I recently tried Bootleg Bath products and reviewed them. I was so taken with the luxurious, eco-friendly items for bath and hair care that I reached out to the visionary behind the brand. Below is my conversation with Bootleg Bath CEO Lauren Federgreen! Lauren explains the inspiration behind the brand, the commitment to sustainability, and ways to incorporate self-care into a busy day.
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Interview with Lauren Federgreen, Bootleg Bath CEO
Lauren opens up about her passion for eco-conscious practices and the importance of self-care for everyone. Discover the story behind Bootleg Bath, its green practices, and what the future holds for this exciting brand.
Hi Lauren! Please share a bit about how the idea for Bootleg Bath came to you.
What inspired it? When California issued their stay-at-home order at the start of COVID-19, I went searching for a new craft project to keep myself entertained.
I stumbled across a YouTube video on soap making and immediately became hooked. Having spent the majority of my career working in global sourcing and product development within the retail industry, it was just a matter of time before my weekend kitchen hobby became a business concept that evolved into Bootleg Bath.
Interview with Bootleg Bath CEO cont’d.: The art of soapy innovation
In what ways have those career experiences helped you in your founder journey?
It’s allowed me to build the foundation of my business to be scalable and efficient. There are so many trial and error moments when building a new business that I’m really fortunate to be able to leverage a blend of best practices from both large retailers and startups that I have working for.
Having the experience of working for successful companies like the Gap, Coach, and Restoration Hardware, where I was mentored by many great leaders, allowed me to streamline my small business through the lens of a seasoned retail professional.
It sounds like a terrific foundation. I love the name ‘Bootleg Bath,’ by the way.
Thank you! The inspiration came from drawing a comparison between the restrictions of the stay-at-home order of 2020 with the restrictions of prohibition in the 1920s.
The idea of bathtub Gin and bootleggers evolved into cocktail-themed fragrances, giving a nod to the brand’s prohibition roots, while the overall look and feel is a modern twist on 1920s style.
Besides its name, what makes Bootleg Bath so unique?
Let’s be honest; there’s nothing terribly unique about soap. It’s been around for centuries. What I believe makes Bootleg Bath special is the highly curated approach of our assortment. Each product is unique in itself by containing a different specialty ingredient that elevates the product experience.
For instance, our Greyhound Bath Bar contains luxurious Sea buckthorn Oil and is scented with bright and cheerful grapefruit and Bergamot, while Mojito gets its moisturizing properties from coveted Argan Oil and most of its pretty color from skin-purifying French Clay. If you prefer your soap bar to have a scrub, our Cold Brew Scrub Bar contains soothing Hemp Seed Oil and exfoliates using coffee grounds.
We also offer three collections of solid shampoo and conditioner bars, Hydrating, Strengthening, and Growth formulas. Each of our hair products pairs a luxury oil with an additional protein. Strengthening contains the popular rice water protein, and our bar is paired with argan oil. While our Growth formula contains natural Rosemary Essential Oil and Biotin, both known to help stimulate hair growth.
Next month, we are launching a line of aromatherapy Shower Steamers made with 100% pure essential oils. These will make a great stocking stuffer for anyone on your list!
More with Lauren Federgreen: Talking eco-luxury and self-care
Has being eco-conscious always been important to you, or was there an aha moment when you realized the importance?
It’s always been something I have felt passionate about. Whether recycling, using reusable bags at the store, or simply picking up a piece of trash while walking on a beach.
When I started Bootleg Bath, reducing packaging waste and producing products that positively impact our planet seemed like a natural step to help reduce our environmental footprint.
Why is self-care so important, especially for women?
I believe self-care is important for everyone! Balancing the pressures of life, family, work, and everything in between really takes a lot of us.
Self-care helps us manage stress, and even small things in our daily routine can have a big impact. It’s critical that we allow ourselves time to recharge and relax, even if it’s only for a short time, like while taking a shower.
To women who say they don’t have time for self-care, what are some ways to fit in those ‘me’ moments?
I hear ya! So often there’s just not time in the day to fit in any “me” time. Aromatherapy is such a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation, and it can be incorporated into your daily routine without adding any additional time to our already busy schedules.
All Bootleg Bath’s products are formulated with a proprietary blend of natural and essential oils that awaken our senses, calm our minds, and relax our bodies. This allows people an opportunity to incorporate some self-care into daily tasks you are already doing. Why not take advantage of the time you are already spending washing your hair or body to reduce stress also?
Love that! Speaking of hair, are shampoo and conditioner bars the future of haircare?
I certainly hope so! Solid hair care offers the same great ingredients and properties that you can receive from traditional bottled products, but the water has been removed, making the bar concentrated.
When activated by water from the bath or shower, the bar produces the same results [as] traditional shampoo and conditioner, but without the waste from a plastic bottle. Solid haircare is easier to transport, making it great for travel. It takes up less room in your bathroom, and because the bars are concentrated, they last longer.
One last question: What do you see in the future for Bootleg Bath?
Right now, we are primarily sold online, but I do see a larger future of our product offerings in more retail shops. We are also really excited to be introducing our Aromatherapy Shower Steamer collection in early December, right in time for the holiday shopping season.
Black Friday deals are on NOW
Supporting women-owned brands is important, as is making purchases that are good for the planet. With Bootleg Bath, you’re doing both! AND there are hot deals on now, for a limited time.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are on! From November 22 – 29, 2023, Bootleg Bath offers 20% off their entire collection on Amazon. You don’t need a promo code.
Get a luxurious experience in the shower or bath, or treat a loved one to some self-care at Christmas with this sustainable brand. All while getting a great deal with 20% off !
In addition to Amazon, you can find information about the brand and products at bootlegbath.com.
Bootleg Bath is also on social media. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to find out when the shower steamer collection is available and other updates!
Concluding thoughts
Thank you to Lauren Federgreen for taking the time for the interview! Her journey from a weekend soap-making enthusiast to the helm of a thriving eco-luxury brand showcases the power of passion and creativity. As Bootleg Bath CEO, she represents a brand that has an unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact. I enjoyed talking to her about self-care too!
The photo of Lauren is used with her permission.
Do you have a favorite self-care ritual? After reading this interview, what small changes are you inspired to make in your daily routine to contribute to a greener lifestyle?