Amber Keller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Amber, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Creating new soap definitely makes me lose track of time — in the best way. From trying new scents and colors and experimenting with ingredients, I can spend hours completely immersed in the process. It’s a creative outlet, but also a beautiful ritual. When I’m in that flow of creativity I feel most connected to myself and why I started Am Happy Soap in the first place: to bring beauty, comfort, and intention into everyday routines.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m the founder of Am Happy Soap, a small-batch soap company that started from a love of scent, texture, and creativity. I first discovered cold process soap making back in 2015 after taking a local class—and I was instantly hooked. What began as a fun experiment quickly turned into a full-blown passion. I spent months testing recipes, sharing bars with family and friends, and falling in love with the way soap making blends science with art.
Eventually, I launched an online store and created a monthly subscription box, which has been one of my favorite ways to share fresh, seasonal scents with customers. It’s like a little surprise of happiness delivered to their door every month. For me, making soap is about more than just a beautiful bar—it’s about creating small, joyful rituals in people’s everyday lives.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I first started Am Happy Soap, I struggled a lot with imposter syndrome. I kept thinking, Who am I to run a business? Who’s going to care about these little bars of soap I’m making in my kitchen? For a while, I downplayed what I was building—almost like I didn’t want to take up too much space.
But something shifted when I started hearing from customers who genuinely loved the soap—people who told me it made their day a little better, that it felt like a treat, or reminded them to slow down. That’s when I realized that small things can make a big impact. I didn’t need to be a huge brand or have it all figured out to offer something meaningful. That moment helped me see that showing up fully—even as “just little ol’ me”—is more than enough.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
For a long time, I believed I had to be in constant hustle mode to succeed—posting on social media every day, pushing sales, staying “on” all the time. I thought that was the only way to grow my soap business. But over time, I started to feel burnt out. I have a full-time job now and three teenagers, and I realized I needed a more sustainable, balanced approach to life and creativity.
That shift in mindset changed everything. I still love Am Happy Soap deeply—it’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve built—but I no longer feel like I have to chase constant growth to prove its value. Now, I focus more on quality, intention, and joy—making soap when I’m inspired, and trusting that the right people will find it. It’s been freeing, and it’s made the creative part feel even more special.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they’d say I care deeply about finding contentment and joy in the small things. I’m always looking for quiet moments of peace, a little spark of whimsy, or something beautiful in the everyday—whether it’s a pretty bar of soap, a cozy corner of my home, or a run at sunrise. I really believe in romanticizing your life, even in the tiniest ways. You don’t have to wait for big milestones to feel joy. I try to live that way, and I think my soap reflects it too.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating—whether it’s making a new batch of soap or throwing pottery on my wheel. There’s something calming about working with my hands and watching something take shape.
I also find peace in simple moments with my family, like cooking dinner together or playing games or taking a walk.
And being in nature— hiking a trail, going for a run, or just breathing fresh air—always reminds me to slow down and be present. Those are the times I feel completely grounded.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amhappysoap.com/
- Instagram: @am_happy_soap
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmHappySoap
