On a whim fueled by hours of DIY shows, I decided 2009 would be the year I’d make Christmas gifts. I am not by nature a crafty person, so this was big. The result: simple oatmeal soaps in holiday-themed cello bags. They were a hit.
Soapmaking became my hobby to while away the winter. So did bartering. Olive oil for green tea castile. Herbs and salts for scrubby lavender spa bars. Quickly came compliments, requests for more—and a lot of research on my part. Learning about herbs, oils and techniques flexed my inner creative mad chemist. It officially became work.
Summer of 2010, I was accepted into an art show. And after a successful day of selling something I loved making came the a-ha moment that lead to more markets, art shows and festivals. Soon after, I entered the wholesale world, selling to boutiques, a few grocery stores and small businesses in the Cincinnati area, with more on the horizon.
I’ve committed to keeping our offerings 100% natural and free of animal fats, crafting soaps, salves and other products from the finest food-grade base oils, certified organic and no-spray herbs, honey & beeswax, non-GMO grains and pure essential oils—everything procured responsibly, and locally whenever possible. Packaging is simple and eco-friendly, carefully designed and in line with regulations for soaps and cosmetics.
Since that first oatmeal soap (which I still make), I’ve formulated olive oil castiles, sea salt spa bars, shaving pucks, household soaps (including a Mechanic’s Soap that kicks the panties off of that one that rhymes with Fava), and various body butters and salves.
