Meet Tiffany Klenk | Owner & Head Soaper of Every Body Beauty

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Klenk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There seem to be 2 handmade soap business models: natural, and un-natural. I’m in the natural group. I use essential oils found in nature to scent my products, while other soapers and other manufacturers use “fragrance oil”.

The general population seems to be very misled about the differences. It’s not their fault either – marketing practices used seem to be very tricky with their packaging and how they market to their customers.

When I first started making soap, and figuring out label requirements – I quickly learned that there is a big difference and a huge industry “loop-hole”. This loop-hole – is the word “fragrance” itself.

“Fragrance” is man-made using blended synthetic aroma compounds. Their ingredients are protected by “Trade Secret” status with the FDA. Now, these are not “unsafe” for skin! I want to be clear on this.

This is why from day 1, I choose to use only pure natural essential oils in my products. A huge peeve of mine is soap companies who market themselves as “all natural” yet use fragrance oil in their products. A bright blue & pink soap scented with “pina colada” is not natural my friend.

Big companies have been hiding behind “fragrance” on their ingredients labels for too long. These synthetic compounds account for many skin allergies and sensitivities. And the front of the box will even look like it’s natural/organic/good for you! It’s so important to really look into what you are putting onto your skin.

This is why my company has full transparency with ingredients used, the processes, and I do my best to keep out the “fluff” buzz words off of my packaging that are completely nonsense.

I’m here to bring you good quality soaps and skincare – using ingredients found in nature.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In my professional career, I worked some years as a legal assistant at a plaintiff medical malpractice firm, then switched fields into finance, working alongside financial advisors who provide services to their clients. This experience helped me learn a lot about running a small business.

Starting Every Body Beauty was scary. I sort of jumped right in, figuring it out as I went along. I’m still learning and growing every day. The biggest thing for me, is trying to stay out ahead of the competition. Things can get pretty diluted in the e-commerce world – and with so many company’s similar to mine – I choose to stand out with my branding, professionalism, and transparency.

There are many challenges to running your own homebased small business. Some of which I could not have foreseen. Especially the pandemic. Companies that quickly adapt to changes can make it through the worst of times. In order to move forward, you have to take steps towards your goals. Baby steps are still better than nothing. Make every day count and don’t give up.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Burleson Texas has some real gems. We’d have to grab a coffee in “old town” at Dwell, go check out some boutiques (Gypsy Trunk & Accents of Burleson are my go-too’s). For lunch we’d have to do Grumps for a really good burger & fries.

The drive-in movie theater is fun in Ft. Worth is a blast, Torchy’s Taco’s is always delicious. I like food, can you tell?!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give special thanks to my wonderful husband Jarod, who pushed me to start selling my creations vs letting them take over the whole house in the early days of my new hobby & passion of soap making. Not only did he push me to start, he’s helped me build up Every Body Beauty where it is today.

To my children who have had to spend weekend after weekend at my craft shows – helping me set up and tear down each display – thank you boys!

A huge inspiration for soap making was my Sister-in-law who was the first one in the family to start making her own products like toothpaste and deodorant. Her knowledge on plants & herbs is very helpful. And she’s been a customer since the very early days. Thanks Tina!

I’ve been blessed to have family who are supportive – not only in purchasing from me – but spreading the word about my business and also providing feedback & ideas along the way. My family (Patrick (he got me my first soaping supplies for Christmas), Madison, Kelly, my Aunt Leslie, cousins, my parents), my in-laws (Jackie & Lamar Rucker huge thanks!), my husband’s side of the family – Jessica, Donna, Olivia – your support means so much to me!

And lastly, my customers. Some repeat and very long term. (Liz, Alyssa, Brenda, Shelly, Dr. J, Angela- y’all are the real MVP’s).

I hope to slowly grow this business into a really big one! Having so many fans cheering me on is a true gift.

Website: https://www.everybodybeauty.com/

Instagram: @every.body.beauty