Thirty-one-year-old Veterinarian Dr. Neveen Gray has competently turned “passion into business.”
The young Lindener, who also holds a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology, took innovation and science to a whole new level, when she started a soap production business.
It is not popular for one, with a glut of ideas, to think of just making soap. But the scientific “complexities” of such a venture, and her passion for science, is what really pushed Dr. Gray in this direction.
The production of a bar of soap would for the very least, require the right combination of fats and oil and other chemical properties. Each of these factors is rehearsed with ease by Gray, whose name is becoming a sensation in the mining town, through her business “P.K Designs.”
Dr. Gray is one of five siblings. When she is not taxed with work, and tending to her business, she spends time reading, teaching, and interacting with loved ones.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world last year, Dr. Gray was at that time in China completing her studies. She was able to withstand the mental rigors the threat of the pandemic posed, later returning home and starting her business.
More than just expertly fashioning her own soap, the mother of one has also added the art of crochet, candle making and design and event planning, to her vast array of impressive artistic undertakings.
“I have always been interested in handcrafted products and design. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I, like many others, was forced to dig deeper and challenge myself in order to stay focused and not get caught up in the panic of the pandemic. ”
Dr. Gray’s first attempt at soap-making was during her time at St. Joseph’s High School, where she was challenged to make soap jelly. That would be the only time she was involved in that process, up until 2019, when she explored the idea and began extensive experimental research.
“I am not a very big fan of highly scented soaps, but I love a soap that cleans. I have spent 2019 to now researching, creating, testing and sharing handmade soaps with friends and family and they love it. And I am stoked to be producing a product that people love.”
The finished product gives a striking appeal, to which her many customers are duly satisfied. That, Dr. Gray said, is the end result of countless attempts at mixtures until reaching the desired result.
She said each element is carefully researched to determine the benefits to the skin before it is used.
“Commercial soaps can have many additives with complicated names some of us can’t even pronounce in them. But handmade soaps can be much milder on skin, and ultimately feels much better. There is even the option of customizing the additive ingredients to be added to a soap, depending on the availability and suitability of the additives in question. Even the designs and shapes vary from plain square bars to multi-colored with intricate designs such as cupcakes and other treats.”
Her shampoo bar is a buzz and is much sought after. Riding on the positivity from the feedback so far, Dr. Gray seeks to expand her business and is deliberating methods through which her products can be made available for wider market.
Crotchet
Meanwhile, Dr. Gray’s interest crocheting, it seemed, was imbedded during her childhood years. The irony is, while her family members were versed in the art, she never paid attention. However, she now weaves with dexterity, some very fine work. She is also giving back through lessons to those in her community.
Candle art
She loves candles. And her love has driven her to designing and fashioning it into art-another pastime turned business.
Event Decor
Admitting her love for celebrations, Dr. Gray has also mastered the art of event planning and décor. She disclosed that she never before saw herself engaged in the art, but at the same time, did not undermine her own abilities in that regard. She said it is something she has been doing quite often, and is steadily advancing.
Her determination: “One of my major goals behind pushing toward a legitimate business and product line is to teach my child(ren) that education is important but also is personal growth and diversification. To teach them that skills and education are very important no just to be marketable but also to create one’s own market should that be their goal.”
