Today we’d like to introduce you to LeAnn Crouch.
Hi LeAnn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been conscious of what I put in and, on my body, but it wasn’t until I fell ill that I realized just how important it was. After several rounds of doctor’s visits, I received a cancer diagnosis. While I was grateful for answers, the medications I was prescribed came with their own set of side effects, leaving me feeling more like a test subject than a patient. It was then that I began to research natural remedies and came across the benefits of organic bath and body products. I learned about how harsh chemicals in conventional products can irritate and dry out the skin and how organic ingredients can be nourishing and gentle. With further research, I discovered there was a link between the chemicals found in many bath and body products and cancer. This inspired me to start making my own bath and body products using natural and organic ingredients.
At first, I only made these products for myself and my family, but as word spread about the positive effects that my soap had on my skin, I began receiving requests from friends and acquaintances. This gave me the idea to start my own organic bath and body company.
I spent countless hours experimenting with different ingredients and combinations, always keeping my focus on creating the most nourishing and natural product possible. I knew that people were looking for a more natural alternative to the harsh, chemical-laden products that dominated the market, and I was determined to provide that alternative.
After months of perfecting my recipes, I launched my business, which I called “Twisted Willow Soap Co.” My products quickly gained a following, and before I knew it, I was shipping orders all over the country.
Through my business, I found a sense of purpose. I was no longer just trying to improve my own health but was helping others improve theirs as well. We began to receive messages from customers thanking us for the positive effects that our products had on their skin, and this feedback kept us motivated to continue to grow and expand our product lines.
Our journey wasn’t without its challenges, but we remained steadfast in our commitment to producing a natural and organic product that would help others. Today, Twisted Willow Soap Co. has grown beyond what we ever imagined, and we take pride in knowing that we are making a positive impact on the lives of our customers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As an intention-based entrepreneur, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your purpose and the impact you want to make. Focus on your “why” and let it guide your decisions and actions. This will help you stay true to your vision and maintain a sense of purpose when faced with challenges.
Many challenges arose throughout the past nine years, but we overcame them by remaining committed to our mission. Our Twisted Family of customers and team members made us what we are today, and while I am a sole entrepreneur, we are a team with the common goal of sharing our passion for organics with others. Not only do we bring organic products to our customers; we also share our knowledge about the risks of using chemical-based products and the benefits of clean living.
As you know, we’re big fans of Twisted Willow Soap Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Our loyal customers love Twisted Willow Soap Co. for our unique and high-quality products, but what really sets us apart from other bath and body product companies is our witty, tongue-in-cheek attitude. We fill our packaging and marketing materials with clever puns, playful jabs, double entendres, and tongue-in-cheek humor. For example, some of our products are named “Dirty Hippie” and “Funk Fighter.” Our customers appreciate our playful attitude, which is a refreshing change from the more serious and buttoned-up approach of many other bath and body product companies. At Twisted Willow, we are more than just a soap company – we are a fun and relatable brand that doesn’t take ourselves too seriously. Our playful attitude also extends to our customer interactions. Our team is always quick with a joke or a lighthearted comment, which makes customers feel at ease and comfortable. We respond to customer inquiries with witty and humorous comments, which makes the experience of buying from Twisted Willow more than just a transaction. Our playful attitude helps us stand out in a crowded market and attracts customers who are looking for something different and fun.
Through our clever and humorous approach to marketing, we have built a brand that customers love and identify with. We’re proud to offer a high-quality, natural product that is also playful and enjoyable to use.
We also believe that everyone is beautiful just the way they are. As someone who cares deeply about promoting body positivity and self-love, I believe it’s crucial to encourage teens to embrace their natural beauty and resist the harmful influence of unrealistic beauty standards. I want young people to know that they are already beautiful and that beauty comes in many different forms. By celebrating our unique features and focusing on our strengths, we can build confidence and a positive self-image that isn’t dependent on meeting someone else’s idea of beauty. I urge teens to reject the narrow, often unattainable beauty standards that are promoted in the media, and instead cultivate a sense of self-worth that is based on their individuality and inner qualities. Let’s celebrate our differences and recognize the beauty in all of us.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
While Twisted Willow Soap Co.’s witty and playful attitude certainly played a significant role in the company’s success, there are many other people who also deserve credit for helping to build the brand. The customers play an important role in helping to establish the brand and generate buzz around the company. In the early days, when the company was just starting out, these customers were the first to try the products, provide feedback, and spread the word to their friends and family. These loyal customers provided valuable feedback that helped Twisted Willow Soap Co. improve its products and expand its offerings and are the most loyal and committed customers a business can have. They felt a sense of connection to the brand and its mission and have stuck with the company as it grew and expanded. I encourage all entrepreneurs to reach out to the people they know who have different knowledge than what they themselves possess to help them grow their business. We have had countless people help us along the way, and would not be what we are without our Twisted Family. Twisted Willow Soap Co. has met some fantastic business owners and entrepreneurs by networking with other vendors at events across the Midwest, which has opened many new opportunities for us. Some individuals we are proud to call Twisted Family are Sarah and Erica Kurfis, owners of Snarky Pants Studios who invited us to Toledo Pride. This was where we met Becca Tokar, owner of perfect Match candles, who recommended us for this article. We at Twisted Willow Soap Co. believe that entrepreneurs who elevate each other’s businesses create a collective vision that is larger than ourselves.
Pricing:
- Deodorant – $14
- Bath Bombs – $9
- Perfume Rollers – $9
- Soap – $9
- UnTwisted Muscle Rub – $7-$20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twistedwillowsoap.com
- Instagram: twistedwillowsoap
- Facebook: facebook.com/twistedwillowsoap
Image Credits
Lauren Giuliani Photography
