Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin And Michael Douglas-Smith.
Hi Kevin and Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story. To start, can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Douglas Smith Soap Company started in 2020, right in the middle of quarantine. We just wanted to make something real when everything else felt uncertain. It began as small batches for friends and family, and it grew quickly. Our first launch sold out in a day, and we have been building from there ever since.
Now we are a small-batch, hands-on business based in downtown San Marcos. We still make, cut, and package everything ourselves. That part has never changed. We care about using thoughtfully-sourced ingredients and making products that are simple, effective, and made well.
Can you talk about some of the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, has it felt smooth?
It has not been smooth, but it has been worth it. The biggest challenge has been figuring out how to grow without losing what makes the brand what it is. It is easy to scale. It is harder to scale well.
As a direct-to-consumer brand, we focus on plant-based, science-backed ingredients instead of chasing trends. That means being careful about sourcing and pricing so we can keep quality high and products accessible.
We have also had to learn how to grow while staying connected to our customers. That has been a constant adjustment, but it is a big part of why we do things the way we do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what sets you apart?
We make plant-based, small-batch soaps and self-care goods meant to elevate everyday routines. Everything we make is rooted in both good ingredients and good formulation. We focus on what actually works.
A lot of people know us for our cold-process soap-making and our scent profiles. We spend a lot of time making sure they feel balanced, grounded, and not overpowering.
Being direct-to-consumer keeps us close to the people who use our products. That feedback shapes what we make and how we keep improving.
What we are most proud of is that the brand is built with intention. Every ingredient has a reason for being there, and every product is made with care.
What sets us apart is that balance between traditional methods and a more modern, plant-based approach. We are not trying to overcomplicate things. We just want to make really good products that people enjoy using every day.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Honestly, our customers. They have supported us from the beginning, given feedback, and helped shape what this has become.
We have also had a lot of support from friends, family, and other small-business owners who have shared advice and perspective when we needed it.
The broader maker and skincare community has influenced us too, especially around formulation and staying grounded in what actually works.
At the end of the day, this is not something we built on our own. It has been shaped by a lot of people who believed in what we were doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.douglassmithsoap.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dssoapco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasSmithSoapCompany
