Meet Shannon Hames | Owner & Soapmaker

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

Hi Shannon, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important thing that my bath and body business has taught me is confidence. As a small business owner, there are constantly things that pop up that you have never done before. When you haven’t faced a particular situation or you don’t know how to approach a new problem, it’s easy to go into a paralysis mode, feel a lack of confidence, or even start to wonder if you’re an imposter in your industry. But after taking the initiative to learn more and just go for it, you quickly learn that it’s probably not as dire as you first thought. Owning your own business provides a lot of practice for those types of situations. Eventually, you start to skip the self-doubting phase and just jump right to the “I can do this too” part.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I first started crafting handmade soaps and other bath and body products, it was really just a creative outlet. Of course, I knew that everyone needs soap, so it might as well smell amazing and smell amazing dazzle the senses. Hearing back from customers, I quickly realized that it’s much more than that. People were being very intentional in which soap they were using for the day based on what it was they needed. In other words, I was getting feedback about how people were using our products in more empowering ways. Now I know that what The Science of Bliss is really providing are little bits doses of bliss. Sometimes it they reinvigorates or reminds someone of their self-resiliency, sometimes it they relaxes or soothes, but it these products always brings joy.
I’m proud of our special blend of 7 amazingly skin-loving oils used in our artisan soaps, and all of the ingredients that go into our products. But I’m even more pleased that we’re helping others have these little bits of bliss throughout their day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend loves shopping and dining, so I know we’d be planning lots of both on her stay. I’m based out of Longmont, so we’d start there. We’d have brunch at Tangerine (I love the gluten-free benedicts and pancakes). Right next door is Maker General which includes a curated collection of really neat handmade goods. After that, we’d wander the cute downtown to a shop called Mystic Sisters. Think crystals, tarot, hot tea, books – magical with a Victorian flair. Flavor of India is another fabulous restaurant right on Main Street, and I know my friend would love eating on their rooftop patio. Two of my other favorite restaurants aren’t downtown but are locally owned and run by passionate people – Anchan Thai and Sushi Leo.

I’d also want to treat my friend to some coffee. My favorite coffee shop in Northern Colorado is in Greeley – Continuum Coffee. Full disclosure, my parents own it and you can usually find my dad behind the counter pulling shots of espresso for their gorgeous Slayer machine. The shop has a cozy vibe and the food and drinks are great.

My friend and I always enjoy visiting our college stomping grounds, so we’ll definitely be spending a day in Fort Collins. The downtown area there is one of my favorites and there’s always something new. But there are a few stops I always have to make when I’m there. For shopping, it’s the kitchen supply store – The Cupboard, Savory Spice Shop, Nuance Chocolate, and the rock and gift shop called Nature’s Own. One of the food places I always crave when I’m gone too long is Spoons with their soups, salads and sandwiches. Harbinger Coffee also has a location downtown and they’re great – the owner AND the coffee.

I grew up in Salida, Colorado and love taking guests there. It’s a bit of a drive from Longmont, but it’s a lovely drive, so no one complains. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, and I love just hanging out by the river. The Boathouse Cantina has good food and a vibe all its own. But also, eat at Amicas and Moonlight Pizza. Yes, you should eat pizza at both places, and you can thank me later. There are too many wonderful art galleries and shops in Salida to name, but I love The Maverick Potter, Dragonfly Gifts, The Mixing Bowl, Vital Living, and Howl Mercantile. While in Salida, what better way to commemorate a great trip and long friendship than a tattoo? Cassie at Centennial Tattoo is an amazing artist and I’d recommend her to anyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From the very beginning, The Science of Bliss was a team effort and family-focused. It was the next evolution of a soapmaking hobby-turned-business that my mom started. The original recipes for products were created by her and I was beyond lucky to be able to learn the craft directly from a seasoned pro. She’d been inspired to start making soap from stories from and about her grandmother, and I must admit that I often feel some guidance from many of the women that have come before me.

I’m continuously inspired by strong women – even when (or perhaps especially when) they’re facing trials and tribulations from the myriad of things within their careers, businesses, family and personal lives. Lately I’ve been particularly proud of Jennifer Rodriguez, co-owner of UmmaCasa Interior Design. Not only does she have an excellent eye for design, but she also exudes warmth and compassion. Her resilience and perserverance are great encouragement to me and everyone around her.

Website: www.thescienceofbliss.com

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

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