I’ve spent this week shopping for cars.
There are some people who love the thrill of the chase, and the “game” of getting the best possible deal. I’m not one of those people. The whole process freaks me out, and I just want to get it over with.
The bright spot on this dark horizon is that I have the best possible writing assignment for a stressed-out week: A pampering, spa-like experience in the privacy of my own home, with just a hint of implied, but not realized, violence.
Of course, I’m talking about bath bombs.
Specifically, the locally made, beautifully scented, subtly sparkly bath bombs created by Allison Riggin, AKA Bomb Mom.
About Bomb Mom & Co.
Right off the top, Allison is about more than bath bombs. Checking out her Etsy shop and Instagram, you can see she has a ton of tricks up her sleeve, including an array of delicate hair accessories for young ladies. Beyond that, there’s bath salts, shampoo bars, complexion bars—you name it. All kinds of sudsy, scented goodness ready to go!
I’m picky about ingredients in my cosmetics and personal care stuff, and Bomb Mom & Co. is very transparent about that kind of thing. Vegan and/or gluten-free customers, rejoice!
She even does custom orders, in case you don’t see just what you’re looking for. All you have to do is ask.
And speaking of asking, Allison was good enough to answer all of my pressing questions about how she got into the bath bomb biz, and what her plans are for bath shop domination.
What inspired you to start your bath bomb business?
I started Bomb Mom Baths almost a year ago when a friend of mine, who is already an active member of the local artisan markets, suggested that I start selling at pop-up shops.
I already knew how to make basic bath bombs, so I started making simple recipes in bulk and selling to friends and family.
Since then, I’ve been invited to a few seller markets here and there. I’ve used each opportunity to perfect my recipes and see what kinds of things people like. Finally, at about a year of doing it, I feel like I’ve found a good variety of natural and pampering products that I love.”
What are your goals to grow your business, and where do you want to be in a year or so?
My goal has been to make a quality product with only pure, natural, organic ingredients. Over the past year, I’ve reached that goal. From here I hope to grow my local reach.
I recently announced that I’m hosting my first boutique, The Red Balloon Boutique, where other artisans and small business owners can gather to sell their products. I’m hoping to have a good turnout and continue to host more pop-up boutiques throughout the year.
I also recently opened my Etsy shop, which I hope will give me the opportunity to reach another level for my small business.”
How has living in Fresno influenced your business model?
Fresno has an awesome network of small business owners and local artisans that has been a huge help in developing my goals this past year. The camaraderie within the community of local entrepreneurs is such a help and inspiration for me.”
What are your most popular products, and which products do you prefer to use yourself?
My most popular product is the lavender bath bomb. My very favorite bath combination is a Midnight Magic and a Cinnabomb together!”
What’s your favorite product to make?
I enjoy making the lavender bath bombs the most—it’s therapeutic! And so relaxing.”
Testing Out the Products
She’s not exaggerating about the “relaxing” part. Allison let me try a few of her products, and I can happily report that they all smell yummy but not overpowering, and you can tell a lot of thought went into each one.
Here’s how my very scientific test of the products went:
I queued up a much-needed relaxing bath, tracked down my seashell-shaped inflatable bath pillow, and tossed in a Clove and Star Anise Bath Bomb.
Lots of fizz and subtle sparkle, and my bath water turned the color of a milky blue agate. It was scented like a gorgeous Chai tea latte. Win. Bomb Mom, take me away!
I was very, very sad when the water started to get prohibitively cold and my spa experience had to end. I ended up with super soft, moisturized skin, and even noticed that the bathtub wasn’t a slipping hazard afterward.
My shower with the Lavender Tea Tree shave bar was also impressive. However, I really need to rave about the Vanilla Shampoo Bar. I have difficult, wavy-to-curly hair, which means my hair is wadded up in a messy bun 95% of the time.
Somehow, the Bomb Mom & Co. shampoo bar eliminated the need for conditioner, as well as my trademark post-hair dryer frizz halo situation or heat styling. My hair is happy, and is forming ringlets like it’s known how to do that all along. My husband actually commented on how soft my hair was. What?
I’m tempted to just accept that it’s magic and not ask too many questions.
OK, just kidding. I had to ask at least one.
Allison, is it normal to not need conditioner when you use the shampoo bar?
It’s quite conditioning on its own. If you wanted to condition, I would only do the very ends.”
The Oracle has spoken!
The Perfect Give for Valentine’s, or Anytime
Pro tip: Valentine’s Day is coming up, and these artisan bath products are (in my humble opinion) better than chocolate any day.
If you’re interested in checking out Bomb Mom & Co.’s wares, check out Allison’s Etsy shop, attend the upcoming Red Balloon Boutique this Saturday, Jan. 28, or follow Bomb Mom on Instagram.
Photos in this article are my own, or used with permission from Bomb Mom & Co. and Kellen Riggin.
I was born in Fresno and grew up here, as did my husband and my parents. I'm thrilled to be raising my young son here too! I've gone away for school and spent brief periods in other parts of California, but have always ended up homesick for my hometown.
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