My Story

Welcome to my little slice of heaven! Eleven years ago I opened a small boutique in the center of historic Troy, NY. When customers come to my shop they find a variety of artisan soaps, all made from scratch. There is something for everyone as I make about 40 different varieties including soaps made from local beer, wine and tea. Customers will also find a variety of other body products including lotions, bath bombs, soaks & hand-poured soy candles.

Soapmaking started out of a need. My husband has eczema and we found that natural soaps were the best for his skin. My job as a high school art teacher was affected during the recession. After a few years of teaching part-time I decided to supplement my income and help my husband's skin at the same time by making soap. I am a self-taught soapmaker utilizing my degree in sculpture to make each soap. After I was laid off in June 2012, I took a leap and opened my own brick and mortar.

What makes your business unique?

While I use traditional methods to create my body products, I like to keep things fun by consistently making new products. My customers will always find a wide range of scents in my shop. I make many traditional scents like lavender and oatmeal to more "pop" scents like ginger ale, cotton candy and oatmeal stout. Natural ingredients like turmeric, clay, parsley, activated bamboo charcoal and beetroot to are used to color my soaps. All of these are thought to have additional skin benefits. My soaps are luxurious, but affordable. They are healthy - I use only high quality ingredients - all of which are paraben and sulfate free. Tested only on friends and family most of my products can be considered 100% natural. Made in small controlled batches, customers often enjoy coming in my shop and watching me make my products. I love seeing the joy on their faces when they get excited about different scents. I also carry fine art and crafts by local artists. This allows me to support my community and bring more beauty to the world!

What is the best advice you have received?

I have been lucky to be surrounded with many people that believe in me, including my old students. They motivate me. I want to show them that you can be successful in whatever you choose to do! I was told early on to surround myself with those who believe in you. Sometimes when people see your success they will try and be negative to make themselves feel better. Don't listen to them! I am a teacher at heart and I KNOW we learn the best from experience. Even if something doesn't work out quite right - you still learn from it. Don't give up and don't give in.

Come visit our store in the heart of Troy, NY!

We are located at 271 River Street, Troy, NY 12180.

You can find our products at the summer session of the Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market, depARTure gift shop at the Albany International Airport, and Elissa Halloran Designs at 229 Lark Street, Albany, NY.