Grace Studio, manufacturer of beautiful artisan-type soaps is based in New Zealand. These gorgeous soaps smell amazing, are soft on skin, and are especially hand crafted by Monique Brown - the creator of the label Grace Studio.
Monique is passionate about good soaps, and can be found concocting new types each day. She attributes her creativity to God’s Grace, incidentally the inspiration behind the name Grace Studio. Her retailers can be found in Khandallah, Ngaio, and Churton Park, Wellington City and The Village Market in Gracefield, and she has expanded into showcasing spa products at many other outlets.
We caught up with Monique about her venture, and how the past year has been for her and her business.
How did it all begin?
Having lost my job as a Quilter, I learned to make things from scratch, such as candles, yoghurt, cheese, and soap, especially from the lovely people at Soap Craft and Aromatics. The Internet was also a valuable resource. I made some soap for my family and friends as gifts one Christmas, and this landed me my first return customer, Caroline, one of my very good friends. When she first received the soap as a Thank You gift, she called me and asked for 6 of the same. I said I don’t have so many. Caroline said, “This is the best soap ever, I didn't have any rashes or reactions.” She really liked the soap. Even when I said it would take 6 weeks to cure, she said she would wait. She has become a regular, ordering the same soap, which is now known as "Caroline". This also inspired me to get into manufacturing for my own brand, and I have been very happy this year with the return on Grace Studio. 
What drives you each day?
My sons, Sam (12) and Ben (9) keep me motivated. They also help out, with Sam playing guitar on market days and Ben selling Sherbet packets that he makes.
The CyberCom Pay factor..
Swipe has been brilliant! When people come to the market, they don’t always carry cash. They carry cards. About one in four customers ask whether I have Eftpos or not, so unless I want to lose the customer, I have to have Eftpos. So, I went for CyberCom Pay Mobile. It has been a year and a half since I first started Swipe, and it has been so great! I love it! I can take the K1 wherever I go, it is so lightweight and easy to handle. It is so convenient; I can even make a sale while dropping my kids at school!
Words of wisdom for your fellow SME's?
Do what you are passionate about. If you are passionate about your product then it will sell itself.
With Christmas around the corner, Grace Studio should definitely be on your shopping list, for they make wonderful gifts for anyone.
