Meet Viviana Medina | Founder & Artisanal Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Viviana Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Viviana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I started Capistrano Sudsery with a clear mission: providing a genuine, skin-friendly alternative to store detergent bars. My motivation stemmed from recognizing that commercial soaps contain harsh chemicals and synthetic additives that can irritate the skin. I wanted to ensure I had clean products in my home that were also beneficial.

The artistic aspect of soap crafting is my creative expression, offering customers unique and visually appealing products that are great for your skin. I prioritize moisturizing and nourishing properties to reinforce a dedication to promoting skin wellness.

Since skin is the body’s largest organ, my overall thought process emphasizes Capistrano Sudsery’s mission to create luxurious, natural, cold-process organic soaps that put first purity, nourishment, and quality over synthetic and potentially harmful alternatives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

The cold process soap-making technique is a labor of love for me. It’s an art that transforms and preserves the organic ingredients used to create a luxurious bar soap. I infuse olive oil with clays and botanicals to color the soap naturally.

Carefully sourced organic ingredients such as olive oil, fair trade shea butter, virgin coconut oil, local grass-fed beef tallow, vegan options, and essential oils create moisturizing soap without palm oil, harsh chemicals, phthalate-free fragrances, or artificial colorants.

Through my soap-making journey, I’ve come to appreciate the profound value of community and the significance of resilience. The support and connectivity of fellow artisans, customers, and my support system have been instrumental in shaping my business. Additionally, I’ve learned that resilience is key in this industry, from persisting through challenges, adapting to market fluctuations, and continually improving my craft. These lessons have been invaluable in the growth and success of my soap business. It was not easy, but it only made me a better soap maker and businesswoman along the way loving my journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I would pick up my friend from SNA and take her to Alta Baja market, have a scrumptious lunch, and pick up delicious Mexican wine and goodies for the week. Then, we would drive to my home in San Juan Capistrano for my friend to get settled in and prepare to catch up.

We’d go to the Mission and take photographs on the grounds; it was my first job as a kid, and I’d tell her funny stories I remember from those days. We could walk over to Inn at the Mission a block away and indulge in a cocktail. FKN Bread is a definite must! We could walk over to Hidden House Cafe in the historic district for coffee or have tea at the Ramos House Cafe. We would stop by Ricardo’s a local Mexican restaurant that’s been around for as long as I can remember. There’s also the Dana Point Ale House and then dinner for happy hour at Craft House. This would probably take 2-3 days since there is so much to see and do within a 5-mile radius.

There would be a beach day or two to any beach she chose, Doheny, San Clemente, and/or Laguna Beach. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset as our feet touch the water. At Laguna Beach, we would go to Cactus Jane Emporium, so my friend could see all the fun clothing and items sold there, including my soap. We would stroll the coastal town and reminisce about how we used to hang out at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna back in the day.

There is so much to see and do, and that’s one of the many reasons I love my hometown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to Delilah at Alta Baja Market! A published author, community energizer, creative force behind the kitchen, and carefully curated specialty market. Her culinary skills delight with delectable meals and micheladas. Delilah is an inspiration and a source of unwavering support, mentorship, and encouragement on my journey. I owe a significant part of my success and where I am today to her efforts and love.

Website: www.capistranosudsery.com

Instagram: capistranosudsery

Facebook: capistranosudsery

Image Credits
The photos are from my personal collection, either taken by my husband or myself.