If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know that I care a lot about what goes into the products we use every day.
That didn’t start with soap. It started with food, learning where things come from, and a general curiosity about how things are made.
But over time, that curiosity expanded, especially when it came to the products I was using on my own skin.
Where It Started
I’ve always had sensitive skin, which meant I paid attention to what I was using long before I ever thought about making soap myself.
Goat milk soap quickly became one of my go-to products, and I loved how it felt compared to other options I had tried.
At the time, I wasn’t thinking about starting a business. I just knew I liked it, and I liked understanding why.
Making soap had been on my “to learn” list for a while, but I’ll be honest, I was intimidated by it. It felt complicated, a little overwhelming, and easy to mess up.
But I also knew something else:
If other people could learn it, I could too.
Learning by Doing
In 2022, I came across a soapmaking class and decided to finally give it a try.
That first batch led to another, and then another.
Like most people who start something new, I had batches that didn’t turn out exactly how I planned. Some didn’t smell quite right, some didn’t look the way I expected, and some were just part of the learning process.
But that’s how it works. You learn by doing.
By the end of that year, I had made enough soap that I started gifting it to friends, family, and clients.
And that’s when something shifted. People started asking for more.
Turning a Hobby Into Something More
At first, I was just having fun with it.
But after hearing things like, “That soap was amazing. How can I get more?” and “Are you going to start selling this?” I started to consider it.
In September 2023, I opened my shop as part of Preserving My Sanity.
It felt like a natural extension of everything I had already been sharing: natural living, learning new skills, and understanding what goes into the things we use.
Why Ingredients Matter to Me
One of the biggest reasons I continue making soap and other products is that I care about what goes into them.
I source my goat milk from a local farmer. For certain products, like lotion bars and dog paw balm, I also source beeswax locally.
Knowing where my ingredients come from matters to me. It’s about quality, but it’s also about trust. When you know your sources, you have a better understanding of what you’re creating.
Understanding the Science Behind It
Soapmaking is both an art and a science. While it can be fun and creative, it also requires knowledge and care.
That includes understanding:
- how ingredients interact
- how to properly formulate a recipe
- how to safely use fragrance and essential oils
It’s also important to understand that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe. Some natural ingredients can cause irritation, and proper usage rates and guidelines need to be followed.
That’s why I take the learning side seriously. I’ve continued my education over time and earned both my Basic and Advanced Soapmaker certifications through the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild (HSCG).
These certifications reflect the knowledge and skills involved in soapmaking, from formulating recipes and handling ingredients safely to understanding labeling requirements and good manufacturing practices.
For me, it’s about more than having a title. It’s about continuing to learn and making products with care.
Why Trust Matters in This Industry
One thing many people don’t realize is that the soap and cosmetic industry isn’t regulated in the same way across all products. That means makers have an important responsibility to understand the requirements that apply to what they create.
As a customer, you’re trusting that the person behind the product:
- understands what they’re doing
- uses safe and appropriate ingredients
- follows proper guidelines
That’s not something I take lightly.
Every product I make is created with that responsibility in mind.
It’s More Than Just Soap
At the end of the day, what I create isn’t just about having something to sell.
It’s about:
- understanding what goes into the products we use
- creating something thoughtfully and intentionally
- continuing to learn and improve
And it’s also about sharing that process with you.
Because just like I say about everything else I do:
You can learn this too.
Why This Story Matters
I share this not because I expect everyone to start making their own soap, but because I think it’s important to understand the story behind the products we use.
Whether you’re making something yourself or choosing to buy from someone else, knowing the “why” and the “how” matters.
It builds trust and helps you make more informed choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you start making goat milk soap?
It began with a search for gentle products for sensitive skin. Goat milk soap worked great, which sparked a desire to learn how to make it from scratch.
Where do you source your ingredients?
Ingredients are kept local whenever possible, sourcing fresh goat milk and natural beeswax directly from nearby farmers.
Why is deep knowledge required if ingredients are natural?
Even natural ingredients can irritate skin if used incorrectly, making proper formulation and safe oil usage rates essential.
What qualifications do you have as a soapmaker?
Education is an ongoing priority, including earning a certification as an Advanced Soapmaker through the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetics Guild.
What drives the philosophy behind your products?
It’s about knowing what goes onto your skin, sourcing intentionally, and giving customers total confidence in how products are made.