Meet Katrina Wright | CEO of Crystal Bar Soap

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

Hi Katrina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I stumbled into entrepreneurship, I never imagined it would become my passion and livelihood. It all began with an idea my friends and I had one day drinking at home after attending a local music festival: soaps with crystals inside! ‘The ultimate cleansing experience!”

The next day, I did some research and shopping to gather supplies and made the first Crystal Infused Soaps! They looked completely different from what they look like now but my friends couldn’t get enough of them. Their enthusiastic response ignited a spark in me.

After several successful batches, my friends encouraged me to take our creations to a local market. To my surprise, we sold out almost instantly, and the buzz around our products started to grow. Soon, we were being approached by magazines and news outlets for features.

It was a pivotal moment for me. I realized there was potential to turn this passion project into something bigger.

took the leap and secured a studio space to scale up production. As demand continued to soar, I expanded my team to keep up.

Then came the game-changer: a feature in Business Insider. Overnight, it seemed, our business exploded onto the scene. Faced with this newfound momentum, I made the bold decision to relocate everything to Los Angeles where majority of our new customers were coming from.

It’s been a wild ride, full of challenges and triumphs, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. From humble beginnings in my home kitchen to making waves in the City of Angels, this journey has taught me the power of following your passion and seizing opportunities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What truly sets Crystal Bar Soap apart is the beating heart behind it all. While others may prioritize profits, I’ve always prioritized people. Every decision, every interaction, is infused with genuine care and connection. Building meaningful relationships with our customers has been at the core of our journey. It’s what has guided me through tough decisions and countless tempting offers from investors or companies looking to acquire us.

I vividly recall one such offer from a company proposing to purchase Crystal Bar Soap, with plans involving robots to streamline production for maximum profits. It shook me to the core. It stripped away the essence of why we create our products – why every crystal is carefully chosen and placed inside. Why we spend hours crafting not just soap, but art, Our goal is to transform the act of showering into a moment of self-care. Even if its just a moment, that moment can change your entire day.

I know we got here by taking one step forward every day, I became a business owner unexpectedly so education on how to run a business has been crucial. Every time a challenge came up, I simply looked for solutions. In my family, we have a saying: there are no problems, only solutions. This mantra has been the truest guiding light through my entire journey into entrepreneurship.

Over the years I’ve become fiercely protective of Crystal Bar Soap. It’s more than a brand; it’s my passion, my guide, and my greatest source of personal growth. In hindsight, the road to where we are today hasn’t been easy. It’s been riddled with challenges, doubts, and tough decisions. But through it all, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about staying true to myself, following my instincts, and prioritizing integrity above all else.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a city that never fails to captivate, and I’ve been fortunate to explore this city over the past seven years, transitioning from a wide-eyed tourist to a seasoned local. This city is too big to stick to a routine, most often I’m uncovering new adventures, often guided by the unique corners my friends inhabit and whats going on around them.

One of my favorite pastimes is immersing in live music, small intimate bars with live music are often my favorite, currently my local spot is Paoli’s Piano Bar. For a larger venues Hollywood Bowl holds a special place in my heart. Picture-perfect evenings spent indulging in dinner and wine while dancing to live music—it’s an experience that truly embodies the essence of LA living.

For a different kind of thrill, I love joining vibrant bike crews for night rides through the city. Some of my favorite memories in this city have been from getting to explore this city on the streets surrounded by hundreds of other riders. Cars completely halt for crews in this big (especially with out twinkling lights and music) Getting to roam the streets brings a sense of freedom unlike any other.

Escaping the urban hustle, I find solace in the rugged terrains just beyond the city limits. With my trusty camper van serving as the gateway to serene landscapes that offer a much-needed respite for my mind and soul.

However, amidst all the exploration, Venice remains my personal favorite. Its eclectic energy never fails to enchant—from the mesmerizing skateboarders to talented roller skaters, every corner pulsates with life. Whether it’s indulging in street performances, sharing laughs over budget jokes (honestly there is a guy that will tell you a joke for just $1 and I’ve never failed to laugh) Venice embodies the essence of LA’s vibrant spirit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, recognizing the support of others is crucial to any success story. Firstly, I have to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible customers. Their unwavering support has been the lifeblood of our business, propelling us through every high and low. To every person who has believed in us and supported us along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Behind the scenes, there are two individuals who have been instrumental in shaping our path. Emily Christian holds a special place in our story. As the Senior Producer for INSIDER today, she took a chance on Crystal Bar Soap back in 2017 when it was just a fledgling project. Her vision and dedication resulted in a viral video that catapulted us into the spotlight overnight. I’ll always cherish our friendship and the pivotal role she played in our journey.

And then there’s my mom. In the early days of Crystal Bar Soap, when every dollar counted, her unwavering support was my saving grace. There were moments when it came down to paying rent or buying supplies, and she never hesitated to lend a hand. Her belief in me and our business kept us afloat during those critical times. To this day, she remains the backbone of our operation, and I owe her more than words can express.

Website: www.crystalbarsoap.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalbarsoap/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10504458/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalbarsoap/

Image Credits
all photos from Crystal Bar Soap