Wheeler opens Journey Soap Bar
Kendra Wheeler, owner of Journey Soap Bar, located in the rear of Beaus and Belles Boutique, 124 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville. Every product is handmade by Kendra and is non-allergenic. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Skin care has always been important to Kendra Wheeler, owner of Journey Soap Bar. However, being highly allergic to chemicals found in most bath and body products, she needed to find products that wouldn’t upset her allergens. That’s when she took her health into her own hands and started making “skin-friendly”, “non-irritant” products. “Everything that we make you could practically eat,” says Kendra, “Though I don’t recommend it,” she says with a laugh. Noting how many soap and scent shops have overwhelming fragrances, Kendra says, “You won’t ever get a headache from any of the scent.”
Founded in October of 2020, Journey Soap Bar carries an assortment of body products ranging from moisturizers, soaps, and creams, to gift sets, scrubs, and more, including a recently launched “Home Collection”, which includes candles, rug/carpet refreshers, and products for the car. Journey Soap Bar products are also pet-friendly. Kendra says her men’s products are so popular, it can be hard to keep them stocked.
Kendra shared about her “journey” from the Hartsville Farmers Market to a brick-and-mortar space. “When I first started coming to the Hartsville Farmers Market I didn’t really know what to expect; I thought it was just for produce. However, when I saw other people like me who made their own products, I knew I wanted to try it out.” It was at the Hartsville Farmers Market that she was approached by Lauri Dunn, owner of Beaus and Belles Boutique in Downtown Hartsville, about collaborating. “’I have to have you in my store,’” Lauri said to her. And from there, a relationship was born. “We have more than just a business relationship, we’re friends.”
When Beaus and Belles Boutique first started carrying Journey Soap Bar products, they stocked only a few items. Now, Journey Soap Bar has expanded to the entire back half of the store to accommodate a full line of products and give room for expansion. Kendra also has a thriving online presence with many of the same products she carries in store and has shipped orders to every state in the U.S. Journey Soap Bar products are also available on the Walmart website. In addition to stocking product at Beaus and Belles, Journey Soap Bar also sells products at Shear Hairapy on E. Carolina Avenue, and The Key, located in City Hall. Kendra hopes that by being downtown, she will be able to serve as a bridge to bring people together. “We’re welcoming of everyone here,” says Kendra. The official grand opening for the full product line is March 31st, 2023 and will begin at 12pm. Customers will be able to test and purchase merchandise, meet Kendra, and enjoy refreshments. All customers will be entered into a giveaway for free goodies at a value of over $100. When asked about the future of Journey Soap Bar, Kenda said, “Our motto at Journey Soap Bar is “We Do Better Together,” so however we grow from that motto is the direction we take.” Be sure to stop by Beaus and Belles Boutique, at 124 East Carolina Avenue in Hartsville, to explore all that Journey Soap Bar has to offer.
