How I Use AI In My Business to Save Time and Still Sound Like Me

Let’s talk about something that might just change how you run your soap and skincare business this year. AI.

Now before you roll your eyes or think it’s not for you, just hear me out. This isn’t about robots taking over or copying stuff off the internet. It’s about using a tool that can save you time, take away that feeling of constantly playing catch up, and still sound like you in everything you do.

Because if you're anything like me, you're probably wearing far too many hats. And most days, you barely have time to wear one of them properly, never mind all of them.

You’re probably already using AI without even realising

I’m always surprised by how many people still feel unsure about AI, or don’t think they’re using it. But actually, most of us are already using it in some way. Think about when your phone autocorrects a text, or when Google Maps tells you which way to go, or when Netflix suggests what to watch next. That’s AI working in the background.

We didn’t use to have all this tech. Back in the day, we’d turn up at a craft market with our soaps, maybe advertise in the Yellow Pages (if you remember that massive book), and that was about it. No websites, no Canva, no contactless payments. Things have changed so much, and we’ve gradually adapted without even thinking about it.

Which is why I think we need to see AI the same way. It’s just the next step. And if we ignore it, we risk getting left behind.

How I use AI in my business without losing my voice

I’ve been using AI for around a year now, probably longer, both in this business and in The Dog and I. And I’ve learned how to use it in a way that still sounds like me. I’m someone who likes to be in control. I like things to be friendly, warm and straightforward. No fluff, no fuss, and definitely no corporate waffle. And AI can absolutely do that, if you tell it what you want.

There’s this idea that AI will churn out content that’s too formal or just not you. But honestly, that hasn’t been my experience at all. I still come up with the ideas, the content, the structure. AI just helps me smooth it out, fill in the gaps, and get things done quicker. It’s brilliant for those days when the blank page is just staring back at you.

Here’s how I use it in real life

Let’s say I want to write a blog for The Dog and I. I’ll start with a few bullet points, facts, things I want to include and the purpose of the blog. Then I ask AI to turn that into a draft. It keeps my voice, uses my ideas, and even adds a few helpful extras I might not have thought of. It’s still very much my blog, but tidied up a bit.

Once I’ve got that blog, I can do loads with it. I can..

• Pull out a quote for social media

• Create a quick carousel or a few tips

• Turn it into a newsletter

All of this from one piece of content. And AI helps me do it without starting from scratch every time.

It’s the same when I’m writing product descriptions. I’ll tell it what the product is, who it’s for, what’s in it, and a bit about my values. It gives me a starting point, and I tweak it to make sure it feels right. I even ask it to optimise it for SEO, so it’s more likely to show up in search results.

It also helps me with emails, blog titles, even tech support. As well as write better newsletters, and get things done that I might have spent hours faffing with otherwise.

And no, it’s not replacing real people

This isn’t about replacing anyone. It’s about helping me get through the day. I’ve never had someone doing these jobs for me, so I’m not taking away work from anyone. What I’m doing is making life that little bit easier, so I can spend more time doing the bits of my business that I actually enjoy.

AI can’t do everything. It can’t make your products, speak to your customers, or make decisions for you. But it can do the boring admin bits. And honestly, if it can save you two or three hours a week, why wouldn’t you give it a go?

Even more ways I use AI (and how you could too)

I’ve even used it to help solve website issues. I’ll just tell it I’m on Shopify, which theme I’m using, and what’s gone wrong. Sometimes it comes back with a fix straight away, other times it gives me a really good starting point. A bit like asking a knowledgeable friend.

And it’s not just me. Someone in my community was struggling to link her website to Meta so she could tag products on Facebook and Instagram. She used AI to guide her through it step by step. It worked!

It’s also great for the boring bits we tend to put off. Things like uploading your products to the UK cosmetics portal. No, it can’t do the whole job – but it can do a lot of the legwork. 

Inside The Soap Suite, I’ve got a proper intro to AI coming up because I know lots of members haven’t jumped on board with it yet. And I do understand,  it can feel like just one more thing to learn. But honestly, it doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need to be techy, and you don’t need to know all the right prompts, these will improve over time. You just need to talk to it like you’re talking to a helpful assistant and get the conversation going.

Final thoughts from me (and yes, I know I’ve waffled a bit)

AI isn’t here to take over your business. It’s not a replacement for your ideas, your passion, or your voice. But it can help you work smarter, free up a bit of time, and make life a bit easier.

It won’t get everything right. It won’t make big decisions for you or do the creative bits that only you can do. But it will help you get started. It will polish your words. It’ll stop you staring at a blank screen wondering where to begin.

So if you’ve been sitting on the fence about it, maybe this is the nudge you needed. Give it a try. Keep an open mind. You might just find it’s one of the most practical changes you make in your business this year.

And if you’re already using it, I’d love to know how. Leave a comment if this has got you thinking.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end, I know this has been a long one but just to let you know, I gave AI the transcript from this YouTube video and it wrote this blog post for me, I just tweaked it a bit. My words, my thoughts -  but it saved me so much time.