FAQ #1: Who's Behind Seattle Rainwater Soap Co.?

Welcome to the first entry in my new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) series, where  I will take  burning questions from our customers and answer them.

You've used our products, you've seen the website, you might have even purchased from us directly at Pike Place Market, but you may not really know us! One of the questions our customers want to know the answer to is who is behind Seattle Rainwater Soap Co.?

Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Becky Boutch, and along with my husband, Scott Alberts, I founded Seattle Rainwater Soap Co. in 2005. As I like to say, I make the products, I use them, and I sell them, though not necessarily in that order! When you visit our booth at Pike Place Market, you will, as promised, "meet the producer." It is Scott or I who staff our table each day we are in the market.

In my previous professional life, I have also been a laboratory assistant, a librarian, and a barista. I worked for a publishing company in New York City, as office manager for a yoga studio, and as a cooking instructor.

Food and cooking are true passions of mine. My first foray into self-employment was as a personal chef, cooking for people in their homes. Believe it or not, making soap and cooking are quite closely related. Soapmaking includes a lot of cooking and stirring as well as the creative element of combining fragrances. Although I realized that I enjoy cooking more when it is just for family and friends, I also learned that I am the best boss I have ever had!

I am also an outdoorsy gal, and try to get in as much skiing, hiking, and camping each year as possible. I try to infuse the essence of the great outdoors and the beautiful natural landscape of the Pacific Northwest into my line of products as much as possible. The proximity of mountains and sea, coupled with the down-to-earth demeanor of the people here is what attracted me to Seattle. While I grew up in North Dakota, I have been in Seattle since 1996 and call it home.

As for Scott, he is an artist, and is responsible for designing the fabulous packaging we get so many compliments on. In 2008 he gained a permit to sell his artwork at Pike Place Market, so his involvement in Seattle Rainwater Soap Co. has declined somewhat. However, he still owns a share of the company and sells at the market so I can have a day to work at home.

It has been quite rewarding to get to know some of you in the past five years of business, and I hope you feel you know me better now, too! I look forward to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments, and to seeing you at the market. Introduce yourself next time you stop by!