about us
In January of 2024, I purchased a beloved soapery on Pender Island and began my adventure in soap making. I am grateful to Rope Road Studios for their masterfully crafted formulas for soap, shampoo and other products which have been perfected over many years. My mission is to continue offering high quality all natural soaps and shampoo bars that are gentle and nourishing for the skin and hair, while also choosing ingredients that protect our planet. I value my partnerships with other eco conscious businesses on Pender Island and throughout Canada. Awareness is growing about the benefits of natural skincare and natural products in general. I love connecting with nature and community, living and working in ways which support health and wholeness for ourselves and our planet.
Having raised a family on Pender Island in British Columbia, I am inspired by the awesome beauty and healing power in nature. Harvesting a native plant and infusing into a soap that soothes feels like magic. In return for the gifts given to us by mother earth, I work consciously to reduce my impact on the environment, with vegan earth loving ingredients. My goal is to reduce waste and live sustainably whenever possible, to look for plastic alternatives, to recycle and use minimal packaging which is plant based and biodegradable.
Island Soul soaps are hand made in small batches. A day of cold process soap making begins with a trip to the beach. One of my soap "super ingredients" is seawater which contains vitamins and minerals that hydrate and moisturize the skin. Saltwater also helps create a luxurious lather and long lasting bar. Always vegan and palm free, I use a blend of oils that include olive, canola, cocoa butter, shea butter, sweet almond and castor oil. Through a chemical transformation using lye (sodium hydroxide) dissolved in seawater, oils transform into soap that is cleansing and moisturizing, with a bubbly luxurious lather.
As I began infusing plants into soap my kitchen became a chemistry lab. I now have a growing list of soap "super ingredients" which add extra moisturizing and soothing properties. Calendula, nettle, sea kelp and my favorite "super ingredient" hops are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and contain anti-oxidants and other properties that soothe and replenish the skin. Bamboo activated charcoal and pink clay are both puifying and make wonderful facial bars. Indigo, spirulina, himalayan rhubarb, annato, botanicals and earthen coloured clays add natural colour and beauty to each bar. Pure essential oils provide aromatherapy for soothing and supporting the nervous system.
My lifelong love of making pottery has blended well with the craft of soap making. When I'm not keeping pace with the exciting lives of our two teenagers, I love to dream up new soaps, learn more about plants, and spend time in the pottery studio.
with gratitude,
Laura
