In a world of mass-produced, impersonal products, Bath Sorbet is a natural, local choice that is the epitome of a comforting bath bomb. This local business in Yukon, Oklahoma (and a location in Edmond), has always won local hearts & pocketbooks with its vibrant, handmade bath products that make self-care feel special. But recently, this local business found itself facing a new challenge. Imagine her surprise when owner Lacey Ogden pulled up to her store to see “Bath & Body Works Coming Soon” signs plastering her previously vacant neighbor’s window. That’s right, national retail giant Bath & Body Works is moving in right next door, setting up shop in the same strip mall in their Yukon location..
For a local business owner like Lacey, the regular challenges can feel overwhelming, but something like this feels devastating. Competing with big chains isn’t just tough—it can feel like an uphill battle for survival. While the community’s support online has been encouraging, the reality is that kind words aren’t going to be enough to keep the doors open. To truly thrive, Bath Sorbet will need real sales, new customers, and potential collaborations that drive growth. Might that be WITH B&BW? Food for thought: the retailer already has 2 locations & is now poised to franchise across the region. Might this be an opportunity that can flip the script for this Oklahoma business?
From Birthday Party to Business
Bath Sorbet started as a delightful little accident. It was born out of a hands-on mom’s desire to make her daughter’s birthday extra special. When Lacey couldn’t find local bath bombs with toys inside—just what her four-year-old daughter wanted for her birthday—she took matters into her own hands, quite literally. “We got a basic recipe and made some for her birthday. We gave them out as party favors, and everybody loved them,” said Lacey.
The feedback was so positive that Lacey decided to take a small leap. With $200 for ingredients, she began making and selling bath bombs to friends, family, and eventually anyone who heard about her creations through social media. Within days, she had orders lined up before the supplies even arrived. “That’s just immediate ROI,” Lacey laughed, recalling how Bath Sorbet quickly grew from a hobby to a business.
And from there, the orders kept coming. Within just a few months, Bath Sorbet had caught the attention of a national grocery chain, which was interested in stocking their products. For Lacey, this was the beginning of something bigger than she had ever imagined.
A Unique Bathing Experience
So what sets Bath Sorbet apart? It’s more than just bath bombs. Stepping into a Bath Sorbet store feels like entering a whimsical, candy-colored world where bathtime is celebrated. From bath bombs to bubble bars, candles, sugar scrubs, and shower oils, each product is handmade, hypoallergenic, and designed to be gentle on the skin.
“We wanted to create fun confections for your bath, shower, and home,” Lacey explained. “Everything we make is cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and made with clean ingredients because we care about what our customers are putting on their skin.”
But beyond the quality of their products, Bath Sorbet offers something you won’t find in a big-box store—a truly personalized experience. Their Custom Bar allows customers to create their own products, choosing colors, scents, and even adding glitters. Customers, whether they’re kids on a birthday outing or adults looking for a bit of pampering, can watch as their custom products come to life right in the store.
“Our Custom Bar has been a game-changer,” said Lacey. “It’s an interactive experience that brings a bit of retail theater to our stores, and it’s so rewarding to see people walk out with something they helped create.” Ya can’t get that at the other guys’ store y’all.
Enter Bath & Body Works: A New Neighbor
Lacey just received this news on Tuesday. “Yesterday, I pulled up to my store and just sobbed and sobbed,” she says. Bath & Body Works, the national giant known for its own line of bath and body products, is opening a store right next door to her Yukon location. It’s a scenario that would intimidate any small business owner. “We feel a bit like David standing against Goliath, our small family-owned business now faced with competing directly with a big-box retailer right next to us. We’ve poured our hearts, souls, and every ounce of hard work into this location. This isn’t just a store to us—it’s a dream we’ve built in our community, where our family and children call home.”
We feel a bit like David standing against Goliath.
The news sparked a mix of emotions on social media, where Lacey’s post about the development resonated with local supporters. Many customers were quick to rally around Bath Sorbet, encouraging others to shop local and support their favorite small business.
“Though we’ve been told this will benefit us, it’s hard not to feel anxious about what’s ahead for our business. But one thing we know for sure is the power of our community. Our products are handcrafted locally, using clean, ethically sourced ingredients, and we take pride in the love and care that goes into everything we make.”
Why Local Matters
The fact that there’s only a wall between Bath Sorbet and Bath & Body Works highlights an important issue: why it’s crucial to support local businesses. Small businesses like Bath Sorbet don’t just sell products; they build communities, create jobs, and add character to the area. Every time you buy a bath bomb from Bath Sorbet, you’re supporting an actual number of families that live, work & play where you do.
“When you shop with Bath Sorbet, you’re not just buying a product, you’re supporting a family, a dream, and the very town we love.” Lacey says.
And it’s this local support that has helped Bath Sorbet grow, not just survive. From fundraising programs for local schools and mission trips to birthday parties and bachelorette events, Bath Sorbet has always found ways to give back to the community. It’s part of their business philosophy to spread a little joy and sunshine to everyone who walks through their doors.
Lather, Rinse, Innovate: Bath Sorbet’s Strategy
Rather than shy away, Bath Sorbet will embrace the challenge. Their strategy? Focus on what they do best—handmade, customizable products and personalized customer experiences. From offering special events at their stores to introducing new product lines like DIY candles, Bath Sorbet keeps finding ways to make shopping a fun, memorable experience.
It’s not just about staying local here in Oklahoma. Bath Sorbet is looking to bring its unique brand to more communities. They have a second store in Edmond, Oklahoma, and have ambitious plans to expand through franchising. They’re building a turnkey business model and an opportunity for others to bring Bath Sorbet to their town. They’ve put so much thought into the design, the process, and the experience. In their efforts to stay on the cutting edge, they even have an app!
Supporting the Underdog
So how can the community help? By choosing to shop local, by spreading the word, and by supporting businesses like Bath Sorbet that put their heart into everything they do. Whether it’s buying a bath bomb, booking a custom candle-making session, or simply sharing a social media post, every little bit helps. Bath Sorbet’s journey is far from over, and with the support of the community, they’re ready to keep growing—one bath bomb at a time. ““For those asking where we are located, we have 2 locations and we do ship worldwide at bathsorbet.com.”
Amy Singleton is a contributing author and online editor for Whirlocal South OKC, Moore, and Norman. She’s the host of the Queen Lead Podcast, a motivational & marketing keynote speaker, and the CEO at HITE.
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