I’m Neil Smith — the “Marketing Dad” behind Smith Family Soapmakers and, originally, the Coconut Oil Shop.
Our journey into the maker community began years ago when Mum’s cousin returned from a trip to “Rocky.” She’d seen a Bradie Bunch clip about a woman with goats, and somehow that little moment sparked something big for our family.
It nudged us toward making things together, and we’ve never really stopped.
But to be fair, our story started even earlier. Before the goats, before the soap, we were already selling Coconut Oil online. That chapter is a tale of its own.
As a family man, I’ve been responsible for generating my own sales since 1995. Whether employed or self‑employed, I’ve always lived in the world of sales and marketing — learning, adapting, and building relationships along the way.
Over the years, I’ve felt a growing urge to share what our family has learned about running a business from home — making, marketing, and managing everything ourselves, long before “lockdowns” made home‑based work the norm.
In February 2021, that desire to share led me to reconnect with a contact in Christchurch who runs a successful marketing company. Two weeks after our conversation, they created a Business Development Manager role for me. In that role, I got to reach out to businesses, pass on what I’ve learned, and help others grow — something I’m genuinely proud of.
You can still reach me on the same cell phone I’ve always used. This site is where I share what matters most to me in sales, marketing, and our family business. If you prefer, you’re welcome to use the contact form here as well.