Handcrafting – taking raw ingredients and transforming them into something new and useful – has always intrigued me. Knowing I have created something appreciable gives me joy. As a teen I became fascinated with the idea that lye (made from ashes) and fats or oils could become something cleansing. Making soap seemed both incredible and impossible. My mom encouraged me to try and had me meet with a friend of hers who was also interested in learning. We forged ahead together, mixing our lye with trepidation and breathing a huge sigh of relief as our first bars came out actually looking like soap! Waiting the six weeks for it to cure before trying it was a true exercise in patience.
After that first batch, I was hooked. I moved ahead trying new formulas and scent combinations, making soap for family and friends. Twenty years later, Karl started to see the possibility for a business. I looked into all the notification and labeling laws and quickly became overwhelmed. He encouraged me and helped me do all the hard stuff so I could do the part I enjoy, actually make the soap!
Our soap is made in small batches to help ensure quality and cured for at least six weeks to ensure hardness and longevity. We use locally sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients wherever possible. It's been fun to learn every part of the process, from rendering lard to packaging, and to continue to try new ideas and formulas. We strive to make products that are safe and healthy for the whole family.
My interest in soap led me to thinking about all the other skin care products we use and wondering how many others I could make. As a result, we now offer shampoo bars, lip balm, lotion bars, beard balm, whipped body butter, sugar scrubs, bath bombs and bath salts as well. We also make laundry soap and stain sticks for pre-spotting laundry. Have a product you're eager to find locally crafted? Let us know and maybe we can make something happen.
We live in Stuartburn with our four children, Heidi, Hannah, Levi and Megan. We're hoping to get our soap into retail locations again soon. Currently, you can purchase directly from us. We are available either by e-mail at kswagenhoffer@gmail.com or phone (204) 425-3089. We'd love to have you contact us to order your own handcrafted skin care products!
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