According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, America has over 33.2 million small businesses, which account for 99% of all businesses in America. Towns like Celina and Prosper need this industry for jobs and revenue. For example, both communities are home to the popular Buff City Soap.
Buff City Soap is owned by Ryan and Natalie Imhoff with three franchises located in Celina, Prosper, and Murphy. In late 2019, Ryan and Natalie decided to open a small business while maintaining their full-time careers. They wanted to build a future for their family while teaching them a strong work ethic and business skills, plus have a connection to their hometown.
They picked Celina as their first site in part because of its location on the downtown square. The Imhoffs decorated the shop with “a small town, boutique style to it,” according to Natalie. Buff City Soap opened in late 2020 and, like many businesses during this time, worried about the store’s success. Natalie notes that it was the support of the community that helped it thrive. “This is what I love about Celina and Prosper. The people make the community go around. It’s a tight-knit group, supporting one another,” she said. In fact, she reports, “The Celina grand opening exceeded my goals. We had a line around the building for people to get in! It felt really special and says a lot about Celina.”
Natalie explains Celina has a special place in their heart as it is also their home. “We pour back into Celina, not just because we own a business, but we also shop here, dine here, and live here.” This is evident in the number of programs Buff City Soap supports like the Share the Love campaign where customers donate bars of soap to local firefighters. They also give store products to a local teacher at the end of each month.
While the Imhoffs live in Celina, their children are zoned for schools in Prosper. It’s that Prosper connection that inspired them to open the second store there. Having a relationship with both cities is, in part, what Natalie believes makes Buff City Soap special. They host many events like soap-making classes, team-building classes, and summer camps.
While customers enjoy the events, they like the products at Buff City Soap even more. The soaps and skincare are plant-based with no harsh chemicals, parabens, or dyes. They are hand-crafted daily and made in front of customers. The store’s best seller is the laundry soap made with only three ingredients. Natalie hints to watch for the upcoming "home line" coming soon.
Buff City Soap also has a very popular skincare line including shower oil, body butters and scrubs. The scrubs are formulated from sugar to exfoliate the skin and the body butter cream hydrates for 24 hours. There is something for everyone at Buff City Soap, a one-stop shop for gifts including free gift-wrap with purchase.
The Imhoffs have lived in Texas since 2014 and Celina since 2019. Their two sons attend Prosper schools and the family are members of Prestonwood Baptist Church. The family is often seen around Light Farms with their infamous dogs, like the new golden retriever, Lewis, they recently rescued.
Living in a thriving, growing community while owning a small business has been more than Natalie and Ryan ever imagined. “We realized we really loved it,” Natalie gushes. What was originally planned as one store in Celina is now three stores in three cities with more in the works. No doubt the Imhoff's small business achievements will continue to benefit us all.
Buff City Soap - Celina
308 W. Walnut Street
Located on the Square in Downtown Celina
469.202.3151
