Artisan Soap Maker Pitches Online To Raise Funds For A Cleaner Shoreline And A Cleaner World.

Online, February 1, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Shoreline-based Mr. Kitty's Soap Shop has now launched its first Kickstarter project to help raise funds to expand their small business. Through the interactive fund-raising website, Kickstarter.com, Mr. Kitty hopes to raise $5,000 by March 8, 2012. This money will go directly towards the initial start up costs of establishing a storefront that'll serve as a retail operation for his bath and beauty products, a classroom to teach others the art of soap making and sustainable living, a local supply source for other soap makers, and a funding source for a local cat rescue (twenty-five cents of each bar soap sale will go to Shoreline's Whisker City Cat Rescue).

Founded in 2009, Kickstarter is an interactive website that allows the creative community to raise money for creative projects from individual contributors. However, unless the fundraiser reaches their goal, they do not receive any of the contributions. To date, hundreds of creative projects have been funded throughout the country.
With the current economy small businesses like Mr. Kitty's Soap shop must come up with creative ways to finance their dream. "The initial startup wasn't too difficult" states soap slinger Michael Miller. "With just my modest savings I was able to get a starting inventory and establish an online presence on sites like Etsy.com, and develop a following on the local craft show and farmers' market circuit. However, now that I want to take my business to the next level I'm finding the traditional sources of funding just aren't there for me. I've been forced to explore alternative routes, using venues like Kickstarter."

Mr. Kitty's Soap Shop began producing soap in the summer of 2010. The name comes from Michael's pet, an abandoned house cat he rescued in New Orleans fourteen years ago. "Naming the shop after the Mr. Kitty was the least I could do for a pet that put up with me all these years." chuckles the animal loving soapmaker. After less than a year of launching Mr. Kitty's, Michael was able to quit his day job and focus on making soap full time. "I went from just a few types of bar soap, to a line that now includes soap, lip balms, lotions, bath salts, laundry supplies, and my hugely popular handcrafted shaving kits." says Michael, "After I have my own retail operation I'll be able to expand my line to include supplies for the home soap maker."

From the beginning Mr. Kitty has been well received. "I've had a great response from the community," says Michael. "They appreciate my 'shop local' message, the earth friendly touches I put into my line (soap wrappings are unbleached parchment and recycled or upcycled paper, the line includes Soap Nuts, a chemical free laundry detergent, and as much as possible ingredients are biodegradable and sourced from fair trade and environmentally friendly suppliers ). I would love my products and message to reach an even wider audience. This Kickstarter project will help me reach my goal."