Sapone Di Paolo AMA, June 19th, 2016

Hi all,


First I'd like to thank Sapone Di Paolo for taking the time to do an AMA (ask me anything) with the Damn Fine Shave community. Paolo has said that he'll be popping in and out of the forum throughout the day to answer questions that we have for him.

Please keep in mind that the questions that are asked NEED to follow our site rules. Failure to follow our rules will result in the removal of your post(s).

Check out Paolo and his Sapone Di Paolo products at: http://saponedipaolo.com/




Thanks,

Andrew

Hi Paolo,

What made you decide to start producing shaving soaps and aftershave products?

Is your company a one man operation? Or do you have some help?

Do you sell more of your product online or through brick and mortar channels? Though, you may not sell via brick and mortar at all.

P.S. Your logo is really, really nice. Classy, simple, yet very eye-catching.

Hi Paolo, since TVB is clearing its American soap inventory are we going to be able to buy any soaps after they are gone from TVB?

Hi Paolo,

What made you decide to start producing shaving soaps and aftershave products?

My hands were developing a super dryness to them and would crack open. Bad enough that tying my shoes or reaching in my pocket for my keys would end up with bleeding hands. After back and frothing with the dermatologist with little results beyond temporary relief, I decided to handle it myself. I figured out sulfates were the culprit. Once I changed all of my hand soap, shower and laundry, they cleared up. The only thing left was shaving.

I used an electric razor for the decade prior and it was dreadful. Lots of ingrowns and itchiness, I absolutely hated shaving. Once I made my return to safety razors, I started learning about better creams. Using the high end stuff like Malin & Goetz, Ursa Major and Jack Black improved things, but it seemed like everything had menthol, which I am not a fan of, or was latherless.

I found Dapper Dragon, Catie's Bubbles and Maggard soaps and loved all of them. From there it was just playing around with scents. I wanted a lime one. My Agrume scent was around nearly a year just for myself before I thought why not join the party.

Is your company a one man operation? Or do you have some help?

Do you sell more of your product online or through brick and mortar channels? Though, you may not sell via brick and mortar at all.

P.S. Your logo is really, really nice. Classy, simple, yet very eye-catching.

I am a one man operation.  Most product is online.  I have six distributors currently (DJ Shaving Supply, BullGoose, Maggard, PAA, Dr. Mike's Emporium and Badger Shaving in Canada).  Of those, I think only Maggard has a brick and mortar location (which is spectacular!!).

Thank you regarding my logo!  I worked very long and hard to make a clean, modern and simple design that looks like it could be a gas station sign!  

Hi Paolo. Your signature states, "American soap with Italian roots." Are your soaps influenced by Italian products, as opposed to French, British, or German, or is it just that you are an American of Italian heritage?

Hi Paolo. Your signature states, "American soap with Italian roots."  Are your soaps influenced by Italian products, as opposed to French, British, or German, or is it just that you are an American of Italian heritage?

It's the heritage. My grandfather was the classic Italian barber in Chicago. I just felt it was too good of a backstory to pass up. The tag line was to clarify that I am not from Italy, but do have the name.

Thank you for taking the time to give some background about yourself and your business. What type of razor do you use most? (DE, SE, or straight )

Thank you for taking the time to give some background about yourself and your business. What type of razor do you use most? (DE, SE, or straight )

Thank you Jeff! I am a DE guy. I like them mild. To me, BBS should be the entire process, not just the end result. My den consists of a 34c, a Standard, and an aluminum Wolfman SB which is my favorite. I do still have my fathers '75 Gillette black beauty that I learned to shave with, but I don't use it.

Hey Paolo,

Any new scents in the works from Sapone Di Paolo? I have Agrume on deck to use in the morning. Love it!