Image courtesy of Society Bodycare

Stephen Rumbaugh and other DCS members battle a tough economy by turning crafts into cash

Stephen Rumbaugh is a man of many talents. He’s an entrepreneur, a craftsman, a designer, and a graduate student. In the past, he’s worked for ad agencies, run a design firm in Yellow Springs, and taught Photoshop and Illustrator at Dayton’s School of Advertising Art.

His latest passion is something different: creating and selling handmade soaps under his own label, Society Bodycare. I talked with Stephen about why he started this new venture and how it represents a natural outlet for his creative energy.

SE: Stephen, how did you get started with Society Bodycare?

SR: Last April, I was laid off from my job and decided it was time for something new. I enrolled in a graduate program at Wright State, where I’m pursuing a Master of Humanities degree. It’s a great program that you can customize yourself—my focus is on visual culture and theory of design.

When I started school, I knew I’d need a revenue source, and I decided to launch Society Bodycare. So far, I’ve been able to pay the majority of my tuition and books with the profits. Honestly, I’m surprised it’s been so successful. The skincare business is very competitive, even if you’re making a unique product.

SE: Why did you choose soap?

SR: Way back in grade school I remember being in a health food store and noticing the packaging on a bar of handmade soap. I bought it and was instantly hooked. It was so much nicer than the Dial that sat in the tub at home. I became a sort of collector of odd soaps and always looked forward to using up the old bar so I could start a new one. Years later, I came across a book about making soap at home, and gave it a shot. That first batch wasn’t great, but I had fun.

SE: What sets Society apart from other bodycare products?

SR: First of all, my soaps are made by hand in tiny batches. I also use unique ingredients: the Russian Platza bar is made with olive oil and crushed oak leaves, for example, and the Corn Harvest bar with corn meal, turmeric, and parsley. The soaps have a scent and a feel you won’t necessarily find elsewhere.

Second, I’ve brought a design ethic to the business from the start. Other handmade soaps generally have the same look—just a piece of paper slipped around a chunk of soap. All the energy has gone into making the soap, and none into the packaging. That approach does show off the beauty of the soap, but it’s not necessarily sanitary. It can also degrade the product quickly because it lets the oils from the soap evaporate.

The packaging I use protects the soap much better. And I like to think that the design instills confidence in the consumer that they’re purchasing a really special product.

SE: Who designed the packaging? And where did “Society” and the 1040 forms come from?

SR: I created the packaging myself. I’ve always enjoyed package design, so that was the fun part. I’m not done yet – the brand is still evolving as I learn what works and what doesn’t.

For example, I found that you can’t wrap the soaps in colored paper because the color bleeds into the soap over time. I tried using self-adhesive labels, but they were expensive and weren’t recycled, so I moved away from those as well. I’m still tweaking the label design and the formulas used for the soaps, and printing out the labels at home on a digital printer. Once everything is final I’ll be able to print the labels on a press, which will improve the look of the packaging that much more.

I’m not sure where the name “Society” came from, but I like the idea that everyone is part of society, and that my soaps are for everyone. And I used my 2008 tax return to buy a bunch of supplies for the project. That’s why many of the bars are wrapped in blank 1040 forms.

SE: Do you consider yourself a craftsperson or an artist?

SR: I used to think there was a difference, but I don’t anymore. I think that the creative drive comes from the same place in all of us, whether we’re artists or artisans. The only difference is one of semantics.

SE: Do you have advice for other creatives starting a business?

SR: Be honest with the product or service you sell. On the Society label, there are three check boxes that say “fresh,” “simple,” and “perfect.” The first two are checked, but the last isn’t. My soap is fresh and simple, but it’s not perfect. I want to be honest and upfront about that.

To have a truly natural product, you must surrender the notion of perfection. “Perfect” soap contains all kinds of crap that makes it harder, or longer lasting, or foamier, or have a special color or smell. You don't need that stuff. What you need is a good, simple, natural bar of soap. That’s what I’m selling.

Other DCS members uniting craft and commerce

Stephen isn’t the only DCS member using the power of craft to fight a tough economy. Check these other products out.

April Sadowski

product: hemp necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and keychains

where to buy: www.hempharbor.com

why she does it: I have a love for any creative medium, so making jewelry comes naturally. I started out in elementary school with embroidery thread before I branched out into hemp ... so this passion actually predates my design career!

Jessica Watters

product: soy and beeswax candles, made using recycled glass jars

where to buy: My Little Sunshine in New Carlisle, or by mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

why she does it: This is my own way of turning “lemons into lemonade” in a tough economy. I’m a firm believer that through hard work you can do and be whatever you want . . . I’m hoping to show my girls that by combining hard work and creativity we can make a difference in our family budget.

Kathleen Hanover

product: Christmas wreathes made from antique Christmas ornaments, and jewelry

how to buy: contact Kathleen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

why she does it: I'm insanely artsy-craftsy and I’m a beadaholic. Need I say more?

Marissa Bowers

product: everything from photographs to mixed media art shadowboxes to sewing projects (like blankets and statuettes) using recycled wool sweaters

where to buy: www.etsy.com/people/mbowers709 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for custom pieces

why she does it: Being a book designer for craft books at F+W Media inspired my “inner crafter.” I sit at a computer most of the time, so the realness of making a craft from paper or fabric is very appealing to me. Crafting is very connected to my visual sense and my identity as a designer.

Do you know someone who has started up a side business to battle the economic slump? Tell us about it in the comments.

Samantha Enslen runs Dragonfly Editorial and is a recent convert to Society Bodycare soap and lip balm.