Our 2024 Makers of the Month

Each year, we select makers from our community to showcase each month. The goal is to uplift the creators and small businesses that support us, and to inspire beginning makers. 

Meet our 2024 Makers! Each interview contains information about how they got started in soap making, what inspires them, and their plans for the future.

January: Holy Grail Organics

In 2019, Liz of Holy Grail Organics started exploring a natural lifestyle by making as many things from scratch as possible - including soap! The skills she learned as a hairdresser paired perfectly with soapmaking, from chemical reactions to color theory. Learn more about how Liz balances social media creation with her business, and how she stays inspired.

"People tell me I dream too big. They feel I’m unrealistic. But what is life without dreams? I want little Holy Grail shops all around America. But to keep it “realistic” within 5 years I want 2 shops. One in Pennsylvania and one in NYC." -Liz

February: Pretty Honest Shop

Andrea of Pretty Honest Candles has always been a candle lover. In 2017 she turned her candle making hobby into a business. Andrea's line includes soy candles, room diffusers, and candle accessories. Pretty Honest Candles has been featured in Buzzfeed, Apartment Therapy, and more. Learn more about Andrea and her growing business!

"My professional marketing background really helped me build my social media presence! Also, it taught me to listen to my audience and find out what they value about my brand." -Andrea R.

March: Motherland Essentials

Andrea of Motherland Essentials started making soap 10 years ago, when she took a step back from her job. Needing a creative outlet, she discovered soap videos on YouTube. Today, Andrea creates a wide range of products, and hosts crafting workshops to help connect her community. Meet Andrea!

"I'm inspired by problem solving. I'm an Aquarius, so naturally I want to save the world with my creativity. Bath time is boring? I'm making bath bomb donuts. Need a father's day gift? I made a chicken wing themed soap. I'm spreading joy with functional art!" -Andrea D.

April: Mountain Ridge Farm

Carolina of Mountain Ridge Farm quit her job as a school teacher to become a stay-at-home mom, and started making soap to supplement her income. Today, Carolina uses beeswax and honey from her family’s farm to create soap, balms, and more. Meet Carolina!

"I have always loved art and design. I get inspired by looking at art, home design books, decor magazines, and browsing Pinterest. There are so many beautiful color palettes on Pinterest. They have inspired a few of my layered soaps." -Carolina

May: Solid Soaps

After several years of making soap for friends and family, Emlyn left her career as a nurse and started Solid Soaps in 2018. Crafted with simplicity in mind, Emlyn’s cold process soaps and candles focus on natural ingredients. Meet Emlyn!

I’m honored to be a Filipino artisan soap maker, specifically because it’s outside of the traditional occupation norm. I was a nurse for 14 years, and I gave up my medical career to be an artisan and start a small business. I almost feel like a pioneer in this artisan space, and I’m happy to share my story." -Emlyn

June: Rainbro Crafts

Colton and Zac of RainBro Crafts began their soap journey with a Bramble Berry kit in 2021, and haven't looked back! Today, they have a loyal customer base in Vancouver and beyond, for their beautiful soaps, candles, and more. Meet Colton and Zac!

"Our mission is to make the world a little bit gayer, greener and cleaner. We make the world a little bit gayer by living out and proud in our community of Vancouver, Washington and incorporating our queer culture into our products." - Zac

July: Sud Sister

Alex of The Sud Sister creates sustainable and plastic-free soap, candles, and more with "earthy" ingredients. Her products focus on natural ingredients such as clays and essential oils. Alex sells thrifty finds alongside her bath and beauty prorducts, on top of working as an accountant and being a mother to 4 children. Meet Alex!

"Bramble Berry is a huge inspiration for me! The Soap Queen articles guided me through every recipe, troubleshooting, and question I had. I’ve always said I am a self taught soap maker, but what I mean by that is I didn't have someone there physically teaching me. I had to learn it all from you guys." -Alex

September: That Makes Scents Co.

Leslie founded ThatMakesScentsCo. with the mission of creating nostalgic, high-quality bath and body products for those with sensitive skin. Meet Leslie!

“What sets my products apart is that each scent is inspired by cherished memories, making them truly unique and personal. I put a lot of creativity into naming the products and crafting distinct scents by blending fragrance oils to create something entirely new." -Leslie

October: Spooks & Spanks

Alicia founded Spooks and Spanks with a mission to combine spooky aesthetics with high-quality, skin-loving ingredients and a playful sense of humor. Meet Alicia!

"My advice to other makers: Start small, stay authentic to both your brand and yourself, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep learning, take risks, but also remember not to push yourself too hard, there’s only one you. And always celebrate the small wins!" -Alicia

November: Jennifer's Handmade Soap

Jennifer started making soap in 2009 after discovering Bramble Berry & Soap Queen videos online. Over the last 13 years, Jennifer has grown as both an artist and a business owner, designing specialty extruder discs for other soap makers. Meet Jennifer!

"My advice to other makers: Don’t try and do everything. It took me a long time to realize that I can’t do everything. There are not enough hours in the day or room in my studio for supplies." -Jennifer

If you’re a maker with a small business, tag photos of your work with #BrambleOn for a chance to be featured next year!