Welcome to the MKE Black Business Spotlight! This week we feature Kristin Schmitt who is the owner of INIK Soap Co., which sells handcrafted soaps. Read on to learn more about Kristin and their business.
Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and what you enjoy.
I’m a daughter, granddaughter, wife and mom of 2 beautiful boys! I love any and all things science and the more I can learn about anything, the better. Volleyball is my favorite sport, both watching and playing. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI! Depending on the day you can find me: gardening, creating soap, shooting my crossbow, swooning over the latest fashions, leaning over a car hood or fishing. Eclectic to say the least.
Why did you start your business? What makes you passionate about it?
INIK was born shortly after my Grams was diagnosed with moderate stage Alzheimer’s disease. I wanted to start my own business so I could spend time with my family and be there to help my grandparents with the recent diagnosis. After researching numerous options nothing stuck. There was nothing fulfilling about the prospects and they were all missing one thing: GIVING BACK. So I started to think outside the box…
Some of the fondest memories of my grams surrounds crafting and cooking. Thats where it clicked. I was going to create homemade crafts and donate a portion of the proceeds to the ALZ Association.
AND when she feels up to it, my grams is right there with me building this dream!
What do you want people to know about your business?
I donate a portion of every sale to the Alzheimer’s Association. Everything is hand crafted with care and each soap takes 4-6 weeks to cure!
Please explain why your business is important to the community.
INIK Soap Co. provides the community with more natural options for body care. We also enjoy teaming up with other organizations to make a positive impact within our community.
Anything else we should know?
INIK = “Unique” in Haitian Creole
*Some content is edited for clarity.
Do you want your Milwaukee area Black business featured in our weekly spotlight? Your business will be featured on our homepage and social media sites. If interested, complete the form in the link below!