Featured Artist: Denise Mancuso, AJSweetSoap

So, what’s your story? As a working mom with two young children, I started soap making a year ago as a form of therapy – it was relaxing to come home from a stressful day of work and unwind doing something creative. Almost overnight, my hobby became my passion, and I’ve become completely obsessed with making the most delicious desserts into luxuriously pampering soap.

How did you get started creating your artwork? When I realized I wanted a hobby for myself, I went to the local craft store (which has now become my second home!) and bought a soap making kit. Although the quality of the soap left a lot to be desired, the act of being creative and making something that was not only beautiful but useful as well was exactly what I needed! I was hooked!

Where does your inspiration come from? This is easy – my love of desserts and all things decadent is what inspires my creations. I have the ultimate sweet tooth – creating my soaps helps satisfy not only the sweet urge, but the creative urge as well. It’s even gotten to the point that whenever I pass a luscious, delicious-looking dessert I start to see it in soap-form in my mind. It’s truly an obsession! Also, it’s the fact that I like to be different – I want to create items that you don’t see everywhere else. It leads to a bigger appreciation for what I do.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What began as a therapeutic hobby has become a business – a business that I love. I put my heart and soul into all that I do, and my customers know this. In 5 years, I’d love to be doing this full time, with my reputation and name continuing to be known around the world. I would love to be able to do what I love for a living.

Where do you sell your work? My unique novelty soap is sold online and in retail stores and salons. I am proud to provide custom items for A Girl’s Gotta Spa, an exquisite spa and beauty salon in Long Island, NY for girls under 18. My luscious soap desserts fill their amazing soap bakery. I also sell on Ebay, Etsy and Bonanzle.

Who is your favorite artist? I have had to pleasure of getting to know so many talented artists on Etsy, and I’ve had the privelege of working with some of them on some custom projects for my product line. Diann Morris has an amazingly creative mind – her talents range from making tempting soy tarts and candles, to the most creative custom tags, cards and treat bags. I know that no matter what idea I come up with, she will have no problem coming up with a fun, unique and creative way for me to package my items – I just adore working with her.

What is your favorite song and by whom? Most people don’t believe me when I say I am a Heavy Metal girl at heart. Metallica is my all-time favorite band and there’s nothing like belting out “Master of Puppets” or “Enter Sandman” when things get stressful! I will say, though, that my taste in music has expanded to include listening to Top 40 music as well…I love to sing along with the kids to Black Eyed Peas “I Got A Feeling” – it’s just fun.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, with your family, what 5 things would you want to have with you? – (1) My BlackBerry (it’s an addiction – hopefully it’s an island where Verizon has service coverage!) – (2) My Twilight Saga book series (I can read that series over and over again!) (3) Chocolate – I can never be too far away from a good ole’ Hershey bar! (4) Laptop (again, it’s an addiction thing) (5) Legos – my kids would drive me crazy if they didn’t have their Legos with us and I’d never be able to finish my books!

Why do you think people should buy handmade? To be honest, I never gave much thought to handmade goods until I started to work with my soap. No matter what the item is, there has to be a level of respect for someone’s hard work – the investment of their heart and soul into their projects. When people buy handmade, they’re buying a part of someone. Hours of thought, labor and time go into even the smallest work, and that definitely earns respect! There’s also a different feel to giving a handmade gift for a holiday gift or birthday present – it’s much more satisfying knowing that your item was made especially for you.

Is there anything else you would like to share? I have had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people throughout my year at Etsy, both customers and other sellers alike. I’d also like to share that I have some of the most incredible customers whom I adore. While I value their business, I truly respect them as people and friends – and look forward to continuing to grow and succeed with them.