I’m Vicky Cangelosi, and I'm the owner and SoapMaster-in-Chief of Smelly Cat Soaps.

I am allergic to soap – or so I thought for the first twenty-something years of my life. I would break out in a terrible rash each time I used soap, even the hypoallergenic stuff. I subsisted on exactly one brand of rather boring body wash I found that didn’t cause breakouts like the others.

But each time I entered shops like Lush or Bath and Body Works, I found myself entranced by all the delicious smells. It was a cruel, cruel existence.

One day, I came across a soap mold for sale online that I fell in love with. I was so inspired that I decided I was going buy it and try my hand at making soap. How hard could it be?

At first, my only goal was to create soap that I could use without getting a rash. Much to my delight, I quickly found success. It turns out I am not allergic to soap after all! What I’m allergic to is the preservative that soap companies add to their soaps to prolong their shelf lives.

I shared my newfound love for soapmaking with my family and friends, and showed them what I had made. Several high pitched "Ohmygosh"es and "Thatsadorable"s later, I realized I may be onto something. I already had one shop on Etsy; I make jewelry and sell it over at www.CrowCanyonJewelry.com. I opened a second shop just for selling the soap, and decided I would take custom orders, in effect letting people create their own soap by choosing the color and scent. It seemed less risky; I didn’t have to buy supplies or actually make anything until I received an order. And I get to choose what goes into each bar... I'm proud to say I don’t add any preservatives to my soap.

The name Smelly Cat Soaps is homage to one of my all time favorite television shows, “Friends.” I love when I am selling soap at craft shows and people read my shop name, smile, then start to sing the Smelly Cat song a la Phoebe Buffay. I also love to hear the squeals of excited children as they proudly yell the names of all the little soap animals I have out on my table. “Mommy look, it’s a hedgehog!" "Mommy Mommy, an elephant!" "Mommy, she has turtles and puppies," etc.

I am enjoying this business and I love being my own boss. I get to be as creative as I want, and that is AWESOME! I don’t have to answer to anyone but my customers, so if I want to get crazy silly and fun in my automatic “Thanks for your order” message, (hint – it is actually pretty fun) there’s no one to tell me I can’t!

Right now, this is just a small business I do on the side. But I believe my soap has the potential to really take off. I love helping customers make bath time fun for their kids, create the perfect gift, or order truly unique wedding, party or shower favors.

Thanks for stopping by, and please keep me in mind for all your future soaping needs.