about

Certain scents have a way with evoking our emotions. They can remind us of someone we love, bring us back to a certain time in our life that holds great memories, or place us on our favorite beach.

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I believe this is why I've always been attracted to homemade soaps. When I travel, I find myself in small boutiques searching for handcrafted soap bars. I love taking time to breathe in all the unique scents displayed, and I end up purchasing ones that connect to me personally.

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Homemade soaps also remind me of days before my time when life seemed simpler, slower and more genuine. Like many of us, I attempt to be still and learn to appreciate the little things that makes life so beautiful. It makes me smile to think something as simple as soap can do that.

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It’s because of these reasons that I took interest in making my own homemade soap. My intention was never to just make it for myself, but for others. I love to create, and I love to inspire. I knew this would be the perfect outlet to do just that. So, I bought my first how-to book.

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It would be nice if my story read that I got right to work - but it doesn’t. Life’s responsibilities, especially being a mom, had priority over what I stored in my head as a “silly-little-dream.”

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As the kids grew older and seasons in my life changed, the book that sat there dusty but in plain view all those years, finally got picked up.  I read it cover to cover, bought the required ingredients and equipment, and made my first batch of soap. Unfortunately, it was a total failure. With my spirit only slightly hindered, I tried again. Better, but not great. I kept at it, bought another book, read many blogs, and tried different recipes. Once I felt certain enough that I had a good recipe and branding that represented me comfortably, I signed up for my first craft show.

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Not knowing what to expect, but with a good friend by my side to help, the craft show ended up being a success. I cannot explain the beautiful gratification I had in watching customers experience their own pleasing emotions as they would pick up different soaps, smell them, smiling while expressing their “mmms” and “ooohs.” This was the connection I was looking for. I left the craft show that day feeling whole and accomplished.

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So, I continue to grow Soap Shed, and as a person. It’s a slow-moving journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There are days I find myself still calling it a “silly-little-dream.” I mean, really, it’s just soap. But when I do find myself thinking this, the universe always finds a way in showing up and proving otherwise - many times through other people who have always believed in me along the way.

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I confidently know, as simple as soap making may seem to be, it’s who I am made to be. It’s my calling and my purpose - to create and inspire. I have great hope for Soap Shed’s future. Finding out who I am as I travel this journey has allowed me to produce products that are simple and authentic in themselves.

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Thank you for being a part of my journey.

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Peace and love, 

Michelle