Pieter, Founder of Island Potato Soap Company

Tell me a little about yourself and how you got started.

The Island Potato Soap Company started to produce bar soap in 2016. The soap is made with certified organic potato juice and oils. Most soaps use water which is then mixed with lye. Instead of water, we have substituted potato juice. Our skin cream was developed the following year. 80 percent of the skin cream is made with potato juice.

What sets your business apart from others alike?

Our business is unique because we are the only commercial manufacturer in the world that uses potato juice to make bar soap and skin cream. We are the first soap company on PEI to be featured on Dragon's Den.

Out of all your products, which one is your personal favorite, and why?

I don't have a particular favourite. I am researching new products, finding new markets etc.

If you could jump back in time to when you first started your business, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Never give up. Always look for new opportunities and find ways to improve your business. Refine, refine, refine. Avoid time-wasting projects.

Were there ever any times when you wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits? How did you deal with it?

There was never a time that I wanted to call it quits.

How do you spend your time when you’re not creating?

In my free time, I like to compose music mainly for piano and violin. I am also a potter which I primarily do in the winter months.

What are some of your favorite things about the town or city you live in?

We live in the country on the North Shore of Prince Edward Island. We have a large vegetable garden to take care of. I am also working on our century old home, liking painting, scraping and repairing spots which need attention.

Who’s the person, dead or alive, that you would want to have over for dinner?

Barak Obama

If you weren’t a maker, what would you be doing?

Full time composer