Meet The Maker: Simy Arun, Siloam Artisan Soap, Kochi

Today on the blog, we feature Simy Arun; artisanal soap maker and founder of Siloam Artisan Soap, a homegrown soap label based in Kochi. Meet the maker at the February 2020 edition of By Hand from the Heart Makers Market in Chennai.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself.  

I, Simy Arun, and a MCA graduate was an IT professional. My work experience revolves around computers, at the moment I am pursuing  my passion to become a wellness entrepreneur, I was always interested in home remedies and natural products but was not sure on where to focus for my business, I am an ardent soap lover and  happen to buy a soap from a well known store and my husband  encouraged  me in to soap making.

 

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Why did you become a maker?  Why is making so important to you? 

Because I came across many handmade artisan soaps in foreign countries and could not find much here so I wanted to innovate and make them available here in India, I can buy different molds and make soap but I prefer hand designing soap which brings a personal touch to each soap.

 

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How did you begin your business?

Initially my husband helped me with soap making and later I started on my own, I started with simple ingredients like coconut oil and the response I received was positive I took a break as I was pregnant and then got busy with the little one. However 6 months later I decided to resume soap making, bringing an element that would persuade people to buy my soaps with quality the instant they look at it was very essential.

What is the story behind your brand name?
I always wanted a biblical name this was when my sister found a name for me.
The pool of Siloam was used as a ritual for cleansing and purifying.

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How has your business evolved over the years?

I started with basic oil soaps, and I saw the interests was different according to seasons like  for summer it was cucumber soap, people with dry skin preferred goat milk soap, people with normal to dry skin preferred coconut milk soap so I started making varieties in small batches, now I make artisan goats milk soaps, customized soaps for wedding and parties with orders received in 2 months advance, the challenging part is the waiting period as it is cold processed  it needs minimum 4 weeks time to cure so patience is a key here for both customer and the seller.

 

Your work space & your favorite work tool

My kitchen. My favorite work tool would be my hands with a blender.

 

What is currently on your work table?

I am currently making bath truffles and bath butter scrubs.

 

What is your personal favorite pick from your label right now? And why?
Personal pick would be vanilla goats milk soap, I have received good reviews for my first batch itself; its moisturizing properties, fragrance has my heart. Its my personal favorite bathing soap.

 

What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart.
I will display Handmade artisan soaps, whipped sugar bath scrubs, bath truffles.

 

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Meet the Maker @
By Hand from the Heart: Makers Market – 29th Edit
7 – 8 February 2020, Friday – Saturday | 10 a.m – 9 p.m
Hanu Reddy Residences, No. 41/19, Poes Garden, Chennai 600086, India.

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