About

I am a Washington County, VA native with deep ancestral roots and an even deeper love of my Appalachian culture and region. I have lived in Emory, VA all of my life and was a Professional educator for 32 years. With a lifelong dedication to preserving our Appalachian heritage, I have also spent my life as a musician performing and teaching on a range of traditional folk instruments. Along with my music, I am now proud to be preserving the handcrafted tradition of soapmaking. It is deeply meaningful knowing I am carrying on the same craft and necessary skill that my grandparents and ancestors once did—only now with a modern touch.

The Cold Process technique of soapmaking is the most complex of the three different types of making soap, but to me it is also the most artistically rewarding. Natural oils and butters (that you can recognize and pronounce) are used to make handcrafted soap without stripping the natural oils from your skin. No harsh detergents are used in making handmade soap, as in commercial soap, and glycerin is retained which helps attract moisture to your skin. Handmade soap is also made in small batches to control ingredients, quality and consistency.

As a Breast Cancer survivor, it has been important for me to use and produce as many natural products as possible. This is another reason I make handcrafted products; I can control what ingredients go into the creation of my products. I share this with my customers and tell them it is my goal to help them lead a chemical-free lifestyle one product at a time! Also...life is short. Put out the good towels and use the pretty soap!