Business
Emily Bonk was introduced to soap making at the age of 14. Her kitchen was the center of activity for the hobby shared by her mother, aunt, and friends of the family. These warm memories would later fuel her passion to start her own handmade soap business in 2019. But making the choice to go full-time as a business owner wasn’t as easy as it sounds. Emily was just a few credits shy of an associate’s degree when she came to a crossroads. Should she move on to a four-year program and further commit to becoming a teacher? Should she take on more college debt? It was at this point that she started to seriously consider entrepreneurship as a viable alternative.Almost a year and a half after launching her business, Emily is making a product that she loves and spending her time interacting with customers at craft shows and farmers’ markets across the region. She is committed to using all-natural ingredients and a custom oil blend in her unique artisan designs. Although the pandemic virtually shut down her business, she managed to make it through with a combination of online sales and savings that she put away for a rainy day. In our discussion, you can hear Emily’s excitement to get back to selling now that the outdoor markets have reopened. She always feels right at home beside her fellow makers, artisans, and farmers.If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!YOU CAN REACH ME AT:Podcast: https://www.proprietorsofpittsburgh.comWebsite: https://www.thestartupshoppe.net/podcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinvilanoPhone: 412-336-8247YOU CAN REACH EMILY BONK AT:Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UpinSudsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/upinsudsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/upinsudsPhone: 412-315-4850