FOUNDER: JAE BENJAMIN

Brands that build a foundation on appreciating the simplicity and beauty in nature, automatically are a major win in my book. Each product from Benjamin Soap Co.'s cold process soaps to their hand poured soy candles are handcrafted in small batches. Founder, Jae Benjamin, uses plant based oils, 100% pure soy wax, which is sourced from American grown soy beans, wild crafted and homegrown organic herbs in order to provide products that don't just look good, but help you feel good too.

Benjamin uses minimal packaging that is recyclable and biodegradable, while supporting and collaborating with local makers, sourcing ingredients like raw honey, freshly roasted coffee beans, craft beers, Texas wines, and even distilled spirits.

Learn more about Jae Benjamin and her journey with Benjamin Soap Co below!

WHY DO YOU CALL AUSTIN HOME

I have lived in Austin for the last 18 years, I moved here the summer of my freshmen year of high school and I have called it home ever since.

FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY

Discovered David Ramirez on Amazon and listen to his albums everyday in my studio.

BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE or TEA, BE SPECIFIC ;)

This is a tough one! My go to is coffee, specifically Chameleon Vanilla Cold Brew with a splash of coconut milk.

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

Love @mindysbakeshop, @whiskeyandpearls, @newtonsupplyco, @austinwaymag,

GO TO MID-DAY SNACK or ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL

gummy bears

WHERE DO YOU FEEL THE MOST CREATIVE? EX: HOME, STUDIO, NATURE, ETC.

I feel most creative in my studio. After working out of my home for 2.5 years, I was able to move the business into a studio in NW Austin. Having the ability to separate work and home has been incredible on so many levels.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO CREATE BENJAMIN SOAP CO.

I was frustrated with the skincare industry, the deceiving labels, the abundance of filler ingredients and I wanted something better, something different. Benjamin Soap Company started in a pyrex mixing bowl in my laundry room. I created simple recipes, with natural ingredients and went from there.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF BENJAMIN SOAP CO.

Moving into my studio this past summer has been the highlight of this journey. I built this brand and company from so little, and to see it flourish and thrive in an otherwise occupied market I remain incredibly humbled, motivated and dedicated to the process.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR BRAND STANDS OUT

I never settle, I’m a perfectionist and when a label doesn’t look right, or fit the aesthetic I don’t compromise, instead I push the envelope.

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE

I’m incredibly fortunate to live in a community that embraces makers and entrepreneurs the way that it does. I’m inspired and influenced by so many business owners, artists, and makers that I meet.

HOW HAS SOCIAL HELPED YOUR BRAND

Social media, specifically Instagram has been critical to the growth of my company. Posting stories, or short videos of me in the studio handcrafting each product has helped our customer base get a more intimate view of the process and the studio.

WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAVE YOU LOVED COLLABORATING WITH

Newton Supply Co, Eliana Bernard, Settle Ceramics, Treaty Oak Distillery, Bent Oak Winery, Bending Branch Winery, Duchman Winery, Zilker Brewing Co., Top Trip Rentals.

HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOPPING LOCAL TO YOU

Shopping local is so important to me, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the support of the community. When you buy something handmade or local, you’re supporting a maker, a person, a family, a student, an artist a person's dream.

HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU

The Austin community has been incredibly supportive since I started in the fall of 2014 selling soaps and candles at our local farmers market. Austin is a great place to be a maker, we are so fortunate to have so many businesses that support us, and source locally.

WOULD YOU BE OPEN TO A DESIGN COLLAB WITH A LOCAL AUSTIN ARTIST

Yes! We love collaborating with local artists!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT BENJAMIN SOAP CO.

Every product is hand crafted entirely in-house, and every step of our production process from prepping containers, to measuring out each ingredient is done so by hand in small batches.

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO BUILD A BRAND AROUND ETHICAL VALUES SUCH AS: SOURCING FROM LOCAL MAKERS, USING PACKAGING THAT IS RECYCLABLE + BIODEGRADABLE, ETC.

We constantly strive to lessen our impact on the planet by sourcing locally, using plant based oils, and and most importantly packaging that can be recycled or re-used.

WITH PROVIDING SO MANY PRODUCTS FROM SKINCARE, TO BATH + BODY, TO HOME, HOW DO YOU STAY CONSISTENT WITH YOUR COMPANY VALUES

We take research and development very seriously and spend weeks, sometimes even months testing, and trying every product until we feel confident about launching it. Our core values remain the same, using high quality plant based ingredients, and sourcing locally when we can.

WHERE CAN SUPPORTERS FIND YOUR CREATIVE PRODUCTS

Online Website
Art for the People Gallery - Austin
Monument Market - Georgetown
Greenhouse Craft Food - Round Rock
Royal Blue Grocery - Austin
Jacoby’s Mercantile - Austin
Hyatt Lost Pines - Cedar Creek
Thatcher - Buda

AUSTIN LOCAL INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS

FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK

Veracruz on E. Cesar Chavez

FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE

Art for the People Gallery

FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP(S)

Summer Moon

MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION(S) FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

Food trailer park off South 1st
Climb Mount Bonnell
Eat queso at Torcy’s Tacos
Enjoy a mexican martini at Tortuga Flats
Check out the Thinkery Children’s Museum
Grafitti Wall downtown