a sensible company for their own hobbies/businesses so that they can thrive.

If you hadn’t created Soak Rochford, what else would you be doing?

I think I would still be working as a nurse, but I’d like to hope in a role a little more challenging. Whether that is on a higher rung of the ladder or in a more specialist area. I’ve always loved the thrill of acutely unwell patients, and literally saving lives on a daily is so rewarding too. I always liked the idea of working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit so there is a possibility I could be working there.

When you’re not at Soak HQ, how else do you choose to spend your time?

I’d love to have answers that make me sound super sophisticated and intelligent. Answers like “Reading and Bread Making”, but the reality is that I’m a super *real* person. I have a couple of other businesses too, so free time doesn’t happen too often.  So, although I can read, and I can make bread. I really enjoy online gaming, eating a greasy pizza on the sofa, watching horror films, and having late nights and lie-ins. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really started to understand the importance of quality time with family/friends and just how important it is to have that work/life balance and to really relax to rejuvenate!

Do you have a favourite home, bath or body product?

Cosmetics wise I really like liquid soap. I think it is so versatile and can be used as bubble baths, shampoo, hand soap, shower gel etc. Home-wise, wax melts and plugins are my weakness. I love to try different scents but I am quite fussy too!

What is the best way to get started as a cosmetic creator?

The salesman in me says to try our selection of kits to get a feel for the different products. See what you enjoy creating and where your passions lie. The business coach in me says…

Educate Yourself:

Learn about cosmetic formulation and industry regulations.

Identify Your Niche:

Choose your cosmetic focus and define your target audience.

Market Research:

Analyze market trends, competition, and gather customer feedback.

Create a Business Plan:

Set goals, budget, and plan your product line, pricing, and distribution.

Build a Brand:

Develop a unique brand name, logo, and story.

Source Quality Ingredients:

Establish relationships with reliable suppliers.

Product Development:

Experiment with formulations, ensuring safety and inclusivity.

Packaging and Design:

Create attractive and compliant packaging.

Legal Compliance:

Understand and comply with industry regulations.

Create an Online Presence:

Build a website, use social media for exposure.

Networking:

Connect with industry professionals and influencers.

Launch Your Products:

Plan a strategic launch and gather customer testimonials.

Adapt and Innovate:

Stay updated on industry trends and continuously innovate.