Many cosmetic handcrafters report falling in love with making soap after experiencing the skin-loving benefits of a handmade bar of soap. California-based Kiyoko Puyaoan, started her handmade journey and her company, spoon, after her handmade skin lotion had achieved what no other cosmetic or medicine had, clearing an eczema so bad it had earned her the childhood nickname “red panda”. … Read More
Member Spotlight: Talkeetnagirl Designs, LLC
Living in Alaska is incredibly rough on the skin, so using soap that doesn’t lead to dry, cracked skin is a tall order. Karen P Harvey, owner, designer, creator, and cleanup crew for Talkeetnagirl Designs, makes soap that more than lives up to the challenge. “It always amazes me that such simple ingredients can make such luscious creams and balms. … Read More
Member Spotlight: Beach Bird Botanicals
Perusing the Beach Bird Botanicals line, you can almost hear ocean waves lapping at your feet. The soaps have a seaside palette and a seriously soothing vibe. Best of all, the company aims to make sure your skin feels as good as the soap looks. Born out of a frustration with existing commercial products, owner Robin Greene’s imagination took flight … Read More
Member Spotlight: Cozy Clover Natural Skin Care
Many people enjoy the famous whiskies and beers of Ireland, but not so many take skincare inspiration from it. Enter travel-inspired, North Carolina-based Cozy Clover. Owner/Artisan Christy Osborne relates, “I have been soaping for a number of years but on a trip to Ireland I was inspired to turn it into a business. The natural beauty of Ireland shows through … Read More
Member Spotlight: Naturals by Claudia
Naturals by Claudia started with a simple bar of soap made by soapmaker Claudia Aurandt 16 years ago, after learning that what was in her commercial products could be related to her diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Disorder Syndrome. “I loved it! I was hooked after my first batch of soap! And I have loved it ever since! Now … Read More
Member Spotlight: The Painted Soapery
In search of a salve for her rosacea, Axia Renta-DeLuca’s desire for total control of her ingredients led her to cold processed soapmaking. “It was very empowering to take matters into my own hands and it was pretty amazing as this worked for me; I haven’t had any flare ups in years – and the bumps are also gone. I … Read More
Member Spotlight: Harriet’s Little Soap Co., LLC
Visitors to the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show may have been lucky enough to catch Harriet Scheib in action. Harriet runs the Lakewood, Colorado-based Harriet’s Little Soap Company. Asked about her inspiration, Harriet shares, “I have always had an interest in the environment and natural products. Goat milk soap made with organic ingredients helps me keep the world a … Read More
Member Spotlight: BC Spirit Soap
Talking to BC Spirit Soap owner Linda Buffy, you can truly feel the gentle spirit that infuses her soap and body care line. In business for two decades, it was the chance meeting of a gifted bar of castile with the desire to raise funds for a non-profit that set Linda on the path to starting BC Spirit Soap. Linda … Read More
Member Spotlight: Whipped Up Wonderful
The shower is a miniature escape for many of us, a few small moments of peace and tranquility snatched out of hectic lives. A bath, then, is a truly stress-relieving luxury. That concept drives the spirit of Texas-based Whipped Up Wonderful, a company selling handcrafted skin care for the bath and beyond. Owner and maker Alexis Clare says, “I have … Read More
Member Spotlight: Elysian Botanicals
Welcome to Feature Friday. Today, meet Elysian Botanicals. Ceramics and oil paints…they aren’t so far from the clays, oils, and colorants used in soap. Nate Ulmer, owner of Elysian Botanicals, puts his talents to work in all three mediums. Currently attending Central Washington University for a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Nate has been making soap for six years. … Read More