Visitors to the boutique discover countless therapeutic skin solutions: soaps, shampoos, milk baths, therapeutic oils, creams. Free consultations, family services, and other creations from local artists are also available.

Olivier Soapery also distributes their products at local farmers’ markets, their Dieppe outlet, and other franchises in Repentigny, Bromont, North Hatley, Saint-Sauveur, and Saint-Lambert in Québec. A new soap economuseum was inaugurated on October 4 this year in Sagueney Lac-St-Jean, Isabel’s home town and the couple is working on a project in Atlanta, Georgia. Discussions are ongoing with China and Korea for imported and exported products and they are thinking of penetrating the French and North American markets. Their web site is one of the most efficient in Atlantic Canada, since they sell 40% of their products on line during the off season.

Isabel and Pierre complement each other well. She is the biologist and professional artist and he loves marketing and business. This method of working helped them build their business; however, they are quick to point out that Olivier is not only a business but a family. This philosophy allows them to work in an environment that enhances their personal and family life, while offering their clients professional services by creating superior natural paramedical skin products that are economical and environmentally friendly due to their constant research.

They had many challenges in the beginning. They still have challenges, but now they can count on a great team of some 30 employees who are responsible for managing these challenges so that the couple can better realize their dream. It also allows the team to be better informed and work independently. For Isabel and Pierre, managing employees is a family process and they believe in long-term personal relationships based on mutual trust. It is also a form of continuous training where they reinforce their values and vision. Isabel indicates that upon observing the people who work at the Soapery, she notices how much they have evolved over the course of a year. They grow along with them.

Isabel and Pierre are now moving forward to another phase in their life that is continuing the strategies already in place - to become experts and compete with large corporations. This will not stop Pierre from doing demonstrations, because what he likes best of all is the contact with people. He enjoys talking about skin problems, finding solutions and educating people. For him, it’s an emotional experience with an almost spiritual dimension that he calls the Olivier zone.

People often tell them that their business is a success story. They answer that it is more of a start-up success story. They now know that they started their business the right way. It is certain, states Pierre, that they made mistakes along the way, but as his mother always told him, anyone who doesn’t make mistakes does nothing.

The first award that one receives is always the most special, like the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award they received from Enterprise Kent in 2001. Another award that they are very proud of is the Ernst & Young Award that they received in 2004 in the Business to Consumer - Products and Services category. They were nominated with people who had 30, even 40 years experience and to win this prestigious award made them realize that it was their reward for their extra efforts in pushing the limits.

For Pierre and Isabel, the Small- and Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award they are receiving this year confirms that they did things right and that they are heading in the right direction. It is a support and an encouragement to continue their extra efforts and to give a little more of themselves. It is this little extra that makes all the difference and this goes for all aspects of life.

It’s all about balance. It’s about their vision of respecting the earth, of touching people’s hearts and taking better care of themselves, while ensuring the future of their children, Miro and Liam.