An Interview with Rachel Wiandt: Chicagoan Soap Entrepreneur
You smelled the refreshing seaside soap in your triplicity bundle but now we need to learn out our small business soap creator. Let’s dig into Rachels's soap journey and discover more. We have sat down with Rachel so lets see what she has to say!
Questions and Answers
Hello Rachel, and welcome to Treeline Thyme’s question time! To begin, can you tell us why you started Taylor Street Soap co.?
Hello, and thank-you for having me! I've always enjoyed chemistry and baking, as well as the challenge of figuring out how things are made. I love bath products and baked goods, so I wanted to find a way of combining the two, which is why I began researching and mixing up soaps that were pretty, smelled amazing, and – most importantly – were made with natural ingredients.
And how long have you been around? Where are you located?
Well, I sold my first bar of soap in 2013. Then, in 2017 I moved away from my basement to a manufacturing work space near the United Center.
Is that the neighborhood your business is in?
The business started in Little Italy/Taylor Street, where I still live. We moved our manufacturing just west in a cool older factory district of the city by Damen and Fulton.
That’s great! So, how does your product represent Chicago?
Anyone who’s familiar with Chicago will know that we love representing our neighborhoods! That’s why I named my company Taylor Street – it’s where I live and where the first soaps were made. It’s a well-known Chicago institution for amazing Italian food made with quality-based ingredients, and I carry that ethos across in my products by using an olive oil base in all my soaps.
How do we get our hands on more of your products?
By shopping online at any time! All of my products are available on my website at www.taylorstreetsoap.com, as well as The Grommet. Local gift stores at Navy Pier and Von Maur also carry a smaller selection of products.
Good to know! Tell us why we should buy your soap instead of other brands?
I might be biased, but all Taylor Street Soap co. products are fun and functional, with pretty swirls and delicious fragrances. I think life is too short for boring soap!
We agree. So why/how did Chicago become your home?
I grew up in a small town downstate and attended the University of Illinois. After graduation, I wanted to live in a big, bustling city, and Chicago was a perfect fit. I've been here ever since and can't imagine living elsewhere.
How long have you lived here?
I just had my 15-year anniversary!
Congratulations! Then tell us what your favorite thing about Chicago is and why?
The people. Chicagoans are very genuine, down to Earth and know how to enjoy a sunny day on a patio.
So, is summer your favorite season in Chicago?
No, it’s fall actually. It’s fantastic in the city because it rarely rains, and it's the final stretch of nice weather before we suffer through the winter!
What’s your favorite place to visit? Food? Drinks? Activities? Any hidden gems?
I love Lincoln Park Zoo for a sunny afternoon walk, then dinner at Fifolet in Wicker Park afterwards for cajun fare. I think everyone should attend Open House Chicago in October, as you get to visit buildings that are rarely open to the public. Chicago has so many amazing historical sites. I recently visited the Pullman neighborhood and enjoyed a walking tour there.
Share a secret about Chicago most do not know…
That’s a tough one! It's just an incredibly easy city to visit as Chicagoans are so friendly. They’re happy to help you with directions or suggest a great spot to eat or visit, so secrets aren’t really a thing here!
Where do you want to visit next?
South Africa is high up on my wish list. My husband was born there, but we haven't had an opportunity to visit yet.
Thank-you for chatting with us today, Rachel, we love your products and are proud to add you to our Chicago sense bundle. We wish you nothing but success for the future!
If you’d like to order some amazing soap from Taylor Street, be sure to visit Rachel’s online store here.