Entrepreneurial Hamptonite Audrey Vazzana turned an unfortunate accident into a thriving new business called Hampton Soaptique, a handcrafted soap and bath products company.  Audrey and her daughter Brooke have been living here on the East End of Long Island for nearly two decades, and she shares her inspirational story in this NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary, below:

KDHamptons: How long have you lived in the Hamptons? What’s your favorite part about living here?

Audrey Vazzana: I’ve been here for about 19 years. I moved into my home in Hampton Bays in 1996 with my daughter Brooke when she was just one and a half. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for that long and my daughter is going to be 21 this summer! My favorite part about living here is my close proximity to water in every direction. I have a five minute commute to the beach or bay; who could ask for anything more?

KDHamptons: Tell us about Hampton Soaptique?

Audrey Vazzana: Hampton Soaptique is a company that I started about eight years ago, partially out of necessity and partially out of my love for crafting. I sell handcrafted soaps made in small batches and other bath and beauty products such as sugar scrubs, milk baths, and various balms.  I sell my products weekly at the Southampton Farmer’s Market every Sunday from May through October. However, many new customers tell me they heard about me from their friends and acquaintances. I take orders via email or phone and am currently working on building a website, which has been very exciting for me.

KDHamptons: Have you always worked in the bath products industry?

Audrey Vazzana: No, I actually worked at the Post Office for about 22 years, but an accident forced me into retirement. Driving home from work one day, I was involved in a very serious head on collision with another driver who had fallen asleep at the wheel. As time went by, permanent injuries prevented me from returning to my job. I took that opportunity to start my own business and do what I’ve always loved and wanted to do: work for myself and do something crafty. I started by making products for my friends and family, and although it’s still a very small company, it has been expanding over the years.

KDHamptons: How would you describe your perfect day in the Hamptons?

Audrey Vazzana: A perfect day in the Hamptons for me would be spending the day with my daughter. It might start with breakfast at the Hampton Maid followed by a little shopping in town or a couple hours of reading and shell collecting at the beach. Dinner and cocktails at a local waterfront restaurant, watching a beautiful Hamptons sunset would be the perfect end to a perfect day.

*Audrey is offering KDHamptons readers 10% off orders received by July 31st! Just mention KDHamptons when you call to order at 631-728-5898, or email hamptonsoap@optonline.net.  Visit Hampton Soaptique’s new Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest accounts to learn more about Audrey’s brand and products.  * Soap photo courtesy of Ron Esposito