I’m Anna Cools, a second generation soap-maker getting back to my roots with my company, Roots Soap Co. I make traditional cold processed soaps and herbal salve with a focus on natural, simple, pure ingredients. I live in Portland, Oregon, with my graphic designer and illustrator husband and our three little co-creations.
I started my business in late 2010 as a way to stay home with my children in their tender years and help support our family. I also wanted to channel my creative energy and make something tangible that I could share with the world. Etsy has been the perfect place for this, and through the nearly three years that I’ve been a part of this community, I have gone from just dabbling in a small business to really making this into my full-time job.
I grew up in a big family on a small farm where my mother taught my older sister and I how to cook from scratch, sew, care for my seven younger brothers, grow and preserve vegetables and medicinal herbs, and to make soap. She gave me a sense of stewardship for the earth, appreciation for natural and organic materials, and a love of nature and beauty. I think that really comes through in my ingredients and finished products. Family tradition runs deep in my process. My sister makes soap as well, and has been an immense support and inspiration for me. My husband designs and prints all my branding materials and packaging, and lends immense amounts of help and support when I need it. When I work, I usually have my baby snuggled on my back keeping me company, while my four-year-old does what little jobs he can to save up pocket change for the toys he is currently obsessed with. Meanwhile, my two-year-old stacks soap scraps like blocks into intricate structures for her princesses and animals. It’s a family business through and through!
Roots Soap Co. is far more than a business to me. It’s a living thing that I love and nurture, fertilize, prune, and reap the fruits of. I source my ingredients locally whenever possible, including the organic herbs and flowers, rainwater, and Oregon beef suet that I render into tallow myself. I make sure that the rest of my ingredients are responsibly harvested and minimally processed, from the pure essential oils to the clays I use for coloring, and the oils used in the base. I also use recycled papers and packing materials whenever I can for my packaging and shipping needs.
Connection with my customers who use or gift my products is something I really enjoy. Having a business that is mostly online can make that difficult at times, but I think that there is an understanding in the Etsy community that we are buying from a person, not from a corporation or some other anonymous entity. Answering questions over email or working out the specifics of a wedding favor order (or getting an ego boost from reading my feedback) is always a joy. I strive to make that connection with my customers by adding personal touches in my packaging, like a handwritten note.
Offering custom orders has been very beneficial for my business. My personalized party favor soaps are popular for weddings and bridal showers, and I really enjoy putting those orders together. I stamp the soaps with the couples’ initials in a simple font and offer an optional vellum paper sleeve with a customized initial sticker. I love seeing how the different stamped initials look on the soaps, and I like to hear how the favors surprised and delighted my customers and their guests.
One of my favorite orders was for a garden-themed wedding here in Portland held in a local arboretum when the early summer blossoms were at their peak. The bride wanted soaps that featured a variety of fresh flower scents and local ingredients. It was so nice to meet with her at a local coffee shop and hear about all of her plans to create the perfect wedding experience. Of course I’m not able to meet all of my customers face-to-face, but working out details over email or phone is always a great experience.
Having a creative business has changed my life in a big way. I’ve worked for a long time on getting over a certain amount of shyness and insecurity, and having Roots Soap Co. has given me a sense of pride and belonging, as well as something tangible that I can call my own. It has also helped me define and understand better who I am as a creative, a woman, and a mother in this high-speed world where there is so much emphasis on professional careers and workplace performance.
All photographs by Peter Hayden.
232 comments
Jennifer Juniper from PoleStar said 8 years ago
Fantastic interview Anna! Love seeing you here!
Fatema from SilverLilyJewelry said 8 years ago
Beautiful little shop! The love that goes in to your soaps shine through .
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 8 years ago
Love your soaps! Congrats on the feature!!!
Colleen Smith from UnderABedWithLeonard said 8 years ago
Beauty in a bar! So indulgent and luxurious; the wood and smoke bar seems most intriguing...:)
Desiree from ArtDecoDame said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature.Great story and the packaging on the soap is lovely!
Carole from ZorroPlateado said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Lovely shop..I look forward to trying your soap!
Lucy Ashby from bylucy said 8 years ago
Wonderful interview, I love how you set the scene of your workroom! Gorgeous soaps, congrats on the feature.
ThePattypanShop from ThePattypanShop said 8 years ago
Lovely shop! I love the personalized soaps!! Congrats on your feature!!!
Silke Jordan from howcroftjordanwork said 8 years ago
Your kids are lucky: SUCH great mother - beautiful and with love for detail and fun !!! Fantastic shop, all the best for your future !! I will keep your shop/soaps in mind for the very near future... Many thanks x
JD Kohler from ParisCabinet said 8 years ago
Hi Anna, What a marvelous business and family history! Your are well grounded in your roots. Your products look amazing, I must make a purchase. That will be difficult to decide. Much success in your business and care for your little ones. It's a good life! Donna
Sharon Challand from Challand said 8 years ago
Your soaps look lovely!
Jane O from Mawusi said 8 years ago
Hello Anna, It is nice to see you here. I have seen your soaps in treasuries and it is always hard not to add them to my favorites. The colors and displays always win me over. And I could almost smell them by looking at them. It is true about the confidence that creating brings. I used to be shy about talking about my work, and in a sense I still am, but recently I have been feeling bolder, and I hear myself talking about what I do more often because I just love it and can see myself doing anything else. I really appreciate the environmental sensitivity that you hold in accordance with your soaps. And the family love that goes into it. It does make it very special. And again you are right about customer interactions. I have gotten some beautiful letters that have left me awestruck. I read this letters again sometimes to remember that there are people out there who appreciate our handmade goods. Congratulations on your feature, Anna and may you continue to grow and be successful in all the ways that matter to you. -J
Jess Greenleaf from GREENLEAFblueberry said 8 years ago
Really inspiring and a beautiful product!
