Former Swan Valley resident Jessica Bell has been doing well for herself and her business. In the last few years since she moved from Swan River to Dauphin, she rebranded her soapmaking business from The Natural Hippie Co. to BOHO Soapworks and recently picked up a Canadian Choice Award (CCA) for the Bath and Body category.
“(When I received notification of the award), I was absolutely overwhelmed with joy!” said Bell. “I find myself needing to pinch myself along this business journey as some things feel too good to be true, and this moment was one of them.
“This win is recognition not only of talent and innovation, but of resilience, determination, drive and all the hard work that goes with it.”
The CCA celebrates the heart and soul of Canada’s business community. Every year, they shine a spotlight on small and mid-sized businesses that drive our nation’s economy, foster innovation and enrich our communities. Their mission is to recognize and uplift these businesses, ensuring they receive the acknowledgement they deserve, while taking pride in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Canada.
“I received notification from the CCA back in November that BOHO Soapworks had been nominated to receive recognition by my customers,” said Bell. “The CCA believes in the importance of giving the real buyers of products and services a voice. This was the first I had heard of the CCA and, after some quick research, I realized that this would be quite an honour to receive.
“The CCA requested to hear a little more from my customers, so I had posted on my social media platforms that I had been nominated for the award, and asked any customers to click a link to where they would be directed to the CCA and asked some questions about my company via feedback survey.
“The CCA also touched base with me to ask me a series of questions about my business, asking details about what my company is all about, what my goals as a business owner are, community impacts, and so forth,” Bell continued.
Under the label of BOHO Soapworks, Bell creates hand-crafted, artisanal bar soap and other hygiene and bodycare products, such as lotions, salves, balms. scrubs and accessories.
She noted that she recognizes that the bath and body care industry is a saturated market, and it requires people to have a superior product to stand out.
“I was on a mission to develop such products that not only looked fancy but were kind to our bodies and kind to the planet as well,” said Bell. “The amount of effort it takes to do the research in sourcing eco-friendly and sustainable, cost-effective ingredients, to formulating, designing and creating an eye-catching product is tremendous in itself.
“When we add in the supply shortages and cost increase we’ve incurred these past few years, it would be a lie to say I didn’t have moments where I had wondered what all of this was for. At the end of the day, I started this business with a burning passion to show others that there can be a lot of luxury in simplicity. Teach others to be mindful of their single-use plastics and provide an option that they can trust.”
Earning the recognition of the CCA reminds Bell that she is having an impact on the planet and in her community even if she doesn’t have a large business.
“It reminds me just how many lives my product has impacted and has given me a boost in motivation to keep pushing,” she said. “I am following my dreams and I am making a difference.
“This recognition not only elevates my business but also shines a spotlight on my community, where I look forward to potential local collaborations and the growth that will come.”
Bell also speaks highly of her customers.
“I’ve always believed I have the best customers in the world,” she said. “From the positive word of mouth they spread about my business, referrals, and wonderful reviews they share, and then taking the time to nominate BOHO Soapworks to shine a spotlight on my dream. I cannot thank them enough for the continued support. It goes without question that I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of them and for that I am forever grateful.”
Bell added that since the announcement of her receipt of the CCA, she has received an outpour of support and congratulations from the public.
“It means the world to me,” she said. “I am moved to tears with each and every one.”
While BOHO Soapworks does have some products available in retail locations in the Parkland – such as Buds N Blossoms in Swan River – customers can also find them at the website available at bohosoapworks.com. You can also follow the latest developments of Bell and her products on the BOHO Soapworks Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.