Spooks & Spanks featured on Bramble Berry
by Alicia Salvador Guedes
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Maker of the Month: Spooks and Spanks
I’ve been making bath and body products seriously since 2019, but my first memory of crafting goes back to when I was 10, experimenting with perfumes made from rubbing alcohol and hand-pressed cucumber juice (not knowing the complexities of using fresh ingredients in cosmetics). Spooks & Spanks was born from my love of all things spooky and my passion for creative self-care, but it also came from a deeply personal place. During a time when my mental health had taken a downturn, I needed something to ground me, and creating with my hands became my outlet. It’s why mental health advocacy is so important to Spooks & Spanks. I hope that through my products, I can help others feel seen, loved, and empowered to care for themselves.
What sets Spooks & Spanks products apart, what makes them unique?
Spooks & Spanks combines spooky aesthetics with high-quality, skin-loving ingredients and a playful sense of humor. Each product is more than just a bath or body item, it’s an experience that fuses fun, craftsmanship, and a dash of the spooky but sweet.
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
I draw inspiration from Halloween, spooky films, ghost stories, pop culture, and anything that evokes a sense of nostalgia or spookiness. Studio Ghibli and classic horror icons are huge influences, and I love finding unexpected ways to reinterpret these themes.
What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?
Juggling all the responsibilities, from product creation to content management to fulfilling orders, while staying true to my brand's creative vision is the toughest part. Finding balance and time to rest is often a challenge, but it's essential for sustainability. I'm still trying to figure that out.
What advice would you give to makers looking to start their own business?
Start small, stay authentic to both your brand and yourself, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep learning, take risks, but also remember not to push yourself too hard, there’s only one you. And always celebrate the small wins!
How do you balance making products with content creation, managing your social media pages, and website?
It's a constant challenge! I film almost everything I do so I can reuse content across different platforms. Batch production helps too. I dedicate two weeks each month solely to making products, leaving the rest of the month for administrative tasks like accounting, maintaining the website, and managing my storefront.
What other makers do you admire, and what do you like about their work?
I admire Anne-Marie from Bramble Berry, Katie from Royalty Soaps and Jerika from Quench Bearfor their fearless experimentation and their industry leadership. They empower others to pursue their passions, and their generosity with their knowledge inspires me to foster that same sense of community in my own work.
What are your dreams for Spooks & Spanks? Where would you like to see your business in 5 or 10 years?
I’d love to see Spooks & Spanks continue to grow with more retail partnerships and themed collections, and eventually collaborate with major brands or more movie or game franchises like Legend of Zelda, Beetlejuice or Scream. In 5 to 10 years, I envision having a small production facility with a dedicated team, allowing me to focus even more on creativity and growth.
What are three of your must-have Bramble Berry products, and why do you love them?
CocoBee Wax: The smooth tops and slow burn make it perfect for my candles.
Cashmere Noir & Oud Fragrance Oil: It’s sophisticated and refined, inspiring me to create a darker, moodier facet of Spooks & Spanks.
Pumpkin Extract: It’s easy to use and perfect for customizing tried-and-true formulas.