Name: Joanna R. Couch

Age: 43

Town/neighborhood: Mesa

About me: My soap journey began in 2009. My mother and I owned and operated a successful decorative painting business. While in Golden, Colorado, for a decorative painters conference, we visited a handmade soap shop and I was inspired. I went home and found my grandmother’s soap recipe. Twelve years later, I continue to master my craft in soap making. My passion and drive for innovative, quality skincare products has driven the addition of several items such as bath bombs, shower steamers, lip balms, lotion sticks and candles.

When and why I moved here: I was born in Arizona. Being a native Arizonan is a point of pride for me.

What I like most about living here: I love that I can experience all the seasons within a two-hour drive. We truly have so many beautiful places to visit right in our own backyard.

What I do: I formulate and produce healthy and environmentally safe skincare products at our local production facility in Mesa.

What I like most about what I do: Working with my fabulous team. We have cultivated one of the best teams in the industry.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: Support for the small businesses in the area would help develop the mom-and-pop shops on main streets throughout Arizona. Arizonans are talented people with an astonishing work ethic.

Favorite community cause & why: Feed My Starving Children has always been close to my heart. They are local, have a great team and do their work with joyful hearts.

My family: My husband Darren (of 23 years) and our two dogs (Violet and George)

My interests and hobbies: Arts and crafts shows, farmers markets, trying new foods and doing anything that allows me to be creative.

The trait(s) I admire in others: Integrity, loyalty, honesty and commitment.

People who inspired me (and how): My mother has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She taught me perseverance and has always been there when I needed her.

My guiding philosophy: “Little girls with dreams become women with vision” — unknown

Recent partnership with Phoenix Rescue Mission: Recently, The Soap Gal — my business — donated 4,500 pounds of soap (roughly 70,000 bars) to Phoenix Rescue Mission in support of Arizonans who are facing homelessness. Phoenix Rescue Mission does amazing things for our local community, and we are so excited to be able to help them with the work they are doing.

About The Soap Gal: I operate a 33,000-square-foot GMP-certified facility called The Soap Gal. There we manufacture all-natural products that are thoughtfully crafted every time. At the factory, we use only food grade oils, pure essential oils and phosphate-free fragrance. The Soap Gal provides superior customer services and the best quality products. Once people become customers of The Soap Gal, they become family. For more information about The Soap Gal, please visit thesoapgal.com.