We all know that during the pandemic many businesses sadly closed. Those who survived did so because they adapted and made changes. Some changes were temporary and other changes became permanent. Some changes were forced, such as dealing with technology. But what about the brave people who decided to start a completely new business during the pandemic?
These entrepreneurs really need to be given support. Normally when you open a business you have more time to analyze the risks, but with the pandemic, it was either swim or drown. Others say that it is easier to open a business during difficult times because overall, you have nothing to lose if you already started with almost nothing. But as a businesswoman and owner of this publication, it is something to admire regardless. I also opened another business during this time, and it turned out to be one of my best decisions despite all the sacrifices I had to make.
In this edition, I present to you an elegant and humble lady who started her business during the pandemic, and I would like our community to give her support, especially during this holiday season. Read this interview to learn a little more about her business and how you can contribute. Do not forget that you will be contributing to a business that is small, local, and run by an entrepreneurial woman.
PM: WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
EMVV: My name is Erika Maria Valdez Valdez, I was born in the Dominican Republic, in the city of La Vega. I arrived in the United States in November 2013, at which time I was 34 years old. Today I am the owner and founder of Erival LLC. (Handmade Soaps).
PM: WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS AND WHY?
EMVV: It all started in the middle of 2020 during the pandemic, when I became more aware of taking care of my body. I discovered artisanal soap that was made in the cold process method. I was fascinated by how it cleansed and left my skin, which was very dry at the time, and this led me to look for a healthy solution for myself and my family.
In January 2021, after much research and advice, I made my first soap in a small mold, for our personal use at home. Then I started producing it to give as gifts to all my friends and family. From this moment on, without realizing it, what started as a passion and for fun was becoming my small business since they all were placing orders for their personal use and to give as gifts as well. It was at that moment that I sat down with my husband to evaluate the possibility of taking it more seriously. I like creating handmade soaps so much that I cannot stop producing them, being able to express myself through soap-making has been a blessing.
My business was born in 2022 thanks to the support of family, friends, and so many beautiful people that I have met, who with their demands, experiences, and comments sent to me after using my products, are what have allowed me to maintain my vision and persistence in continuing to grow and offering handmade soaps necessary to cleanse the skin and be part of the daily routine.
Erival Soap offers our community artisanal soaps that are not only soaps but rather a feeling in your hands as if you were taking a work of art to your skin, you deserve to feel a unique experience and one that is made with ingredients from mother nature; toxic free.
PM: WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A BUSINESSWOMAN?
EMVV: My vision is to be a leading cold process artisanal soap company in our community and to be recognized nationally, where my soaps can be present in many locations and be affordable to our customers, producing and marketing high-quality artisanal soaps that are beneficial for the skin and the environment, the well-being of my customers and providing excellent customer service, attracting new satisfied customers happy to use my products.
PM: WHAT OFFERS DO YOU HAVE THIS WINTER?
EMVV: For this Christmas season, we have prepared a variety of limited-edition handmade soaps for our winter collection, which is designed for both women and men.
You may choose to select gift boxes decorated for this occasion. We offer a 10% discount on your first order. We have a free sample on all purchases. Stay tuned on social networks, we are offering gifts and promotions during the month of December.
PM: HOW CAN OUR READERS CONTACT YOU?
EMVV: Be part of our great family and connect on our social networks @erivalsoap Instagram and Facebook. Visit our web store www.erivalsoap.com and contact us on our email erivalsoap@gmail.com, we would love to hear from you. Additionally, you can find our soaps in local stores in Reading PA, for example at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
PM: DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR OUR READERS?
EMVV: Thank you all very much for the support and affection given to my business, as it contributes to achieving a great dream. I hope to continue serving you and that you enjoy, them like I do, every detail and love imbued in my products is made for you. I am proud to be an active part of the development of our community.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Rosa J. Parra
Palo Magazine
