Meet Aubrey Lindsey: The Creatorpreneur Behind Ollie Lue Soap Co.
Welcome to our second blog post in our Tea With Makers Interview Series, a series within The White Hare Journal where we invite fellow makers, artisans, and small business visionaries to share their stories. With each guest, we explore the heart behind the craft-the quiet persistence, the meaningful details, and the intentional choices that breathe life into their work. Settle in as we celebrate creativity rooted in purpose, passion, and the Hoosier spirit of community. Today’s interview is with Aubrey Lindsey of Ollie Lue Soap Co.—the creator of the “Witches Brew” Covenberry soap featured in our Halloween Gift Boxes/October 2025 edition:
Can you share how your business first got started?
I started in February of 2021 officially! I had been making my own skincare for 15 years due to my own deodorant allergy. Once I had my son, he was diagnosed with a severe dairy allergy which in turn had its own skin issues arise. I began making all of his skincare which in turn helped me through my PPD. I had a long run with the mental struggles post birth and using a colorful bar of soap during a much needed shower just did something magical for me. I set out to learn soap making and that's pushed me to where I am today!
What types of products do you create?
All of my products are vegan and I strive to have something available for everyone who might have allergies to various ingredients. With that I offer - bar soap, body lotion, deodorant cream, Face wash, scented rollers, magnesium lotion/spray, shampoo/conditioner bars, lip gloss, tattoo balm, soy candles and wax melts, face cream, under eye Serum, foaming sugar scrubs.
Where do you draw inspiration for your products — nature, memories, seasons, or something else?
When it comes to soaps, I love to design them one of two ways. I either have a theme in mind, like Halloween or Christmas, or I will theme them based on the fragrance I am using. So I'll plan colors, pouring techniques and all around the scent of the bar itself. For my other products, they all began through a need of my own or someone in my family and friends who needed or requested a product.
Do you have a favorite product to make (or use) that never fails to bring you joy?
Bar soap. Through and through I get so much joy from them! From the colors to scent and even all the bubbles - it just brings me so much joy!
Have you ever had to narrow down or change your niche or have you always had a clear vision of the products you want to sell?
I have had to do this with quality of items before. I narrowed down my signature scents last year and offer a variety of fragrances that are always available. These are some of the scents that helped me get started and grow to where I am today.
How do you stay organized or manage orders during busy seasons?
I am a big list person! Not only do I have my website for help on keeping orders organized, but I also write everything down and pin it on my shelf right where I create all of my products. It looks like a chef order ticket window to me so it's always present to keep me aware of what's next!
What makes your products unique from others on the market?
With soaps and skincare I think this can be tricky. Overall, the fact that I make everything myself start to finish is a big one. Another, is that it's a piece of my personality in every product. From names to colors and scent it's something that has brought me or a loved one joy that I wanted to share with others to feel the same.
Has running this business changed the way you view success?
Absolutely! Being a small business owner is never what I imagined for myself. I went to college and have a Bachelor's in Biology. I used to work in a lab style setting and truly, thought I would always be there. It's what I worked hard for in college, you know? But, once the pandemic hit, my career path was instantly over. I went through a lot of emotions feeling like I had failed - when it was very much out of my control. But, I began a business (during a pandemic?!) and through many ups and downs I've learned to live a slow life. My view of success has changed from the hustle culture of corporate life to owning a business that pays my bills and I get to stay home with my two children. I'm incredibly thankful for the journey I'm on!
What advice would you give to someone starting their own small business?
Do what YOU love. Being a small business owner is about sharing a part of yourself with others and truly nothing is more special than that. The beauty of a small business is the connections you make with others through your creations. Stick true to you and be your authentic self!
What’s been your proudest moment so far as a small business?
As a whole, I'm proud of myself for pushing through every bump in the road and growing to where I am in four years’ time. I have learned SO much from many different experiences and sticking true to myself and my vision of what I want for Ollie Lue is something I am very proud of.
Where can people find or order your products?
You can order from me at ollieluesoapco.com. I also have a portion on the website called "stockists and events" where you can find me at local stores and pop up markets!
What’s next for your business—any new goals, events, or ideas you’re excited about?
I am always working on the next season or collection of goodies! The Fall through all the holidays are my busiest time and I love creating all of the goodies to be a part of peoples memories for that time.
If you could go back and give yourself one tip before launching, what would it be?
Organize, organize, organize. I am way more organized now than what I was in the beginning. Keep business and personal everything entirely separate because it helps to avoid any serious burn out too! Take breaks, because you are just a girl (person) in the end and it's important to recharge!
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As a fellow soap maker I really enjoyed getting to know Aubrey and her story. It is my belief that there's room at the work-table for all of us. I believe in collaboration over competition—always. Being that I am not a vegan soap maker, Ollie Lue is where I would refer customers who are looking for a great vegan bar of soap and a wide array of other products as mentioned above.
Thank you Aubrey for taking the time to share your story with us—and thank you to our readers for joining us in celebrating the stories that shape our creative community. Hoping today’s conversation leaves you inspired to support small, dream big, and find beauty in the details.
Until next time—stay curiouser and curiouser :)