Meet Julie Sanchez | Founder of the Adventuress Soap Co

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

Hi Julie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
As a proud fifth-generation Coloradoan, I am incredibly fortunate to call Colorado my home.

I am also a born traveler. Travel is in my DNA as the spirit of exploration courses through my veins, a familial legacy that has instilled in me a deep-seated passion for travel. This love affair with discovering new horizons began in high school when I did study abroad trips to Japan and China, sparking a lifelong fascination with diverse cultures.

Post-college, my journey continued with a summer internship in Belgium with the State Department, opening the doors to a whirlwind exploration of Europe. Following this enriching experience, I embraced a period of teaching English in Taiwan and China, immersing myself in the culture. Solo travel, in particular, became a transformative force, propelling personal growth in ways I hadn’t envisioned.

Beyond my wanderlust, I love fragrances — those magical elixirs capable of whisking us away to cherished memories, places, or people. Since the tender age of 9, I’ve curated a collection of perfumes, recognizing their power to evoke the essence of time and space.

This dual passion for travel and fragrance fueled my desire to create a line of soaps and fragrances, a sensory journey that transports individuals to far-off destinations. The name ‘Adventuress’ resonated with me, encapsulating the spirited essence of a woman who embraces or seeks adventure in her everyday life. I want to inspire women to embark on more journeys, encouraging them to embrace the title of ‘adventuress’

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2016 when I was an English teacher in Shanghai, China. I took a soap-making class to meet new people and learn a new hobby. I fell in love with it and took the class three more times! I love creating and thought it would be great also to make money I could put back into creating more products.

After my teaching contract ended, I moved back to Colorado. I found a job at a non-profit and used my first paycheck as seed money to buy soap supplies, and the Adventuress Soap Co was born. I started my Etsy store in August 2018 and have been growing it ever since.

When 2020 came around and the lockdowns unfolded, I witnessed a surge in sales, a testament to the resilience of small businesses during uncertain times. In the same year, I achieved another milestone by securing a spot in my first local store, Eclectic Co. Since then, I’ve expanded my presence to seven local shops, established a Shopify website, and proudly trademarked my brand name.

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape is undeniably challenging, requiring tenacity and resilience. Success is rarely instantaneous; it often demands a sustained uphill effort. My advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: persevere, continuously educate yourself, and strive for improvement. In the face of current uncertainties, there’s also a wealth of opportunities waiting to be seized. The crucial step is to take that first leap and start turning your dreams into reality.

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.
One of my favorite things to do is hike! Colorado offers some of the most scenic hikes, and one of our favorite types of hikes to do are alpine lake hikes. One of our favorite alpine lake hikes that is accessible to Denver is Herman Gulch. Just off exit 218 on I-70, this picturesque lake combines breathtaking views with easy accessibility. But don’t be fooled by its convenience – Herman Gulch offers more than just a pretty picture. Its steep incline will get your heart pumping before opening up to stunning vistas that will leave you breathless. And if you’re lucky enough to visit in summer, prepare to be dazzled by the wildflowers that blanket the area. After the hike, stop in Idaho Springs and get a slice of pizza at Beaujos Pizza.

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 want to give a shout-out to Eclectic Co in Colorado Springs. Eclectic Co in Old Colorado City is the first shop I ever started selling locally, and the most amazing crew runs it! Eclectic Co features the work of over 60+ local artists and vendors, and it’s one of my favorite places to shop. They have two locations in Colorado Springs, including downtown and in Old Colorado City, and they also just opened a new shop called Circa, a vintage shop in Old Colorado City.

Website: www.theadventuresssoapco.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theadventuresssoapco