Features Lifestyle

Meet Jolie Chitwood, Founder of Soaptopia

Soaptopia - Jolie Chitwood

The story  of Soaptopia began as a vision in Venice, California in 2005, and has blossomed to fill the homes and hearts of our customers with alluring smells, moisturizing lathers, and products that are pumped with personality.

While ever-searching for the perfect pure and natural solution for her allergies to most products that saturated the market, Soaptopia founder Jolie Chitwood explored new alternatives, hoping to find a product that was equal parts nourishing, natural, and enveloped in a yummy scent.

She experimented with her own concoctions, and her newfound solution became an inspiration to focus on the energetic aspects of healing, and understanding of how energy moves within our bodies. She created her own handmade soaps, transforming her home into an apothecary of sensory bliss, filled with flowers and natural oils, and immersed herself in the study of herbal holistic education.

She began traveling with soap and scent; selling her soaps to a community of friends with a shared passion for eco-friendly health and healing. They were quickly hooked on the moisturizing ingredients, invigorating essential oils, and a smell they could “FEEL,” through both their own energetic connecting experience with the products throughout the body, and the delicious scents on their skin. Word spread like YOUcalyptUS Oil Slather, and Soaptopia opened a manufacturing operation, kitchen, and retail shop in Los Angeles.

Today, people can experience her products and FEEL the Smell of Soaptopia across the globe with our all natural, handmade products, free of any junk. Our team of dedicated Soaptopians have united to bring that ahhhh spa bliss to every bath. Sourcing eco-friendly BATH (Bathe In All Things Healthy) Certified ingredients, and creating yummy smells in rockin’ combinations for your every mood is our passion. Love & Be Loved… ONE LOVE.

Soaptopia Soaps

 Tell us about yourself in a tweet.

I’m a master mixer, foamitable formulator, channel for the divine (as I believe we all are) and lover of life and the splendors of nature. #ONELOVE

Where are you from?

I’m from Chandler, Arizona. I’m a fourth generation native with my family coming from Denmark & Mexico.

What brought you to LA?

The bright lights and exciting life working in film production

What’s your favorite thing about LA?

The diversity of people, food and the amazing lifestyle the weather affords us Angelenos.

What has been your favorite LA experience?

One of my favorite experiences in LA was enjoying hosting and filming Shaquille O’Neil and Kendrick Lamar in our SOAPTOPIA store. Shaq declared me the Pablo Escobar of Soap. They are both cool as ice… epic!

How did you come up with the idea to start Soaptopia?

My passion for natural was based out of necessity to breathe and not itch (allergies).

How long have you been in business?

I’ve been making soap since the mid-90’s and established Soaptopia in 2001.

Soaptopia Shop

Which is your absolute favorite soap?

Hipppeee. Complex, groovy, woodie and floral – perfect every time!

What is your advice for people who are starting their business now?

Passion, shameless perseverance & lots more passion and shameless perseverance.

Did you have a mentor or someone you looked/look up to? How have they played a role in your success?

Many, with so many skill sets, however, I really had an incredible opportunity to work for Tony Scott. He was remarkable and I was always a demonstration of anything is possible.

What’s next for you?

Continuation of creating more yummy and healthy bath products!

You can find out more about Soaptopia on their website and Instagram.