A personal note from the founder
or The story of OBAstudios
I've always been fascinated by the gap between what everyday objects promise to be and what they actually deliver. There's a surprising number of things in our lives that could be so much better. Growing up in a small village where the nearest store was a fifteen-minute drive away, I learned early on that the simplest solution is often to make your own. As a teenager, unable to find the perfect bag, I taught myself to sew. That DIY spirit has stayed with me even as adult life, with its relentless pace, tries to squeeze out creativity.
The story of OBAstudios is rooted in this belief. It's about taking a problem - in this case, a perpetually soggy soap dish - and turning it into a solution through design and craftsmanship.
From a Soap Dilemma to a ceramic Solution
I’ve always loved a good bar of soap. The scent, the feel, the longevity—it’s a simple pleasure. But my old soap dish was anything but. It was this charming little two-piece number with a tiny water catchment basin. The idea was great, but the execution was a total flop. Every two weeks, without fail, my soap would turn into a mushy, dissolving mess. Imagine starting your day with that sight—a shapeless blob of soap clinging to the side of the dish. It was enough to make anyone want to skip their morning routine.
Determined to find a solution, I turned to my newfound hobby: ceramics. I started with a simple rectangular slab and gave it a playful zigzag pattern. Once fired, I tossed it into the bathroom without much thought. To my surprise, my soap stayed firm and solid for weeks on end. It was a revelation! No more mushy messes, no more wasted soap. My morning routine was finally saved.
The joy I felt from this small victory was undeniable. I realized that this might be something others would appreciate too. And so, OBAstudios was born—a company built on a single, simple product - the ROCKY M. soap dish. A personal problem became a business opportunity. The rest, as they say, is history.
Barbara Jenner
