My journey into the world of handmade body products began in 1991.  I had become heavily involved in the animal rights movement, my involvement included protesting the testing of cosmetics on animals.  During that time my mother and I were talking about ways I could change my lifestyle to fit my new convictions.  We talked about how my grandmother and great grandmother made almost all of their own products, from perfumes to cleaning supplies, even their own soap.  I was enthralled with the idea of making my own products.  By making my own products I knew that I wouldn't be contributing to the pain and suffering of animals but I also realized I would finally have full control of what I was putting on my body.  Avoiding many of the nasty chemicals in the commercial products I usually bought from the store, such as my lotions, soaps and shampoos.

My first gift from mom was a book on making your own natural body products.  It was full of recipes for after bath splashes, powders, lotions; anything a girl could want.

It was exciting to learn that 90% of what I needed to make my own products I could find in the grocery store.  Natural food stores weren't the "rave" back then like they are today so I had to buy 10% of the ingredients like fullers earth and beeswax from a local herb shop.  

Once I began experimenting, I was hooked.  I would dream about essential oils and what concoction I could create to impress my friends.  All the positive feedback that I gained from those around me made me want to make more.

It wasn't until the year 2000 that I decided to attempt soap.  I had come across a book by Sandy Maine on soapmaking, learned from her that soapmaking was no longer as complicated and dangerous as it had been in my grandparents day, so I decided to give it a try.  Nothing can describe the satisfaction I felt seeing my first batch of soap go from basic ingredients to a usable product all done by my hand.  My soaps were so well received I couldn't give them away fast enough.

It wasn't long before my friends and family were encouraging me to turn my hobby into a business.  Although the idea of taking a passion and turning it into a business didn't sit well with me at first, the idea of making enough money to buy more supplies which equalled making more product was definitely a draw.

In 2003 I opened "Crafting Sensations" a web based business.  My business went through another name change and then another before I settled on The Soap Pixie in 2009.   I now have a business name that I love and one that reflects the whimsicle side of my creative life.

Through it all I'm still as passionate today about making soap and other products as I was in 1991.  Even more so.  I don't only want to offer people a product that is natural and handmade, I also want to understand the science and beauty behind what I make which leads me to share a little bit about my education.

A little mishap with a full bottle of peppermint essential oil in my bath water in 1994 taught me that knowing how to make products for loved ones is only 1/2 the fun, the other 1/2 of the fun is the education and not only understanding how a product works but how safe that product is.  In the mid to late 90's I spent a lot of time accumulating information on essential Oils, carrier oils and herbs, reading anything I could get my hands on related to their usage.  Right now I probably own every book ever written on natural ingredients for the body.  Unfortunately, reading can only take a person so far.  Books are excellent but it doesn't take the place of a formal education by a licensed or certified individual with decades of experience.  In 2009 I studied with Jodi Baglien, a certified Aromatherapy & Shiatsu Therapist, with Matthew Alfs, a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild & Director of the Midwest School of Herbal Studies, and with Lise Wolff, certified herbalist and registered member of the American Herbalist Guild.  I've earned my certification in Essential Oils & Herbalism.  I've also added beekeeper to my resume and look forward to using my own honey in all my products.

I hope with my current education and my continuing education that I supply you with a superior product that you love and will continue to enjoy way into the future.