Meet Brittney Hutkay

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

Hi Brittney, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My soap-making business began as a mission to heal and nurture my family’s skin, who had long struggled with various skin issues. I have struggled with various skin issues with very little relief. I went back to the basics. Soap should do more than just clean (while that’s a big part). It should also heal, moisturize, nurture, and fulfill all unique skin needs.
The idea was born out of necessity. My youngest daughter has battled eczema since she was an infant, while my husband’s hands were perpetually dry from working, and also struggled with eczema. Commercial soaps only seemed to exacerbate their problems. Determined to find a solution, I delved into the world of natural skincare, spending countless hours reading about the healing properties of ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, clays, castor oil, and even breastmilk.
Armed with newfound knowledge, I began experimenting in my kitchen. The process was far from easy. Some batches crumbled, soaps refused to harden, and scents didn’t quite blend. But with each failed attempt, I learned something new.
I developed a recipe that worked wonders for my family’s skin. The soap was gentle and moisturizing, leaving a faint scent of lavender that was both calming and refreshing.
It was then that I realized this could be more than just a hobby; it could be a business. I named my venture “Britts Botanical,” reflecting my commitment to nurturing skin with botanicals inspired by nature.
My passion for creating products that genuinely helped people led me to expand my line to include soaps tailored for different skin types and needs, incorporating ingredients like honey for its antibacterial properties and oatmeal for gentle exfoliation.
Each bar of soap carried a piece of my story, a testament to my family’s journey from skin struggles to skin health.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Britt’s Botanical Works isn’t just a soap company. Soap shouldn’t just clean it should hydrate, nourish and address every unique skin need. Every product is formulated with skin needs in mind. I pride myself in ensuring each soap is cleansing but is not harsh, adds moisture, and soothes even the most irritated skin.
However, as a full time psychology student working toward becoming a licensed therapist I also craft every product with mental health and self care in mind. Every bar is handcrafted with intention, using botanicals, oils, and rituals that honor healing, nature, and neurodiversity. Rooted in psychology and lived experience, my products are designed not just to nourish the skin, but to support emotional grounding, sensory relief, and daily self-care rituals—especially for those with chronic conditions, mental health struggles, or trauma. What makes us different is that we don’t just sell soap—we sell mindful moments of calm, created by someone who truly understands how hard peace can be to find.

Living with significant physical health and mental health limitations has forced me to slow down, reassess my limits, and find beauty in simplicity. At times, it felt like my brain and body were working against me—but I learned how to adapt. I built systems to support my memory and energy, allowed imperfection to be a teacher, and leaned into my creativity when logic failed me.

Running a business while pursuing a psychology degree hasn’t been easy—but I’ve turned every barrier into a bridge. From faintness and brain fog to balancing school deadlines and batch making, I’ve kept going not by being perfect, but by being resilient and rooted.
Healing isn’t linear—and neither is success.
Growth often comes in spirals, not straight lines. Britt’s Botanical Works, is a testament to the journey, with dreams of helping others on the same journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to show them the best of Castle Rock! We’d start with a stroll downtown, exploring the charming shops filled with local artisans’ creations. Next, we’d head to the Castle Rock MAC Center for an adrenaline rush on their epic rope courses and zip lines. I love highlighting our town’s small businesses, like the cozy cafes and unique boutiques. We’d also hit the trails, enjoying Castle Rock’s beautiful wilderness and the well-maintained walking paths. A hike up the “Rock” would be a must, offering breathtaking views. In the evenings, we’d catch a summer concert or event at Festival Park or The Meadows. Castle Rock truly offers a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a wonderful place to explore together.

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 just want to take a moment to give a huge shoutout to my amazing, supportive husband who works tirelessly, putting in 60-hour weeks, to provide for our family. Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. I also want to thank my wonderful children for their incredible patience and deep understanding. You all have been so supportive as I sit out on family events to finish homework and pursue higher education. Your willingness to be test subjects for every new creation and scent profile I experiment with means the world to me. I am so grateful for your love and support every step of the way.

Website: https://britts-botanicalworks-specialty-soap-co.square.site/

Instagram: Britts_BotanicalWorks

Facebook: Britt’s Botanical Works