Our humble beginnings

Some folks have asked how I got into soap making. So, here is my story.

I am an avid Pole Dancer. I dance for fitness, self care and stress relief. You may be asking, what does this have to do with soap? It's a fair question but, oddly enough, this is where my soap story begins.

I love Pole Fitness so much that I built my own studio in by yard. A friend suggested I rent it out for others to be able to use it for practice or photoshoots. To maximize photo opportunities, I put my love for gardening  to work and  began landscaping different areas for outdoor shoots. I named my space The Pole Garden. "Where your creativity can bloom".

One of these areas I planted over 30 lavender plants. It soon became one of my favorites.

Fast forward to 2023. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I began the long road of chemo, radiation, a couple of surgeries and physical therapy. All of which temporarily kept me off the Pole.

My source of creativity, fitness and sanity was taken away. My cousin suggested I learn how to make soap as a way to stay busy and still be able to have a creative outlet. I took a class at a local goat farm and I was hooked. 

I was no longer able to keep up with the demands of my garden. Instead my garden provided inspiration for different soap scents and occasional botanicals to sprinkle on top of my soaps. My first few batches were lavender variations.

I began giving it to family and friends. Word got out and I was approached by co-workers (yes, I continued to work my full time job during my cancer treatment) and others who were interested in buying it.

The Garden Hoe seemed like the perfect name for my soap brand. She has become our resident pixie in and out of the studio.

I am now cancer free. I sell soaps and lotions in the local area, at Craft Fairs, and on line. All my products are made in small batches in my kitchen. 

 My current Pole Journey as I try to regain all my flexibility and strength is a blog post for another day.