It all started when my husband and I lived in the little town of Spring Valley, Illinois. Like most couples just starting out, we had very little money, but plenty of things that we wanted. Being the budget shopper I am, I would scour the newspapers and internet for the best coupons to save us a little money each week on our grocery and personal bills.
One day, I received a free bar of handmade soap. When I opened it, I really didn't know what to think - should I bathe with it? It was far too pretty and smelled too good to use, but I stepped in my shower and boldly went where I had never gone before.
The feeling was amazing! Not only did it smell good, but it felt so good on my skin. I stepped out of the shower a new woman thinking a lot differently than I had 15 minutes before about soap. Not only did my skin feel great, but I wanted to know more about this "handmade soap" --Who made it? - Why did they make it? And how did they learn?
I started web crawling and found very helpful sites on soapmaking and the quality of the oils that are used. Surely I could learn how to make this decadent treat for my skin!
My dear cousin Kristine was to be married in 2002 and being earth friendly and vegan, getting her just any old gift for her shower would not do. I wanted to get her something very personal, something that would reflect her, and her soon to be husband.
The courage I needed to start my first batch had finally come! Next came the goggles, the gloves, the olive oil, the lye, the wooden spoon, the cleared sink and counter in my kitchen...I had my future in front of me and didn't even know it.
At the shower, the gifts were opened one at a time and passed around the room. When Kristine got to my gift, I stood up and lovingly picked up one of the bars of soap I made 6 weeks prior to the shower, explaining to the room of guests that these were handmade soaps that I had made for Kristine. I told them the story of how I learned to make soap, how Kristine's soon to be nuptials were my inspiration to start my first batch. With a tear in my eye I also announced that I would be starting a business making soap.
Kristine's Shower...the rest is history.
