Q AND ART: Chelsea Selby

Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.

1) Tell us a little about your background.
My name is Chelsea Selby - I am the one woman operation that is Witch Baby Soap. I make witchcraft inspired bath and body products.  I've always been interested in beauty products, herbology, and witchcraft. When I was a child I used to pull all the weeds and flowers in my backyard and try to develop potions and beauty products. My ouija board was a permanent fixture in my bedroom when I was younger (what was my mom thinking?!). At 18 I became a licensed cosmetologist, but quickly realized I had no desire to cut hair. At 24, I finished my Bachelor's Degree in the Science of Alternative Medicine — a degree with a strong focus on herbs. A week later I discovered I was pregnant. This lead me to rethink my entire future. I wanted to be able to stay home with my child, but simply being a housewife would not satisfy my creativity or my bank account. I had always made beauty products at home, and finally decided that selling them would be a great way to stay home with my baby while earning some extra money. Little did I know how truly satisfying I would find my new job.

Witch Baby Soap launched October 13, 2013, and quickly took off over the holidays. I was working every single day trying to keep up with the demand, but for the first time in my life I was truly happy to be doing the work I was doing. It is so fulfilling to be able to express myself creatively and make money doing so! When I told my family and friends the concept of my soap company a lot of them thought I was totally insane, but it was really important for me to stay true to myself. When you put your heart and soul into your work, people can feel the authenticity of your products even if they are a bit macabre.

2) What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on a bunch of summer products. They're heavily rooted in sea witchery and mermaid lore. I'm also continuously expanding. I have spent the better part of this year developing a strong line of body butters, and next I intend to create a line of bath bombs and lip balms. I'm always adding new image soap too.

3) What's your favorite thing to eat locally?
I may have a slight food truck addiction.

4) What's your favorite thing to do in this area?
As a former roller derby girl, I love to watch some great roller derby. The Philly Rollergirls are one the best teams in the world. I love watching them play. They also throw an amazing derby expo - the East Coast Derby Extravaganza. ECDX is three full days of roller derby, beer, and pool parties.

5) Give us your insider tip to the city.
The Philadelphia Punk Rock Flea Market is the best place to buy unique and offbeat furniture, art, and other oddities.

6) And finally, pick the next artist for us to interview. 

Daniela and Justin Fullam of Little Punk People. 


Where to find Chelsea Selby

Website: www.witchbabysoap.com

Instagram: @witchbabysoap

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