Gongbang de Eunja
I met Eunkyung Han who is an owner of Gongbang de Eunja almost 15 years ago when she was a beauty editor at Allure Korea. Now she has become a soaper & aromatherapist :) She shared us, her best selling item, mosquito repellent hanging soap as a launching collaboration item. I was always curious how her journey became here as a soaper. Let’s hear about her career journey.
Q. How did you launch your Soap Brand?
Originally, I was a Beauty Editor for Allure and Marie Claire magazine for 14 years. Since I was a teenager, it was always a dream of mine to become a beauty editor. I worked towards this goal and accomplished it after graduating from college. However, I ended up switching my career to being a freelancing beauty editor. This occurred when print magazines began to transition to the digital platform. During this chapter of my life, I developed an interest in handmade soaps and aromatherapy. I ended my editorial career to pursue my interest professionally. I studied the art of aromatherapy and the development of handmade soaps. This is how I founded and launched "Gongbang De Eunja."
Q. What was the main reason you switched your career from being a beauty editor to creating handmade soaps?
When I used to work as a beauty editor, I hardly had time to find time for a hobby. I really wanted to find an interest that was fun and exciting, and something I can do until I was a grandma. My main expertise was always in the realm of beauty. During my time as an editor, I developed this zest for aromatherapy and eco beauty. Therefore, I wanted to acquire knowledge in these areas. I took my first class in creating handmade soaps near my house. It was in that first lesson that I knew this was my destiny. My first step towards this goal was completing the handmaid soap course. Right after, I founded “Gongbang De Eunja” in my home. Just 6-months after starting my brand, I realized I had limited space and other factors to consider. Therefore, I expanded to a new spot to begin the brand professionally. Aromatherapy is an extremely difficult field to study but it was all well worth the efforts. It is such a fascinating field. I have an ARC certification in aromatherapy, within the U.S. I am also inquiring steps to gain an IFA certification in aromatherapy to practice in London.
Q. What are some pros of owning a small business? What are some personal goals you have for your business?
During the time when I was professionally learning how to create handmade soaps, I researched often on Instagram, Etsy, and Pinterest. I followed several “Soapers” to find inspiration and learn from. I was so captivated by “Soaperes” and just learning how to create soaps from social media. “Small Batch, Small Business.” This motto inspires my personal business ideology. Smaller businesses have no pressure and it is always a pleasure when working. It was always a goal of mine to produce beautiful and healthy products, even if it was for a small number of customers. I wanted each soap to be produced with all my efforts, detail, and care. This is the mission of my brand.
Q. What is the most efficient method in utilizing the most popular item of the Bug-Away Hanging Soap?
The Bug-Away Hanging Soap is formed by a combination of Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil, Citronella Essential Oil, and Peppermint Essential Oil. The mixture of these essential oils creates a unique scent that repels mosquitos and other insects. One of the goals for this soap was to create an item that was appealing to the eye and suited as an enjoyable interior piece. In order to accomplish this, I made the soaps in a variety of colors. Each soap has a different shape and a different combination of colors. The soaps are tied with a string and knotted with a cinnamon stick. Each soap consumes a great deal of time and effort. They are 100% handmade. This soap is very popular during the summer because they are repellant to mosquitos and other insects. Truthfully, one soap will not have a heavy effect and power to repel the insects. The soaps do not contain any pesticides, therefore, it does not kill the insects. Rather helps limit the amount, for example, the soaps can prevent 5 out of 10 mosquitos from entering. Customers still adore the soaps because of how unique and decorative it is. The mosquitos will dislike the scent but it is a scent people enjoy. Many of my customers state the soaps resemble a “luxury resort.” The soaps can repel mosquitoes and insects for up to 2-months. Afterward, if the soap is not stale, it can be used as a hand and foot soap.
Q. As an Aromatherapist, do you have beauty tips for people interested in a healthy and wellness lifestyle?
As a previous beauty editor, I have used thousands and thousands of beauty products. I encountered a lot of products that were of low quality and produced so much trash. There was just so much waste from these beauty products. However, now I use my soap for everything. The soap can be used in multiple ways. I use to not only wash my hands but also my hair, my face, and body wash. I also use handmade and aromatherapy products for moisturizer. I do not frequently purchase new products. Instead, I just refill the products. This way, I use less plastic and create less trash. I try hard to be as eco-friendly as possible. As someone who used to be a beauty maximalist in my 20s and 30s, I realize now as I am in my 40s that you really only need a good cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Those 3 products are more than enough. After using the handmade soaps on my body, head-to-toe, I saw how my body was actually healing itself from dryness. My skin was becoming healthier. The soaps also forms less plastic, therefore, bettering the earth by creating less waste. The earth suffers less and our skin revives, hence the soap is amazing all around.
