Their Own Soap Opera

When Alexi Anderson, then 11, begged her mother for a puppy, she received an unexpected challenge: to raise the money herself.

Undeterred by the $2,000 price tag for the goldendoodle pup she wanted, Alexi found inspiration in a magazine, which featured instructions about how to make handmade soap. Her younger sister, Mayla (who was nine), wanted a puppy, too. And so, their Sister Soaps business was born.

The girls began making shea butter soaps in their kitchen in Riverside, California, where their family lived before moving to Oviedo in 2022. Their first sales expedition wasn’t exactly encouraging, though. One neighbor even told them nobody would buy their soaps, but their mom urged them to keep trying.

“We had practiced our sales pitch over and over, but when the door opened, we both froze,” recalls Alexi, now 16.

Their first prospective customer declined their offer, but at the next house, a woman bought a bar for $2.

“Even though it was a small sale,” says Alexi, “it felt like a huge accomplishment.”

Eventually, their work ethic and persistence paid off, and the girls got their adorable puppies. Alexi’s dog is named Dixie Rose, and Mayla’s black-and-white pup is Oreo.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

The sisters had achieved their initial goal, but neither wanted to stop making soap. Today, Sister Soaps has evolved from simple melt-and-pour creations into handcrafted soaps made with goat milk, essential oils, and plant-based colorants. Alexi, the company’s CEO, oversees product development, marketing, partnerships, and its online store, which she built herself. Mayla, now 14, handles production, supplies, finances, and farmers market operations.

Both enjoy the creative process, from developing scents to experimenting with colorful swirls and designs.

“My favorite part is creating the designs for the soaps once we blend the ingredients,” says Alexi. “I love how unique each bar looks with each color and scent.”

Mayla likes the public-facing aspect of being an entrepreneur, especially the opportunity to meet customers.

“I enjoy selling the soap because I interact with different people,” she says.

A Sudsy Success

The business also has a charitable component through Elevate Her Boutique in downtown Sanford. The shop is an initiative of Love Global Missions, a nonprofit that supports survivors of human trafficking. Sister Soaps is one of the boutique’s vendors, and its soaps are now among the store’s bestsellers. Alexi also works there as a boutique manager, helping support a mission close to her heart.

Balancing business, volunteering, and academics takes planning, but the siblings are up to the challenge. Alexi is homeschooled, and Mayla attends a private school in Winter Springs. Aside from soap molds and market booths, the sisters have plenty of other interests. Alexi is a singer-songwriter and competitive archer, while Mayla enjoys horseback riding and fishing competitions.

The sisters acknowledge that working together isn’t always easy, and they occasionally disagree about responsibilities, deadlines, and the company’s future. But business meetings with a mentor have helped them successfully navigate those differences.

Their parents, Nick and Gilma Anderson, have watched their daughters become more independent since launching Sister Soaps. Gilma remembers Mayla barely speaking loudly enough to be heard during those first door-to-door sales.

“Since then, I have seen Mayla blossom into a confident young lady,” says Gilma. “And Alexi just goes for it, even if she does not have a perfect plan. She just begins and learns as she goes.”

Alexi has ambitious plans for Sister Soaps. She’s writing a book about their experiences, hopes to become a motivational speaker, and envisions expanding the brand into spas, wellness centers, and stores nationwide.

“We want other kids to know they are able to accomplish goals regardless of their age or how crazy the goals seem,” says Alexi. “Kids should never allow their youth to hold them back.”

To learn more, visit Sister-Soaps.com.