Erica discovered soapmaking in a roundabout way. After teaching and being a librarian for a number of years, she had a dream – to have an educational sheep farm, open to the public. After considerable thought, she decided to work toward her goal by putting into play some projects planned for the farm. One was a small gift shop with … Read More

Debbie Chialtas admits it, “I’m a glycerin soap addict.” It’s all she wants to do – make “melt and pour” soap in every way possible! For over 4 years since being pregnant with her first child, she never imagined that she would leave a corporate job in fashion design and make soapmaking become an actual career. She states, “It’s the … Read More

Bonnie Bartley, Soapsmith, The Allegheny Hearth, conducted a year long experiment using the additives recommended by HSMG Conference Speaker, Dr. Kevin Dunn, Caveman chemistry, for the prevention of DOS. Here are Bonnie’s results: One year ago, July 2008, I began an unscientific test using Dr. Dunn’s recommended additives for the prevention of DOS. On the same day, using the same … Read More

Gillian had her first encounter with a bar of handcrafted soap at her sister’s house over a decade ago. Well, that was it. It was love at first smell. It was a peppermint goat’s milk bar and it was fabulous. Being a thrifty do-it-yourselfer, Gillian figured if other people could make soap, then surely she could learn, too.     … Read More

She has been a tough little nut with a whole lot of personality since day one. When she was born she was little, jaundiced, and allergic to a lot of things – soap being one of them. She was the reason why a company was built and now she provides inspiration for it to continue. At just 11 years of … Read More

Jim started making soap his sophomore year in college shortly after his great grandmother fell ill. Up to then, Jim was looking to start a small business. Interested in alternative energy to make a positive impact on the world, Jim’s motto is to leave this planet in a little better shape than when entered. Investigating bio-diesel, Jim discovered soap. With … Read More

“Our soap making business began when I tried to find a mild natural soap that would moisturize my skin rather than dry it out,” said LaRee DeFreece. I was looking for a soap made with one hundred percent natural plant-based ingredients and enriched with emollients.” In late 2000, she decided to make her own soap. “That first recipe resulted in … Read More

Donna Pixton-Hacker became interested in soapmaking for her infant son’s sensitive skin. Familiar with plant remedies and essential oils, she tried a recipe for soap featured by Sandy Maine of SunFeather Natural Soap Co. Finding the soap gentle enough for her son, she told everyone about this natural herbal soap. Once they tried this amazing soap they asked for more … Read More

Soapmaking with a Cause – A Passionate Soapmaker’s Story We are all familiar with the New Orleans flood but Kay Rose and her daughter, Abbey, have taken it personally. Still rebuilding and tearing down many homes, Abbey’s mission group was there right after Katrina hit. Experience came from their mission team helping build houses in Appalachia and Pedros Negros, Mexico … Read More

A Canadian member, Betty Jane Ware is an herbalist, soapmaker, and owner of Goddess Blends. Starting with melt and pour, then on to find Hot Process, she has been making soap for a number of years. Her journey into soapmaking began from a rather different perspective than most of us: she is a practicing witch.  One of the things a … Read More