RAW TALES GIVES READERS AN INSIGHT LOOK INTO VEGAN COMPANIES AND THE INDIVIDUALS BEHIND THE BRAND. WE ASKED OUR FEATURES TO BE RAW AND TRANSPARENT IN SHARING THEIR CHALLENGES, SUCCESS, AND THE PASSION THAT CONTINUES TO DRIVE THEIR BUSINESS.
We gladly introduce the Raw Tale of Robert Mesnard.
Virginia based company Sun Soaps LLC provides handcrafted and all-natural vegan soaps and shaving kits. Owner Robert Mesnard personally creates the shaving brush handles and soaps by hand in his shop.
“My number one goal is to provide products that are simple, free of harmful additives and chemicals, and provide the best experience possible. It is probably fair to say that my journey to achieve this goal led me directly into the vegan domain! My soaps contain only 4 soap ingredients and they are better than any soap you’ll find in a store. My shaving kits, especially the travel kits, can’t be found anywhere else. I don’t know of another vendor that creates vegan soaps AND hand crafted shaving supplies. “
What inspired you to start Sun Soaps LLC?
I am a born ‘maker’. My entire adult life has been filled with countless hobbies and projects. A shortlist includes pottery, woodworking, electronics, computers, 3D printing (I built 2 printers from scratch), cooking and food (I make tempeh, yogurt, bread, tofu, beer, and lots more), writing, teaching… I also hold 7 patents from my career as an Electrical Engineer. Get the point? I’ve made so many things for family and friends over the years, and they pushed me, again and again, to create a business so I could share my creative energies with a larger audience. Now that I’m retired, I have the time (and the passion is even stronger) to build a business.
What vegan products do you offer?
Currently, I offer everyday soaps and shaving kits.
What has been the biggest challenge of owning a vegan company?
For me, the biggest challenge is to save enough of my creative energy to build the business. I’d much rather spend my time in my studio creating! My vegan products are actually an asset. This is an ongoing challenge. I’ll probably never completely overcome it!
How do you define success for Sun Soap LLC?
I want to have customers delighted to purchase products that are simple, pure and totally safe and healthy. As a former potter, I know the dangers of clays and additives. Any soap that contains bentonite or clay is not entirely safe. For me, success is having a customer say “Your soap is the only one I use!”
Where do you find your inspiration?
For my shaving kits, inspiration is from nature. I learned as a potter to be observant to unusual natural beauty. I try to capture that in my wood designs – simple, organic and beautiful
In one sentence what would you tell an aspiring vegan business owner?
Your most important asset is a delighted customer, so take every opportunity to make each customer feel special and appreciated.
