Weekly Connections with Brian Lafontaine July 27, 2025
- Uncategorized
At first glance, shoppers might think this is a fashion boutique catering to women; however, it has so much more to offer and men like it too.
In addition to her exquisite soaps, owner Sue Arbucci also stocks soy wax, candles and wax melts, lotions plus other potions – all of which are personally made by Sue. In addition, she stocks unique gift ideas for everyone – family and friends — on your list; plus, she creates beautiful customs gift baskets too.
Sue is an advocate for other locally owned businesses as well. She supports those professionals by stocking their products and local artisans’ crafts on her shelves — perfect for gifts as well as buying something special for YOU.
Upon entering the boutique, it becomes obvious there is another discovery to be made. The owner has a love of dogs and they are welcome in her boutique.
These adorable dogs greet the customers with wagging tails. They also don some of the merchandise and model for photographs. This is a pet friendly store and carries some cute items for pet lovers.
Saturday, October 28th, Sue’s Soap Shop & Boutique will be celebrating its five-year anniversary. There will be refreshments, giveaways, raffles and more. Join the fun on 28th between 11:00 to 4:00. This is a fabulous time to start your Holiday Shopping!!!
“This anniversary not only marks five years on Main Street but TEN years of soap making!” declares Sue. “My customers are EVERYTHING to me. They are the reason I get up and do what I do every day. I can’t thank them enough for all of their support over the years!” Come to the gathering on Saturday the 28th and celebrate this anniversary!
Left to Right: Rob, Melissa, Steve holding Finnley, Sue holding Oliver, Kaylee, Dan holding Isla Rae
(Photo provided by Sue Arbucci)
Both of Sue’s daughters were instrumental in launching Sue’s Soap Shop & Boutique. They not only learned from their mom, they supported her and helped her create her unique shop. Kaylee continued to work alongside of her mother. Initially, she helped with a lot of the ordering until – as Sue states, “I figured out how to run two businesses at the same time.” Kaylee’s husband Dan built many of the fixtures in the store.
Sue’s youngest daughter Melissa (pictured above) learned from the family business. Sue proudly declares, “Melissa owns and operates The Salty Soap Company in the cargo district in Wilmington, NC.”
Always fun to shop at Sue’s Soap
Sue Arbucci was born and raised on Long Island, New York. In 1995, she and her husband Steve packed up their belongings and their two children (Melissa and Kaylee — toddlers at the time) and moved – “in search of a better lifestyle.”
They found Mooresville. “We immediately fell in love with the town.” To them, Mooresville had the small town warmth and feel of the area they had enjoyed as children.
Initially, Sue got involved with the local YMCA and became certified in many forms of group fitness. She has a degree in nutrition and had experience working as a dietitian – which augmented her ability to teach group fitness classes at different gyms in the Mooresville area.
In 2002, Sue went back to college to become a dental hygienist and worked approximately fifteen years as a part-time dental hygienist but continued to teach group fitness classes.
In addition to juggling her primary “job” of being a mom and her career jobs, Sue also has a passion for birds. In fact, for a couple of years, she bred and hand-fed baby parakeets – adopting them out to other bird lovers. However, Sue adds, “Deep down, I always wanted to own my own business, but – at the time – it was not at the forefront of my already crazy busy life.”
Around 2014, Sue became interested in making soap. “I am 100” self-taught,” exclaims Sue. “I read everything I could get my hands on about making soap and instantly became hooked.”
A wide assortment of fragrances from which to choose.
“My soaps are all made from scratch,” she says. “I use the cold process method. These are not a melt and pour or purchased from wholesalers and resold soaps.”
In 2015, Sue was approached by a local farmers market and asked if she wanted to set up and sell soaps. “That was the beginning,” Sue explains.
In 2017, she started displaying and selling her Soaps at Josh’s Farmers Market and her product’s popularity soared!
“I want to give a huge shout out to Josh,” Sue enthusiastically declares. “He gave me and so many other local vendors the opportunity to showcase our craft!”
Josh’s Market is at its new location: 558 River Hwy in Mooresville
(next to Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse)
In 2018, Sue joined with a co-renter on Main Street in Downtown Mooresville. Six months later, the co-renter closed her portion of the shop and Sue acquired the entire store. After realizing that she needed more than just soap to fill her shelves, she decided to include fashion in her boutique.
“Here at the shop,” states Sue, “I don’t do a lot of ‘fast fashion’.” Sue smiles as she adds, “I love to provide my customers with some trendy pieces, but more importantly, timeless pieces that don’t go quickly out of style.”
Sue pays attention to her customers’ desires – from teens to seniors – she carries an eclectic and attractive assortment of attire for all ages.
“We are everyday people,” Sue professes. “I promote fashion and accessories for just that . . . everyday people!”
Be sure to MARK YOU CALENDAR for Sue’s Soaps 5th Anniversary Celebration – October 28th between 11:00 to 4:00. Whether you have shopped at this boutique before or never been through the doors — JOIN THE FUN – and discover why Sue’s Soap Shop & Boutique is a true treasure in Mooresville!
Located at 129 N Main Street in Downtown Mooreville, NC
704-657-2195
Article and Pictures by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at www.booksbytesajones.com/book and contact her via:
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