Andanily Piggott
We want to introduce you to, this month's "Featured Artist", Andanily Piggott. She is the Soap Artist behind SoapMuchLove, LLC, where many of her soaps seem like a "sweet treat" for your skin. We are very lucky to have her as this month's "Featured Artist", and hope everyone enjoys what she has to share with us, as a mom, a Soap Artist, & business woman.
Super Soapers: Tell us a little about yourself.
SoapMuchLove: My
name is Ada Piggott, I am the crafter behind SoapMuchLove, LLC. All of my products are
handmade out of my kitchen in Windermere, Florida USA. I grew up in Venezuela and moved to The States
in 2005 because I enrolled at FAU to do an Intensive English course. I am
currently living in the Orlando area with my husband Kurt, and our two little
girls, Hannah (4), and Ella (2). I am very friendly, passionate and a
perfectionist. My biggest competitor is myself.
I am always experimenting with new techniques, trying to improve the
soaps I have made or to make new designs. I am attracted to bright colors, so I
love to make modern and unique soap designs.
SML: As a
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) I was used to working crazy hours, but it
wasn't until the birth of our first daughter, Hannah, that I realized I couldn't take being away from her for a minute, & I didn't want to work anymore. In August 2010, I reconnected
with my creative side and developed this passion for handmade soaps. I
researched and got more involved into the soapy world every night. My play date
moms were my testers, and first clients. In July 2011, with the support of
my family, and my husband I decided to take my handmade soap hobby a step
further, and created SoapMuchLove, LLC.
SML: I developed a passion for MP
soaps, and initially decided to make MP
soaps because I did not want to have Lye around the house with two little ones
around. However, I fell in love with it soon after I started. I love that there is no limits to your
creativity when designing a MP soap. I
also like the fact that I am able to participate at any craft fair without
having to plan too far in advance.
SS: What inspires you most?
SML: Anything! My girls, any pattern, any
color combination, magazines, bakery treats…. I could get inspired at any
moment by anything. I will never leave
the house without my iphone. My phone
carries "my inspiration
board". I have pictures of all the
things that inspire me each and every day, so every time I go to
my soap room, and look at them, a new soap is created. I will say I am more
aware of what surrounds me, and I love that!
SS: Do you consider yourself an artist?
SML: I will say that anyone able to
create beautiful things with their hands is an artist. I believe that each
piece that an artist creates has his/her
personality, energy, and passion behind it. Each piece is unique!
SS: How has soapmaking changed your life?
SML: Becoming a soap maker has helped me
reconnect with my creative side and find inner peace!. It is something I could
totally say that I feel passion for, and I love to do. I am grateful to be able to bring smiles at someone's special occassion with one
of my soap designs.
SML: It starts with the vision in my mind
(color and design), and I draw it in my notebook. If I am making a soap bar or
scrub, instead of a yummy or fun soap
design, I research about which additive I want to add to it. Last but not
least is choosing the fragrance or
essential oil.
SML: Each artist is unique, and the
beauty of that is being able to identify
which soap maker makes that soap. As I mentioned before, when you make a
handmade piece you leave personality in each soap. I am grateful to say I have
gotten closer to many of the soap makers I admire. Facebook and the group within are a great way
to bond. It was a pleasure to meet some of them at the soap conference. I not only learned more about helping my business
grow, but it also helped me meet fabulous people. I don't feel competition, it is more about
you and how you make your soaps. I feel
that you could enrich your knowledge every day by interacting with other soap
makers by sharing ideas, techniques, and experiences.
SS: Now for a little bit of fun. Most
soap artists seem to be all about their FO's & EO's, which of course are an
important part of soapmaking, & everyone knows that scent is the major
trigger sensory known for people. If you could explain which, FO or EO, has
triggered the biggest memory from childhood, or the most important time in your
life, which would it be & why? (this is optional of course).
SML: I will say spice scents.. it reminds
me of Christmas time!
This interview was conducted & edited by Misty Raines Clapp, Super Soapers
Creator & Admin. You can contact Misty at:thesupersoapersgroup@gmail.com
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