Krystal Szabo, owner of Green Bubble Gorgeous in Perrysburg, was a chef working in Pennsylvania when she decided to try something different in the kitchen.
“I got tired of making Christmas cookies one year, and decided I’d make bath bombs and soaps and lip balms for everybody,” Szabo said.
She started making cupcake bath bombs. The body care regional buyer at Whole Foods saw them on her desk one day and asked “Can you get these for all 46 stores in this region in six weeks before Christmas?”
Back to Ohio
That was sixteen years ago. Two years later, she moved back home to Northwest Ohio and began selling her line of aromatherapy products on etsy and at craft shows. As the business grew, she knew that she needed a commercial space where she could sell her aroma therapy line, host events and manufacture products.
RELATED: Heather Frye Helps NW Ohio Mamas Become Fit
“We opened The Creative Hub in Grand Rapids. It was the perfect little store. We turned the back of the store into a commercial kitchen, and we were there for eight years,” she said.
During that time, she appeared on Deals and Steals on The View, and also on Good Morning America.
“We did The View during COVID. It was crazy. I was pregnant at home making bath bombs in my kitchen. All of my employees were at home making bath bombs in their kitchens.”
In December of 2023, Szabo moved the business to Perrysburg and began selling under the new name, Green Bubble Gorgeous. The store now offers private parties, walk-ins, and themed events, along with summer camps.
National products
“We manufacture 95 to 100 percent natural bath, body and skin care goodies. We do not use any paraben preservatives, no pthalated fragrances, no petroleum products of FLFs that irritate eczema. We handmake all of these items right next store in our kitchen,” Szabo said.
Szabo sees a bright future ahead for her business, with many events planned in the winter months.
“Businesses do still thrive, but it’s all about experience. You have to set yourself apart.”
Get to Know Krystal Szabo
Tell us about yourself! Your family (names, ages, pets).
My husband is a farmer. We both come from farm families. We’re fourth generation farmers. Our kids are 7 and 5. We have three kitties and a Labradoodle named Archer. We love farm life, rural life and camping.
Where did you grow up?
Fulton County.
Education? Career background?
I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Pittsburgh. I had worked in the food industry since I was thirteen.
Dream vacation?
Italy for two weeks. I want to explore and eat.
If you could learn one new skill/talent/ability to master, what would it be?
I have always wanted to learn how to play guitar.
Which do you prefer: Podcasts, books or movies?
Podcasts.
Any hobbies?
Cooking. I love watercolor. I sell a wide range of watercolor workbooks and paintable cards in the store that are very popular. I love to read, and I love baking and gardening.
You can be counted on to bring _____________ to the potluck!
The brisket. My husband is a fabulous smoker. It’s the best barbecue you will ever have in your life. I’m really good at making the sides, the macaroni and the cole slaw.
Favorite local restaurant?
Benchmark in Perrysburg. I love Zingo’s also.
Favorite hidden or not so hidden gem in the metro Toledo area?
I love Gathering Volumes. Also 7 Little Cupcakes. I love the Gilded Exchange because I’m all about reducing and reusing. It’s a nice little high end resale furniture and decor shop in Perrysburg.
Any quotes or mottos that inspire you?
Adapt.
What has surprised you about being a business owner?
The amount of local support that is here in Perrysburg, and how important it is for them to shop local has been a surprise to me, and I’m forever grateful for it. I feel we have created a community here. I’ve become really good friends with a lot of people and have met so many business owners.
Advice for mompreneurs who are thinking of starting their own business?
One day at a time. Sometimes, the mountaintop seems really far away. If you just take it one day at a time, you will get to the top and accomplish the goal before you know it.
