Though you might want to, please do not eat anything from Alexis Clare’s Whipped Up Wonderful shop. Yes, some of the items might be shaped like cupcakes, or ice cream cones, or even watermelon, but they’re created for a very different indulgence. (Though, given all the natural ingredients, a bite or two probably wouldn’t kill you.)
After being tempted by one of Alexis’ eye-catching bath bombs myself, I reached out to the creator to learn more about her natural, biodegradable products and how Whipped Up Wonderful became her full-time job.
How did you get into the bath bomb making game?
In early 2010 I found myself a little bit bored. With the boyfriend out of the country and some down time from work, there wasn’t much to do except read. Recently, I’d been given a book about ingredients in our soaps and shampoos, and it was a little frightening. This motivated me to start making my own products. First it was shampoo, then soap, then lotions… and somewhere in there was a recipe for bath bombs. They were just so much fun. Though I didn’t intend to create a “bath bomb shop,” it just sort of happened!
Is this your full-time job? If not, what’s your day job?
There is a bittersweet answer to that question. Currently I teach art at the best art studio in Dallas called J’s Art Studio. They have been my family for almost seven years. Spring Semester will be my last one with them, because like any six-year-old, Whipped Up Wonderful demands my full attention now.
When was the moment you knew you were ready to open up your Etsy shop?
That’s a hard question! Whipped Up Wonderful wasn’t my first Etsy shop. I’ve always had a maker’s heart. When I was a kid, I would do commissioned paintings. Then, when I was in college, I opened up a handmade clothing shop on Etsy. I closed that when the demands of college got too crazy. Whipped Up Wonderful was by far the most planned and researched. When I had refined my craft, had a good set of inventory, and a plan, it just felt right and I opened up the doors!
Some of your bath bombs look truly edible. What’s the craziest (or your favorite) form your creations have ever taken?
Oh for sure the April Fools bath bombs. My first year I made a “Chicken Soup” Bath Bomb. It was tinted yellow, and I actually dried my own celery and carrots to add into it. Last year, I made the “Pasta Bomb”. That was a doozy. I had to figure out how to make a faux marinara sauce to pour over it. It was, of course, accented with basil. These were just for fun for my clients in my April Fools Day newsletter. My favorite bath bombs so far have to be my Macarons and my Dreamy Ice Cream Bath Treats. They are just so pretty, so fragrant, and so lovely.
What’s your favorite thing about creating your bath bombs?
My favorite thing about bath bombs might also be my least favorite thing. Never assume you’ve figured it out. Making bath bombs is a constantly evolving recipe that hinges on the quality of ingredients, the humidity outside, and seemingly what mood they are in when you are making them. You can make one batch and it’s perfect. Make a second batch and they’ve gone all wonky on you. It keeps you humble and on your toes. Easily my favorite thing and my least favorite thing. I’m never bored!
