Sometimes art is a hereditary thing, and for Kimberly Bien of Salted Sanctuary. You've probably seen Bien's handmade soaps and other items at The DIME Store or the community market and if you've ever stopped to smell some of her items, you know they're the real deal. Read our interview with her below.
Photo by Michael Leza.
WDDI: What first drew you to soap making?
BIEN: So many things. My love of beauty products started with my grandmother Bette. She owned a salon and was very glamorous. As an adult, I began working for luxury cosmetic companies and experienced reactions to the synthetic preservatives so I began making my own to use and to give as gifts. Eventually, I started looking for a place to share and sell my products and was referred to the DCM by my son who buys his vegetables there.
You make an impressive number of scents! Does it drive you a little crazy, or do you love the variety?
I enjoy offering a large variety of scents to accommodate different customers needs and preferences. I'm constantly inspired by nature and people.
What's your all-time favorite Salted Sanctuary product? It's hard to say as that changes with the seasons.
My "go to" products for summer are the Lemongrass Body Scrub; Baby, Face, & Shave Soap; and Lavender Lulu Bath soak.
Photo by Michael Leza.
Photo by Michael Leza.
What's the fan favorite?
Lavender and Lemongrass products are always popular. Fans seem to be favoring Basil & Lime and Citrus Energy this spring.
You're out at the Denton Community Market nearly every Saturday and are now also on their board. How has the market helped your business?
The market has created a place to establish a customer base in a natural environment. Salted Sanctuary's success has been referral based by customers at the community market. It's a great place for makers to connect and share information.
Photo by Michael Leza.
What's been the best part about serving on their board?
The sharing of knowledge and ideas to better serve the community and then taking action is one my favorite parts of being on the DCM board. The founder of DCM, Katie Trice, along with Vickie Openhiem have worked incredibly hard over the last six years. I'm honored to be a part of the market's future.
Photo by Michael Leza.
Any new products in the works? We're super loving the new lotion bar we picked up from you at the market.
Yes! A Baby Care line and room sprays. Maybe more. 😄
How did you get involved with the DIME Store?
I was referred to DIME by Kati Trice when Dime was looking for a new soap vendor.
My products can also be found at A Creative Art Studio and my website that will be upgraded and relaunched by June of this year. Now that I'm on the board at DCM, I've committed to being a super vendor by being there as much as possible. Holiday shows are TBD.
The DIME Store is a shop and artist collective in downtown Denton that features art, craft, and vintage from 40+ local makers. Rachel Aughtry and Shelley Christner act as the "curators and purveyors" of the shop. When they're not at DIME, you'll find them behind their sewing machines or enjoying a margarita at The Greenhouse.