Etsy to Independence: Amber Bath Co's Journey
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For five years, Amber Bath Co. was a thriving part of Etsy’s marketplace. With thousands of sales, over 100 orders a month, and a loyal customer base that left glowing reviews, I was incredibly grateful for the platform that helped me grow. But as time went on, I realized something: Amber Bath Co. was more than just a shop on Etsy—it was my passion, my legacy, and my dream.
In January 2025, I took a leap of faith and launched Amber Bath Co. as an independent business with its own website. This decision was more than a business move; it was a step toward building something truly my own, rooted in creativity, authenticity, and love.
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Where It All Began
Amber Bath Co. started in 2020 as a way to help others. I was inspired by the growing need for comfort and wellness during challenging times, so I began making menthol shower steamers—simple yet powerful products designed to provide relief and a touch of self-care.
I named the business after my cousin Amber, who passed away from cancer at just 35 years old. Amber was incredibly artistic, with a love for painting, scrapbooking, candle making, and all things creative. She left behind a young son and a legacy of artistry that I wanted to honor. Amber Bath Co. is my way of continuing her memory, channeling her creativity into every product I make.
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The Etsy Years: Growth and Gratitude
Etsy was the perfect platform to launch my small business. Its built-in community and tools made it easier to reach people who were looking for handmade, thoughtful products. During those five years:
- I became a "star seller", earning trust with exceptional reviews and repeat customers, and many of our items being listed as "best-sellers".
- I expanded my product line, adding goat’s milk soaps, bath salts, and other self-care essentials.
- I connected with customers who shared heartfelt stories about how my products brought them comfort and joy.
But over time, I realized something important: Amber Bath Co. deserved its own identity, separate from the Etsy platform. I wanted a space where my brand could flourish and where customers could connect directly with me—not just through a marketplace.
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Why I Took the Leap
Leaving Etsy wasn’t an easy decision. It meant stepping away from the comfort of a platform with built-in visibility and taking on the challenge of building my own website, managing marketing, and handling operations independently.
But this transition also gave me:
Creative Freedom: On my own website, I can tell my story, showcase my products exactly how I envision them, and create a space that reflects the heart of Amber Bath Co.
A Direct Connection with Customers: I love being able to engage with my customers personally, without a middleman.
Room to Grow: My website gives me the freedom to expand my product line and share my passion for handcrafted goods with even more people.
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Falling in Love with Cold Process Soapmaking
One of the most exciting chapters of Amber Bath Co. began in early 2024, when I started making cold process soap. Unlike melt-and-pour or commercial soaps, cold process soap is made from scratch, allowing me to choose every ingredient with care.
I fell in love with the art of soapmaking—blending natural oils, goat’s milk, and other nourishing ingredients to create bars that are as beautiful as they are beneficial for the skin. Every batch feels like a labor of love, a reflection of my commitment to providing pure, high-quality skincare.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Amber Bath Co.
Now, as I step into this new chapter of independence, I’m both excited and nervous. Running my own website is a big change, but it’s also an opportunity to grow, innovate, and connect with customers in ways I never could before.
Amber Bath Co. is more than a business to me—it’s a way to honor my cousin, share my passion for artistry, and create products that genuinely make people’s lives better. Whether it’s a menthol shower steamer that helps someone breathe easier or a candle that brings warmth to their home, every item is made with love and care.
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A Thank You to My Customers
To my loyal customers who supported me on Etsy: thank you. Your reviews, repeat purchases, and kind words have meant the world to me. To new customers discovering Amber Bath Co.: welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
As I continue this journey, I invite you to explore my handmade soaps, shower steamers, candles, and more at **AmberBathCo.com**. Together, let’s celebrate the power of creativity, the joy of self-care, and the beauty of supporting small businesses.