Naturally Posh

I began making soap when my life had a sudden and dramatic change. I had always been in the travel industry, and since living here in the UK was the director of a travel related company for ten years. After many good years of running the business, like many other companies in the travel industry, our company went down at the end of 2008. It was due to so many factors – the general economic downturn, the pound being so weak against the Euro, and the banks not being able to support our business as they had done in the past.

I was devastated. I did not know what I was going to do, but knew that I wanted to completely change what I had been doing in the past. One day, quite randomly, my husband suggested that I learn how to make soap. He had bought a book for me. I could not have been more surprised at his suggestion. But he knew that I had always loved beautiful soaps, and when we went to the south of France, always bought lots and lots from the various shops. So, I read the book. It sounded quite daunting, but I decided I would try. I loved it immediately. I have now made thousands of bars of soap, and formulated 11 different soap fragrances which I am quite proud of. I have also made all natural pet soap which I call Posh Paws.

It has now become quite a nice and happy cottage industry business for me. I am still quite small, but I think that is part of the charm of my handmade soap. It is made from all natural ingredients, and I try to make everything quite earth friendly. From the paper that I wrap the soap with to the oils that I use in formulating the soaps, I ethically source everything. I know that my impact would be quite small on the big picture, but I think I should do my part to preserve our planet. I use only natural colorants, and every piece of soap is individually made. That is why when I package the soap, I put a red seal on every bar. I think it makes it look really handmade which it is. People are constantly commenting on how lovely I package the soap, and how nice it smells and looks. I feel really happy when they say that to me. That is why I named it Naturally Posh – made from luxurious oils it is all natural handmade soap.