The idea of ShugBug Soaps really started in March of 2020. Yes, it was the beginning days of the global pandemic. At that time, my husband and I were on a cruise, and although the cruise line did everything to keep us informed, clean, everything sanitized and everyone as safe as possible until we could disembark, their diligence caused my skin a lot of grief. While on the ship, we would pass four mandatory hand sanitation stations on the way to dinner. Yes, you read that right. FOUR mandatory hand sanitation stations. When we were finally able to disembark from the ship, my hands were sore, extremely cracked, and very tender.
I went to my favorite soap store, and got lotion, soaps, salves – you name it, I tried it. My skin was NOT recovering. I started really looking at the ingredients of some of my favorite items and realized just how many chemicals I was still putting on my hands. I started looking for other solutions and decided to embark on making my own.
I found that making soap was fun! It was a creative outlet that I loved! I also found my skin LOVED the products I was making and had never felt better. I especially loved how my hands and feet felt, after using the soap! An additional bonus I was not expecting, I was using less lotion. My skin was finally recovering and not only getting back to pre-cruise condition – it was better!
I started watching YouTube, other social media videos and was hooked. All around this same time, I also became an empty nester, and was REALLY struggling with having such an empty house. It was the perfect storm to dive into making even more soap!
I wanted to share my soaps with others and started giving away what I was making. I got incredible reviews and decided this would be worth it to start a small business of my own.
Shug Bug is a childhood nickname, given to me by my father. He only ever referred to me as Shug Bug from that time forward. Even as I am approaching 50, my sister still only calls me Shug Bug when calling my name. I lost my father in 2013 and this was a perfect way to give a nod to him and having something unique and fun as my business name. The small purple Bee in my logo, is also a personal touch, as I am known as Grandma B to my sweet grandbabies. It is a perfect blend of old and new names that truly encompass me, with a touch of my favorite color.
I hope you love your soaps as much as I have loved making them – and every stage of this journey. From my home to yours, enjoy. 😊
Heather Bunderson