**EDIT-Giveaway closed as of 6/30/15. Winners will be chosen and contacted within the next week. Thank you all for entering**
Fortune Cookie Soap, a bath and body company that started with humble beginnings, is now growing at a rate that is nearly impossible for owners Shannon and Justin to keep up with. I was able to speak to a long time friend and employee of the store, a woman that beams with sweet southern hospitality and pride for what Fortune Cookie Soap has become. "Fortune Cookie Soap started with Shannon and Justin in a studio apartment they did everything out of, "Meri-Sue Bachlor said with a smile. I was made aware the company operates out of a store and two warehouses, one of them being product production and the other shipping and soap boxes. "They have outgrown both and are trying to get into one huge warehouse that will do shipping, soap boxes, and production," adds Meri-Sue.
Fortune Cookie Soap has many ways for its customers to try their products, including a physical store, an online market place, and a seasonal subscription box. Their subscription box retails for $19.99 and includes sample sizes of numerous products and a $10 off box code, which can be used as the collection is released. When asked about the first ever soap box, Meri-Sue stated "The very first soap box made, Shannon made 200 and said "Do you think we can sell 200? I'm worried, I'm scared we won't sell 200." Most of the soap boxes are cleverly themed, however I was told the themes didn't start until about a year and a half ago. Recent popular themes include Second Star to the Right (Peter Pan), Blush and Bashful (Steel Magnolias), Nightmare Before Christmas, Butter Beer (Harry Potter)...and so many more!
Being able to visit the physical store and conduct this "tour the store" was such an amazing experience for me. When you walk in the door you are first greeted by the sweet aroma of all the products, followed by the smiles and pleasant greetings of the employees. The store is tucked away on Main street in Jenks, Oklahoma, but the well thought out set up of the store takes you to a whole new world of yummy, colorful Fortune Cookie Soap goodness. Every item is intricately placed in such a manner that reels you in with an attractive, modern store design. You will find items such as bath fizzys, body wash, bath salts, sugar scrubs, shampoo and conditioner bars, and of course their number one seller, whipped creams.
Although this company is sky rocketing in sales and is currently sold in 75 stores nationwide, Shannon and Justin make it a priority to give back to charitable organizations that touch their hearts. Plant It-2020, Bixby Community Outreach Center, Save the Ta Tas, the OCD foundation, and Autism Speaks are just a few known charities Fortune Cookie Soap have given to, not to mention that over half a metric ton of soap has been donated. Personally, I love that I am able to purchase handmade, cruelty free products from a company that is charitably minded.
During our time at the physical store, I was able to speak to two Fortune Cookie Soap employees named Abby and Kinsey. When asked what scent was the fan favorite of all time, they replied "In the Loop. It sold like 800 cookies in a year." In the Loop is a popular scent most likely because it is so easily identified as the "Fruit Loops" cereal, both by look and smell.
Although the bath and body products were wonderful, I think the real trophy of this company is it's delightful employees who have taken such an interest in their customers needs and concerns. Abby was kind enough to divulge some of her insider tips in tricks to my readers. "Always cut your bar soaps into pieces, they last so much longer," she said. I was also told about a couple multi-use products, such as conditioner bars that can be used to shave your legs and hydrate me's that can be used as perfume. My final question for the obliging employees was if we could get a sneak peek or hint at the fall collection. Kinsey said just one word, "Famous." Abby elaborated saying, "It's different from the movie themes we've been doing. Not as wacky, and not as much pumpkin. This box is way better than last years fall box."
[GIVEAWAY TIME] Share either this blog for a chance to win one of two Fortune Cookie Soap prize packs! Comment on this post only "shared" for a chance to win. Winner will be chosen June 30th. Both winners will be chosen at random and will be required to show proof they shared this blog (blog.Sammicupcake.com) to win. Good luck!
