“One thing we learned in our conversations was foot traffic is good for your business. We thought, ‘Where can we get foot traffic?’ and we both said, ‘Downtown Wausau.’ We came here to the historic River District, turned on 3rd Street, and saw the lights on and the umbrellas up. My wife and I looked at each other and we’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh. This has got to be it.’” ~ Brian Fox

Those upbeat, energetic vibes that Brian and Julie Fox keyed upon when spotting the perfect place for their Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. have only grown stronger since they moved in one year ago. We’ll share more on that lively, dynamic atmosphere in a bit. First, we’d like to provide a little context.

The couple’s new venture is beautifully situated in Compass Properties’ Third Street Lifestyle Center at 320 North 3^rd Street in Downtown Wausau, Wisconsin. All of Magnolia’s natural, plant-based soap, bath, and homecare products are handcrafted on site and contain no harsh chemicals or dyes. Their clientele have come to expect the purity of the ingredients, know they’re domestically sourced, and find them perfect for those with skin sensitivities.

Stocked in the Wausau store this summer are essentials such as sunscreen, sunless tanning mousse, after-sun lotion, and citronella lotion bar and insect repellent. Soaps delightfully appropriate to the season include Sun Dried Cotton, Posh Peony, Berry Good, Pomegranate Lemonade, and Melon Me Crazy. So much more augments their collection: scrubs, toners, body butter, shampoo, beard oil, beard balm, candles, room sprays, laundry soap, and pet perfume and pampering spray.

Attuned to current trends—such as the ever-growing emphasis on the customer experience—Brian and Julie’s Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. Wausau provides distinctive visitor engagements with their in-store Shower Steamer, Candle Pouring, Soap Pouring, and Bath Bomb parties. Many of the activities are perfect for participants of all ages and it’s not uncommon for just two people to pop in for an impromptu party (if staffing allows).

Taking personalization even further, Magnolia Soap has custom blended bridal party gift soaps and bubble bath that match the bridesmaids’ dresses; they also have a calendar full of events and specials, such as a recently-held scavenger hunt and an upcoming fundraiser for the Humane Society of Marathon County. They have fun with even the smallest of details, such as a bubble machine at Magnolia’s entryway, which fills the neighborhood with fragrant bubbles for blocks.

Just as they are with their clientele, Brian and Julie are equally diligent about establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with local small business owners. “We are very eager to help support the other small businesses,” says Brian, and recounts some stories that illustrate that statement. The anecdotes demonstrate considerable thoughtfulness and creativity.

For example, Brian mentions, “Most of the restaurants in the River District have our liquid hand soap in their bathrooms. We just give that to them and say, ‘When it runs out, we’ll refill it for you for free.’” Then there’s The Pinery Coffee Co. “We use their coffee grinds in some of our local soaps. Anybody who buys one of those products receives a 15% discount to spend at the Pinery. And the Pinery created a Magnolia drink…anybody who buys one of those drinks receives a 15% coupon to use at our store,” Brian explains. He and Julie are working on similar cross promotions with other local businesses in the District. “We’re becoming a family down here,” says Brian.

In talking with Brian further, it would seem that the Compass team at the Third Street Lifestyle Center is also a contributor to that family feeling. He says, “Working with Compass has been extremely beneficial for us and we enjoy the people.”

By happenstance, for example, Julie and Brian met General Manager Mark Craig the first day they drove down to 3^rd Street to scope out a location for their store. Mark showed the couple several Compass locations that would meet their requirements. Since then, Brian comments, “I would like to say we’ve become friends. Mark and I are even birthday buddies.”

Then there’s Jason Cieslewicz, our Projects/Facilities Manager in the Center. Brian remarks, “Jason is outstanding when it comes to help with anything. If I have a problem with something in the building, I call Jason,” Brian adds. As an example, he provides this story:

“Yesterday, I had a 765 pound barrel of lye in my trailer, parked half a block from the store. The barrel had to be wheeled out the back of the trailer which was facing downhill. I’m not even 200 pounds. So, I picked my phone up, called, and said, ‘Hey, Jason. Can I borrow your muscles?’ He said, ‘I’ll be right there.’ And he was—in just four minutes. That’s how we find the Compass people to be every day.”

Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. Wausau just celebrated its one-year anniversary. With Brian and Julie passionate about family skincare and wellness, obsessed with customer service, and committed to the community, they surely have a bright, successful future in the Third Street Lifestyle Center. And as for all the stories Brian enjoys sharing about their small business experiences in downtown Wausau? This is what he likes to say: “I’ve got tons and tons of them that I can tell and it’s because we’re down here and a part of this group.”

You can find Magnolia Soap on Facebook and Instagram. Please be sure to visit the store and introduce yourself to Brian and Julie.