Walking through Soap Bartender Maggie Hanus’ production area recently, you may have stumbled over several hundred pounds of soap in process. “Inspired back in 1995 by Sandy Maine’s “The Soap Book”, I taught myself how to make soap through trial and error and haven’t been able to stop ever since!” Maggie is part of the team behind Texas-based A Wild … Read More
Member Spotlight: K.I.S.S. Keeping It Simple Soap
Shock, fear, and anxiety typically accompany the loss of a full time job. For Kathy Bosk, owner of Keeping It Simple Soap (K.I.S.S), it was the impetus to start a company. And oddly enough, it was her daughter who introduced Kathy to soapmaking. Two and a half years after its genesis, New Hampshire-based Keeping It Simple Soap carries lotion bars, … Read More
Member Spotlight: Fish Princess Farm
In shops spanning California’s central coastline, from Sausalito to Carmel, you’ll find soap and lotion from a company named Fish Princess Farm. Who on earth would name their company Fish Princess Farm? And how does a company with such a silly name have such beautiful packaging? We knew there was a story here and so, off we went to search … Read More
Member Spotlight: Spoon Handmade Soaps
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