Chelsea Morgan

 My own personal tub

Most of us performing arts types have pretty standard day jobs to pay the rent - retail, food service, child care, etc. Occasionally, however, there will be an opportunity for an actor (or anyone in the business) to create their own job. I know lots of ladies and gents who have dedicated their time to companies like Arbonne and Mary Kay, because they get to be their own boss and sell a product they love. But one gal in particular has gone a step above and has CREATED her own skincare line called Float in the Tub. Who is this magical skincare princess? Her name is Alicia Lees, and she's forever hooked me on her ah-mazing bath n' body products. 

Alicia is a friend of mine with whom I work at my day job, but she's also a costumer for Light Opera Works. She is just beginning to unwrap her potential in bath/body care, and I am here to wave her banner and shout her praises! I sat down with Alicia to ask some questions about how she got started, what kinds of products she offers, and how you can get your hands on one of her magic potions. 

 The lovely Alicia Lees

Chelsea: Alicia, how did you get your start making all of these awesome goodies? When did you start? Do you have a mission statement?

Alicia: My mom taught me about a year and a half ago how to make the sugar scrub, which is one of my top sellers. It was just us in her kitchen and I've been making new products ever since. My mission is to provide luxurious, organic, and sustainable bath and body products for anyone and everyone.

C: When did things start taking off for you?

A: Business really started picking up about six months ago, before Christmas. Friends and family knew about the line, but when gift orders started pouring in, I knew it was going to be a busy season. I also threw my first Champagne and Sugar Scrub party, and that helped business get going as well. 

C: It sounds like you're getting popular! Do you do special events as well, or is it just invite-only for now?

A: I do special events all the time! Baby and bridal showers have been very popular, as well as simply word-of-mouth. I take samples to work and try to spread the word as much as possible. Parties are a big part of that, so if you want to host one, I'm happy to cater to anything!

C: What sorts of products do you offer?

A: I currently have sugar scrub, lotion bars, lip balm, and shaving lotion. I'm always experimenting, though, so more is on the way!

Lotion bars, sugar scrub, and lip balm!

C: I know the sugar scrub is my personal favorite. And I am addicted to the coffee scent. What other scents do you offer?

A: For the sugar scrub which is the most popular, I offer brown sugar, coffee, vanilla clove, pumpkin pie spice, rosemary bergamot, and lavender. Most of the sugar scrub scents can be made into lotion bars and lip balm, depending on the essential oils used. I'm also trying out and orange cream and do pine and peppermint variations around the holidays. I'm open to requests as well!

C: They all sound good enough to eat. 

A: Technically, everything is edible as well (though I wouldn't recommend it for taste) because I use only organic product. That comes in handy if you have small children or mischievous pets who get into the product by accident.

C: So everything is organic. Fantastic! What kinds of ingredients do you use?

A: The base for most of the products is coconut oil, and I also use essential oils for scent bases.  I also incorporate as many physical ingredients as possible. For example, the lavender sugar scrub has actual lavender in it, as well as the coffee, rosemary and bergamot, and vanilla clove. I try to be as authentic and natural as possible with the scents of my products. My goal is not to have a perfumey product, but a more subtle one.

C: It sounds like you're goal is sustainability as well. 

A: Absolutely! I try to reuse and recycle our packaging as much as possible. If you bring me your own container, I'll even take $1 off your purchase!

C: Any exciting news coming up?

A: Well, I'm planning another sugar scrub party sometime this summer, but until then, I'll be busy working on my new website, floatinthetub.com. Please feel free to stop my Facebook page, or my Etsy shop as well. And you can email me anytime at floatinthetub@gmail.com.

C: Excellent! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today. I know I'm looking forward to all the new things you're creating!

 Alicia was very patient with my photoshoot ideas

You guys, I cannot stress enough how incredible these products are. I use my coffee sugar scrub all the time, and am so looking forward to trying new scents. The lotion bars feel moisturizing without being sticky, and the lip balm is soft and luxurious. I have to reiterate once more that I don't advocate for products simply because they benefit my friends (although in this case, it's a lovely bonus). I truly love all that Alicia is doing, and would happily buy her products any time. And to prove how amazing these products are, I want to share the love with YOU! The first three comments on this blog post (within the continental U.S.A.) will receive a sample of Alicia's sugar scrub! I have one coffee, one brown sugar, and one vanilla clove available, so it's first come, first served. But there's a catch. In your post, you have to name which Friday Playlist song has been your favorite and why! Happy commenting! I hope you all get a chance to float in the tub very soon. :)