At Potomac Soap Company, 'Everything is Fresh'

Diana Walker is the person who gives her family and friends homemade gifts for Christmas or birthdays — and they happen to smell really good and some do wonders for the skin.

That hobby of soap and lotion making turned into a home-based online business, and eventually she took a bigger risk of opening a retail store to sell her goods. Walker's Potomac Soap Company on Poplar Alley in Occoquan has become a popular addition to the small town.

Here are excerpts of an interview with Walker:

Could you briefly describe your business?

I make fabulous handmade bath and body products in exclusive fragrances using the freshest ingredients available. I currently offer 13 fragrances at my shop, but have over 100 available. Fragrances can be addicting. My No. 1 seller is my Body Butter. It has 30 percent shea butter, is creamy and a little goes a long way. It is your skin's best friend. I focus on products that can be used from the neck down — sugar scrubs, body washes, bath salts, lotions, balms, etc. My products will help your skin feel and look and smell wonderful to boot.

What distinguishes your business from your competition?

Unlike the big-box stores, I have unique fragrances not found everywhere. I use fresh ingredients and my products don't sit in warehouses waiting to ship; everything is fresh. I prefer to keep things as natural as possible — free of dyes, petroleum products and harmful preservatives. I use spa-quality botanicals and plant oils like shea and cocoa butter and rice, almond, jojoba and coconut oils. I also teach  soap-making classes to demystifying the soap-making process.

Why did you start your venture?

I began soap making in 2002 making some holiday presents and got bitten by the soap-making bug. By the summer of 2003, my hobby turned into a business selling my products at local craft shows, home parties and online. I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and opened up the shop I had always wanted here in Occoquan.

What is the most exciting or enjoyable thing about being an entrepreneur?

I love being flexible and being able to set my own schedule. Although there are many things I have to do, most things are fun and I want to do them.

What is the most difficult thing about being an entrepreneur?

Personally for me it is expanding my business or having the confidence to expand. It is so easy to stay in my little happy place and be content. I must plan for the big picture. I can only imagine where I would be if I would have opened up a shop five years ago.

What motivates you?

I love what I do. How many people can say that? I love making people happy. My products make them happy and that keeps me going. Making handmade bath and body products is my therapy after a particular stressful day.

If you could pick one skill that successful entrepreneurs have what would that be?

I wish I was more assertive. I'm working on it. I am very outgoing, but sometimes I don't mention I own my own business. Crazy, isn't it?

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs?

If you can dream it, do it. Very cliche, but it's my mantra and it works! What's my next dream? Doing this full time and expanding my shop space. I'm giving myself a three year time frame.

Potomac Soap Company

308E Poplar Alley

Occoquan

Phone:  571-991-2185
Hours: Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday CLOSED

Thursday & Friday 1  to 4 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.