Meet Samantha Barnard | Soap and Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Barnard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I initially wanted to create something that would allow me to have a sustainable creative outlet. I grew up in an artistic family and was always encouraged to dream big and try new things. I had fallen in love with the soap-making process, and I knew I found something that not only I loved, but that others cared about! I had so much soap on hand from making, I had to share it with others!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To become a soap maker I had to overcome the challenge of self-doubt. I had to learn to believe in the process and know that supposed “failure” is part of it. Whenever I made mistakes, it felt like this mountain I couldn’t climb. The self doubt would creep in telling me to throw in the towel and just call it a day. But I came to learn that mistakes are part of the process and really help us learn and grow. Some of my mistakes had turned into think out of the box situations, which in turn, turned into successful outcomes.

I just love making products that come from the earth. There’s something about knowing where something comes from that gives a sense of calm and connection. I love creating products that are not only simple, but beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I was raised in New England and now that I live in CT, I am close to all the great spots! If your in CT, be sure to visit West Hartford’s Blue Back Square, you’ll find fun restaurants, bars and shops to keep you busy. There are many walking trails around, but my favorite is the West Hartford Reservoir. The trails take you through woods with gorgeous scenery of the water. For a calmer adventure, visit Old Wethersfield and take a walk down Main street and see historical homes, and grab a scoop of yummy ice cream at Main Street Ice cream & Cafe.

Visit Parkville Market in Hartford and you won’t be disappointed! It’s a hall of food from all over the world and it’s amazing! Grab a drink at Alvaruim Brewery in New Britain for some local beer! There are so many places to check out right here in CT. But you are also close Rhode Island and Massachusetts!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother raised me to think outside the box. She nurtured a desire in me to dream big and to not be afraid to try new things. Growing up she always had new ideas or adventures to go on. Whether it was a class at the local library or a trip to the museum, she worked hard to show us the world from different perspectives. Whether she was creating a reading nook under our stairs with pillows and a tarp, or having a painting day with what old paints we had lying around, she taught me to see the fun of trying.

It’s because of her that I one day looked at a bar of soap and asked the question, How is this made? And that question led me to a art form that has changed my life for the better.

Website: www.barnard-home.com

Instagram: @barnardhomecrafters