Meet Debbie Bertrand | Handmade Bath and Shower Treat Artist

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

Hi Debbie, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Being a Cancer survivor and going through that horrific process, I wanted to introduce and educate people on products that they are putting in and on their bodies. I also wanted to try something that would get their attention. Somewhere where you can have fun and, if it’s for a moment to escape from the stresses of life. What I came up with is All About the Suds. A handmade, plant based, whimsical store and experience. All Handmade in the USA with clean, simple ingredients. Cancer is forever a life-changing experience and being able to share that experience and journey to help people understand what they are putting in and on their bodies is the reason for the store.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
This has been 6 years in the making. I wanted to create a store (my happy place) that provides safe, whimsical, and creative products that help you enjoy your shopping experience and your bath/shower time. I have been creating ideas and building relationships over these past 6 years to bring them to the forefront. I wanted something to enjoy, a low-stress, fun, and exciting boutique. A place where when customers come in, they are transformed into kids in a bakery or ice cream shop and want everything they see. In other words, a place to de-stress, relax and enjoy.

I am proud to offer Nectar USA Bath and Shower Treats to Colorado. It took a long time for the partnership to grow. Nectar is also a plant-based solution. They also have clean, simple, ingredients and are handmade in the USA too. Being the only store in Colorado like this, the interactive, whimsical experience is something that brings back customers. Having a bakery and ice cream theme boutique gives our brand that uniqueness. We are not here just as a gift store; we offer a healthier alternative to your bath and shower experiences. This healthier alternative is something we are proud of. As we continue to be creative in our designs, the base line doesn’t change. Lastly, one thing that is very important to me for success is that every person that walks through that door is greeted and felt welcomed.

I have always had the creative gene. Being able to express that in my store is an outreach for me. It gives me comfort to know what I am producing something that can help people. When the customer reaches for the products to buy and are using in their house, I hope they realize the story behind it, and they think about the things they introduce to their bodies. When I was going through cancer and other hard seasons it was my escape. It truly is my happy place and my passion to share this with others.

Getting here today has been through tenacity and continuous improvement. Encouragement from friends and family. Having been thrown, the harrowing Cancer diagnosis, I have learned that you draw on your faith and internal strengths. Focusing on things that matter versus things that are just transitory. Every day you wake up with new challenges and many uncertainties. Pushing through those challenges. Working to improve what you are given and making the best out of situations that are uncertain. Walking in faith gives me my focus, strength, encouragement, and the bold tenacity that I will continue to move forward.

Building a brand, creating products, and providing exceptional customer service is hard work. In life there are risks and rewards. There are times in life when you work hard for something, and you are constantly giving it your all, then a situation occurs. Life changes or economies take us down a different road. When that happens it’s ok to be upset but remember that things really do happen for a reason and things change for a season.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
All About the Suds Handmade Bath and Shower Boutique. This is a small business we love to support. 

Pike Peak Mountain – Scenic Drive with a great observation area on top. America’s Mountain.

Garden of the Gods Park. Tour and hike the park.

Downtown Colorado Springs – Fun shops, nightlife, and restaurants.

The Paleta Bar at the Roundhouse on Hwy 24 and 21st Street. Amazing Handmade Mexican Ice Creams and much more. This is a small business we love to support.

Spring Rollin Vietnamese PHO Restaurant at the Roundhouse on Hwy 24 and 21st Street. This is a small business we love to support.

Loyal Coffee at Northgate. Best Coffee in town, along with great people. This is a small business we love to support.

Skirted Heifer Burgers on Powers Blvd. BEST IN TOWN. This is a small business we love to support.

The Wine Gallery on Delmonico Dr. Great wine tastings and food samples. This is a small business we love to support.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband John. He always encourages me to take risks, leaps of faith, and my rock to be there in good and bad seasons.

Website: https://allaboutthesuds.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutthesuds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutthesuds

Image Credits
Alpine Images https://www.instagram.com/alpineimages_/