You might think it was on purpose that I decided to start making soap during a global pandemic, when no one had talked about hand-washing with such frequency and intent. The truth, however, is much more coincidental.

I began crafting my own skincare products in 2016 because I could not find a natural deodorant that I was pleased with (today, however, there are many good options, and I never quite perfected the recipe myself). This led to a ton of research, trial-and-error, and crafting many products beyond my original goals. My mother graciously gifted me some Pyrex bowls to do my crafting in – and more likely so that I would stop coating her pots and pans in beeswax.

Eventually, with enough trial, error, and feedback from family and friends, my first product was born: the lip balm. This was the first product I was confident enough in for sale. This sought-after recipe is still used in our lip balms today.

While coasting on my barely self-sustaining hobby, some friendly neighbourhood pals kindly invited me to join their soap making workshop. I quickly fell in love with the craft. Soapmaking is one of the few things that satisfies both sides of my brain – it is both a science and a work of art. Science, because every bar of soap is the result of a carefully calculated chemical reaction, and art, because of the intricacies required to create the perfect sensory combination of lather, colour, and scent.