Gongbang de Eunja
I met Eunkyung Han the founder of Gongbang de Eunja almost 15 years ago when she was the beauty editor at Allure Korea. Now she has become a soap maker and aromatherapist. For the launch of Visual Park Space, we collaborated with Eunkyung by sharing her best selling item, the mosquito repellent hanging soap. I have always been curious about her journey to become a soap maker. Let’s hear about her story.
Visual Park Space: How did you launch your Soap Brand?
Eunkyung Han: 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 freelance beauty editor. This occurred when printed magazines began to transition to digital platforms. During this chapter of my life, I developed an interest in handmade soaps and aromatherapy. I ended my editorial career to pursue my new interest professionally. I studied the art of aromatherapy and the development of handmade soaps. This is how I founded and launched "Gongbang De Eunja."
VPS: What was the main reason you switched careers from being a beauty editor to creating handmade soaps?
EH: When I used to work as a beauty editor, I hardly had any time for a hobby. I really wanted to find an interest that was exciting and I could do as I grow old. My main expertise was always in the realm of beauty. During my time as an editor, I developed this passion for aromatherapy and eco beauty and I wanted to acquire more knowledge in these areas. I took my first class in handmade soap making close to my home. During my first lesson I knew this was my destiny. I told myself, the first step towards pursuing my passion was completing the handmade soap course. Right after, I founded “Gongbang De Eunja” from my home. Just 6-months after starting my brand, I realized I had limited space and other factors to consider. So I decide to expand by moving to a new space to begin the brand professionally. Aromatherapy is an extremely difficult field to study but it was well worth the efforts. It is such a fascinating field. I have an ARC certification in aromatherapy, within the USA. I am also taking steps to gain an IFA certification in aromatherapy to practice in London.
“... even if it is for a small number of customers. I want each soap to be produced with all my efforts, detail, and care. This is the mission of my brand. ”
VPS: What are some pros of owning a small business? What are some personal goals you have for your business?
EH: During the time when I was professionally learning how to create handmade soaps, I researched often on Instagram, Etsy, and Pinterest. I followed several soap makers to find inspiration and learn from them. I was so captivated by all the soap makers and just learning how to create soaps from social media. “Small Batch, Small Business.” This motto inspires my personal business ideology. Smaller businesses have less 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 is for a small number of customers. I want each soap to be produced with all my efforts, detail, and care. This is the mission of my brand.
VPS: What is the most efficient method in utilizing your most popular item of the mosquito repellent hanging soap?
EH: The mosquito repellent hanging soap is formed with 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 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 repel mosquitos and other insects. The soaps do not contain any pesticides, therefore, it does not kill the insects but rather helps limit the amount of insets. For example, the soaps can prevent 5 out of 10 mosquitoes from entering a room. The mosquitos will dislike the scent but it is a scent people enjoy. Also customers adore the soaps because of how unique and decorative they look. Many of my customers have told me that soaps remind them of 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.
VPS: As an Aromatherapist, do you have beauty tips for people interested in a lifestyle of health and wellness?
EH: As a previous beauty editor, I have used thousands and thousands of beauty products. I encountered a lot of products that were very low quality and produced so much waste. Now I use my soap for everything because the soaps can be used in multiple ways. I use my soaps to not only wash my hands but also my hair, face, and body. I also use natural handmade aromatherapy products for moisturizer. I do not frequently purchase new products. Instead, I just refill the same 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 from head-to-toe, I saw how my body was actually healing itself from dryness. My skin has become much healthier. The soap creates less plastic waste, helping to better the earth. The earth suffers less and our skin revives, hence handmade soap can be amazing all around.
See Eunkyung’s handmade soaps.
