Meet Rebecca Lauris | Soap Artist and owner of Pennywhistle Soap

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

Hi Rebecca, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I don’t know if I had a conscious thought process on starting a small business. Instead, making something with my hands was a dream hobby that morphed into a small business. I’ve always longed for a creative life and would dabble in small artistic expressions amidst my other responsibilities. I never allowed myself to go “all in” though, due to time constraints, financial limitations and honestly fear. To quell the pressures of adulthood, I often lean into nostalgia and things I loved doing as a kid. Those interests are so integral to all of us, before we are forced into careers, productivity, and the other oft routine adult duties. One year I received a melt-and-pour soap kit for Christmas and spent the entire holiday break totally immersed in this craft. I remember asking my mom to take me to buy more supplies several times during that holiday.

In my mid-thirties I was having a bit of a crisis on my feelings towards modern work, passion, meaning and purpose. I asked myself if I were a merchant and had to sell my work at the market, what would I want to sell? I had many ideas, but making old fashion, cold-processed soap was top of my list. So, I started learning how to make soap, using a book I bought and about $80 worth supplies. This new hobby swept me into a current and has carried me since. Like many of us, I had tried other hobbies that were fun, but didn’t keep my interest. Soap was different. I didn’t find myself working to engage in the art form. Instead, I have to pull myself away from soap to make sure I’m keeping the rest of my life humming along.

I was also a lemonade-stand kid, so I have a natural proclivity towards entrepreneurship. I like the intersections of soap, art and small business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Senior Health Policy Analyst by day. I worked hard to get where I am in my career, going back to graduate school in my early 30s. I am passionate about equity (long before DEI was and then wasn’t a thing). I believe health policy is a powerful determinant of equity. The laws we make about health, healthcare and access are the crux of freedom, autonomy and self-actualization.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would my friend down to Rooted Heart Yoga and Wellness in Denver for a class, to the Corner Beet for food after, and then to the apothecary (Balanced Root) to shop for potions. All three businesses are on the same strip of road.

We’d also go for hikes in Golden and at Eldorado Canyon State Park, and eat at Safta, Sonny’s, Bakery Four, and Rich Spirit Bagels.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shout out to my fiancé Isaac. He encouraged me to make soap and follow my dreams in a way that helped me to just go or it. I have a few dear friends that cheered me on every step of the way and continue to do so. Amanda and Kristin, I love you.

Website: https://pennywhistleshop.com/

Instagram: pennywhistle_soap