September 26 2022
People We Adore: Claudia DeFouw
We all have people we meet along the way, connect with and know we adore. As we share what we are up to we create a vibration and lock into areas of compatibility. Claudia Embodies the heart chakra. She is is like sunshine in a bottle, always eager to try new things, always positive and smiling. She is pure Joy. Claudia and I met in Asheville through at a class at the Western Women's Business Center I taught.
"Claudia DeFouw is an Artisan, soapmaker and the sweetest joyous human you could ever meet. Claudia works closely with @Adoratherapy formulating body care products that redefine luxury."
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself
A: I am the owner of Sweet Abode Artisan Soap and Sweet Abode Amenities. I have been in business for eight years and have certifications in Advanced Soapmaking and Cosmetics from the Handcrafted Soap, Cosmetic and Candle Guild.
My husband, Bill and I are transplanted from Florida and have been in Asheville 27 years. I love everything about Asheville and the area. It is the perfect place to live.
Q: How did we meet?
A: You did an awesome workshop at AB Tech about Instagram. I sent an email asking if you needed a soapmaker and that’s when our collaboration began. You are so giving to our community to share your knowledge. I can think of at lease 10 businesses that benefited from that class.
Q: What are you proud of?
A: The River Rock Soap packaged in a crate won Best of Show and Something Different at the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Conference in Kansas City this summer.
Q: What kinds of projects are you working on?
A: We started the Sweet Abode Amenities for vacation rental owners to offer their guest bath amenities that are locally made and scented for our mountain region. We can offer the usual single bottles of either recyclable HDEP bottles or aluminum, of Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Mouthwash and even shower caps. Or depending on how they provide amenities, refillable bottles in 8 ounce, 16 ounce or gallons are available. For our glamping owners, we offer a solid shampoo, shower and shave bar and solid conditioner. Perfect when you don’t want to carry a lot to the shower room. Sweet Abode will work with the owner to provide the best local products for their guest. Because scent is 75% of the experience, we choose to formulate fragrances in Woodlands, White Water and Celestial.
Q: What's your superpower?
A: Besides loving to formulate new products, I love being with people. People amaze me. They all have dreams and while they may be different or not all Big Hairy Audacious Goals, they all have dreams.
Q: How do you destress?
A: In the hot tub, out with the lavender, walking trails, and pilates.
Q: How do you create daily rituals for healing and self care?
A: I have created products that “Simply Pamper”. That means I can use my products daily to have a mini spa day. I also meditate every morning and listen to motivational podcast.
Q: How did you learn to adore yourself?
A: You know, I am 73 years old and just really knowing that I don’t have to change a thing. Who I am is just right, and I appreciate the things like my red hair, freckles, that when I was growing up, I hated, because red hair and freckles weren’t considered pretty back them. Yes, there are still things I would like to change, and it’s ok if I don’t. I may not have a lot of time left, but I have a lot to accomplish.
Q: Are you working on a chakra?
A: Not anyone in particular. Somedays, my heart chakra needs some love, other days, it’s my throat. But my Sacral is always going, maybe too much. It seems to crank out ideas way faster than I can keep up. I love the Third Eye when it opens up.
Q: Which Adoratherapy products have you tried?
A: I can truthfully say all of them. They are so great. I mostly love the room sprays, a little Blissful or Clarity are my favorites. I also love Chakra One, with those deep root scents.
Q: If you were a color what color would you be and why?
A: Aqua, can’t you tell by my brand colors? It’s always been aqua for me. They say when you are meditating that if you see purple, you are in a good place. Aqua is my go to color.
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: We have two perfect rescue doggies. Doux BeBe is a Petit Bassit Griffin Venderdeen and Lit Bit is a rat terrier.
Q: What’s your favorite place to chill out?
A: Any time I am in or near water, waterfalls, creeks, hot tubs. My favorite is my outdoor shower. It feels so decadent to shower outside.
Q: Do you have a favorite crystal?
A: Amethyst is my most powerful one. But I love my green opal.
Q: When did you know you were Divine?
A: When I believed and understood my purpose of being here and the gifts I was given in the souls that share my life. There are no mistakes. Hard times and lessons are to be cherished just as much as good times.
Q: How do you want to be remembered?
A: That I made a difference in someone’s life. And to some people, I know they think there have been many unfortunate incidences, but life has been good. I live in the most beautiful place on earth, I have all I need, and I love fiercely.
I used to think I was introverted, and some days it’s too many people. I am extroverted, I love to be with people. And most of the time, I am uncomfortable in new situations and have no clue what I am doing. It’s ok, because most people are like that too. So for me, I have learned to make dreams, set goals and find the steps to make that happen.
