Today we’d like to introduce you to Avi Rubin of Iron Lion Soap.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I guess the best place to start would be the beginning, right?!
…Back in 2005 before the emergence of main stream essential oils, plant-based power, and other earthly things, I contracted a pretty bad case of ringworm from training Jiu-Jitsu. After about 3-weeks of not training and applying various steroid creams, taking antifungal pills and even injections, I could not get rid of the fungal infection.
Being frustrated and upset, my mother asked the doctor for some “Voodoo” or alternative things we could try that wouldn’t have severe side effects.
Hello Tea Tree essential oil.
The power of Tea Tree got rid of my ringworm in under one week by directly applying the oil to my skin blended with a bit of coconut oil. I was free of the fungus and back to training. Shortly after, we decided to make some soap using our new found love of Tea Tree.
We began sharing our bars of soap with our training partners until one day someone asked to “buy 25 pieces”! It was that night at dinner, listening to Bob Marley (where we got our name from), that we discovered we had created something special.
Fast forward a few short years and Iron Lion Soap was born in 2008 with a simple goal in mind; to create products with intention, using the best organic materials, all while remaining true to our roots. At the top of 2010, we came to the conclusion that the ethos of who we are and how we move in this world could be applied to many.
No matter what walk of life you come from, our skin is always under stress and is continuously being exposed to chemicals, bacteria, and fungus daily.
If you are aware of the chemicals in store-bought soaps and looking for a handcrafted solution to a massive problem, we have you covered. If you are looking for the toughest all-natural antifungal, anti-bacterial suds, we have you covered.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road, what’s that?
We celebrated 11 years of business in March, and it has been a roller coaster of a ride.
Our first three years were incredible, we were disrupting the market, connecting to customers all over the globe and really showcasing our strengths.
In 2012 we hit our first big “Oh snap” moment. Some of our ingredients got stuck in customs, we lost a ton of money, I traveled for 1-year and left my pops operating the ship.
2014 rolls around, and we have some excellent achievable goals lined up. And then we turned down a life changing opportunity. Well, after that, the entire vision shifted.
It wasn’t necessarily about only making the best products available, but it was about doing it with humility, competence, and genuinely putting our customers first.
Iron Lion Soap is a brand that helps you enjoy daily life through investing in yourself with products, education, and an ethos that makes it easier to get started and stay conscious.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Iron Lion Soap – what should we know?
The world we live in today is rough! Some of us are addicted to work and hustle. Technology is consuming us, and so many of us are simply burnt out from the lack of fulfillment. We need to breathe and enjoy the small things. The little details.
Our standards are set on old traditions. For every choice we are faced with, we take the time to be conscious of the impact on our generation and environments.
Fair isn’t just a concept, its a way of life for us! In almost everything we do from the content we put out, to our packaging, we strive for equality. Just because you didn’t know that store-bought soap is ridden with chemicals, doesn’t mean you can’t learn about ILS and the power of plants!
Putting our customers first means putting our customers first. It’s hard to put it into words, but whether you have been showering with us for ten years, or 10 days, we do our very best to make sure you feel like family.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Iron Lion Soap wouldn’t ever have been born if it wasn’t for my pops. He’s the mastermind behind the concept and the motivation for me to build this machine.
ILS is truly a family business with my siblings helping to keep the wheels turning and all the pieces moving.
Family owned and operated means we do it with our tribe. The goods we produce are a small reflection of who we are and what we believe in. From the concept of using nature’s best ingredients to the principle of maintaining a healthy mind and body, we could not have made it this far without you, our extended tribe.
Since 2008 we have come across more and more of you who not only stand behind us and support the movement, but those of you who walk among us and share the collective vision and like-minded goal that encompasses the Iron Lion Soap lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Website: IronLionSoap.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ironlionsoap/
Image Credit:
@OurLittleSet on Instagram // Edgar Torres
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