Soap Making: A Journey Through Time and Craft

Soap isn’t just something that sits on a sink. For me, it’s something meaningful—something with a story. I've been making soap since 1990, right in my kitchen (yes, still there!). Over the years, what began as a small creative hobby turned into something bigger than I could have imagined. In 2010, I officially started Serenity Soaps and More, and I haven’t looked back since. In this post, I want to share a bit about where soap came from, how I got into it, and what the soap-making world looks like today. Whether you're a longtime customer, a curious reader, or a fellow maker, I hope you’ll enjoy a peek into my journey.

A Little Soap History Soap making is ancient—like really ancient. We’re talking over 4,000 years ago in Babylon, where people were already mixing fats and ash to clean things up. The Egyptians had their own versions, and later, the Romans brought soap into their public baths (and their beauty routines!). Eventually, soap became a mass-market product, especially in the 1800s. Factories popped up, and handcrafted soap took a backseat to convenience. But now? There's a huge return to natural, handmade products. It's been going on for decades—and I love being part of that movement.

The ritual of bathing

When I first started making soap, it was just me, some oils, and a whole lot of trial and error. I was curious, creative, and a little stubborn—so I kept at it. I didn’t have a big business plan or fancy tools, just a love for crafting something useful and beautiful with my hands. Fast forward to today, and I'm still mixing, pouring, and cutting every bar in my kitchen. Serenity Soaps and More officially came to life in 2010, and since then, I’ve created hundreds of batches using skin-loving ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. I also love using clays, herbs, and botanicals to give my soaps a little extra personality. Each bar is a little piece of me—handmade, thoughtfully crafted, and meant to bring comfort to someone’s day.

Soap Making Today Soap making is having a moment again, and I’m here for it. More and more people are ditching the harsh commercial stuff and turning to handmade, natural alternatives. It’s not just about getting clean—it’s about wellness, intention, and even a little luxury. I’ve also seen how creative the soap-making world has become. From swirled designs that look like art to eco-friendly packaging and ingredient-conscious formulas, there’s so much heart in this craft. And thanks to social media and markets, there’s now a whole community of makers and supporters who believe in small-batch beauty.

Valentine Rose

Why I Keep Making Soap After all these years, I still get excited about a new batch. I still love the scents, the textures, and the feel of unmolding a fresh bar. It’s more than a business

—it’s a rhythm, a ritual, and a reminder of why I started. Whether you’ve been with Serenity Soaps and More since the beginning or you’re just now discovering what handmade soap can offer, thank you. Truly. Your support lets me keep doing what I love. And if you’ve ever thought about trying soap making yourself—do it. It’s messy, fun, and deeply rewarding.