Jane Priser from JanePriserArts said 8 years ago
Beautiful soaps! It is wonderful to read this and I loved this story.
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 8 years ago
Great feature! Congratulations Anna! Glad to see other Portland creatives making such great products and forging your own creative business. Great stuff!
Melinda from FlowerMoundEscape said 8 years ago
Lovely feature! It is always wonderful to meet with your customers face to face and see their ideas come to life. Online it is harder but just as much fun. Feedback is wonderful!
Jessica Grundy from solocosmo said 8 years ago
Lovely shop! I can never get enough of handmade soaps and I love the pictures of your stamping, it occurs to me that I had never realized that's how it was done! Congrats on your feature!
Esther Carrera from LovelyLemondrops said 8 years ago
Lovely shop! The soaps are beautiful!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 8 years ago
So happy to see you as the featured seller, Anna! Congratulations! :) My family has been enjoying your bay clove soap of late and it is my new favorite, among my past favorites from your shop. Thanks for taking the leap, overcoming your shyness and opening your lovely business, and best wishes for an even brighter future.
jane from PearlyJaneBridal said 8 years ago
I love your story. I can identify with you and I too love the opportunities that Etsy has offered me.
a.b. Carnahan from abCarnahan said 8 years ago
As a new mother, I have been inspired by your story to find success on etsy.
Theme Fragrance from themefragrance said 8 years ago
Congrats! Love your story and the personalized soaps - a nice touch for weddings.
Kate Haley from CopperSpineStudio said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature! I love the idea of having personalized soap as a wedding favor.
Lauren Harris from LovelyFromLauren said 8 years ago
You and your sister have always had such a beautiful personal flare, and it really shines through in your business. The best of luck!
Smriti from DesiFabrics said 8 years ago
Lovely soaps and beautiful shop. I would love to stay in shower for I could use those soaps again and again! haha..
Bren from PsychicBren said 8 years ago
I make my own homemade soaps, I don't sell them, cuz I like them so much!!!!!! I haven't bought store bought soap in more than a year or so..... Nice Article....Thanks for sharing. Divine.
Alison Comfort from HouseOfMoss said 8 years ago
Hey wow! Congratulations, Anna! It's great to see your beautiful shop featured here. :)
Elizabeth from ABreathOfFrenchAir said 8 years ago
Congrats! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Shari from Infinitiplus1 said 8 years ago
Pretty cool and interesting.
Janell Anderson from prunellasoap said 8 years ago
Yayay Anna! I'm so happy to see you here, such a beautiful interview and images of your workspace. I'm so happy to know you and in awe of how you balance everything. And I can't wait for your first cookbook! :) xo
NaturalSoft from NaturalSoft said 8 years ago
Great, congratulations.
Jane Fuller from Hoopsetc said 8 years ago
I love the organic feel and look of your soaps - very earthy!! And the packaging is perfectly in tune with that... Oh to have a graphic designer husband! Great interview and photos...congrats!
Paula Burns from ExoticsoapsNcandles said 8 years ago
Congrats! Your shop is beautiful :)
IKA PARIS from ikabags said 8 years ago
Fantastic interview Anna! Congrats !
Clare Corcoran from Mylana said 8 years ago
Congrats! Awesome soap!
thedelhistore from theDelhiStore said 8 years ago
Great shop!
NA from Sawasdeekaa said 8 years ago
Lovely :)
Jme from Jalycme said 8 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats on the feature! =D
Heather Rai from FattysSoapCo said 8 years ago
Congrats Anna! I have loved your shop from day one. How awesome to see you as a featured seller. Great interview and cute pictures to boot. I especially love the photo of your soap supply. Best to you!
Julie Goolsby from LittleBlackCatandMe said 8 years ago
Beautiful!
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 8 years ago
Looks yummy! Congrats.
Felisa Dora from FelisaDora said 8 years ago
All the photographs by Peter Hayden are amazing. This is truely inspiring. I love it.
kim from ethanollie said 8 years ago
we love you and your soaps anna! congrats. well deserved.
Josie from JosieMaeDesign said 8 years ago
Lovely shop! congratulations!!
Natallia from econica said 8 years ago
what a beautiful story!
Jema Watts from BadgeShack said 8 years ago
Fabulous shop! Congratulations on being the featured seller.
Melissa from WellRavelled said 8 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats on the feature!
RosaMaría from 464Handmade said 8 years ago
Congratulations Anna! I'm glad to see your beautiful shop featured here!!! xo
Christina Young from owlgypsy said 8 years ago
I am so in love with this story! I love everything about it! So very inspiring to a mom of three as well! Congrats on the feature!
Jennifer from PoshBinky said 8 years ago
Beautiful soaps!! I love them all! What a wonderful feature....congrats!
Caroline Bee from SpaceMauve said 8 years ago
Great!
Carla Omlor-Burghol from CarlaKnittings said 8 years ago
Congratulations! Your story is very inspiring!
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 8 years ago
I enjoyed reading this feature! Very inspirational to hear how your Etsy shop has grown! I would love to know more about soap making. For now I better leave it to the experts! Congrats on the feature and your lovely shop!
aNyA from SugarAndChaiVintage said 8 years ago
how wonderful! good luck!
David and Celeste from SheppardHillDesigns said 8 years ago
Enjoyed reading your story, Anna, and congratulate you on your feature and wonderful shop ~ wishing you continued success! Celeste
DMarie Trevino from MyVingtique said 8 years ago
Congrats on Front Page! Beautful Shop and Presentation! Enjoy! D'Marie
Ida Herter from HerterCrochetDesigns said 8 years ago
Your soap is beautiful! I never thought I would be saying those words. Congratulations on getting featured, and best of luck for future success.
Gisella from GisellasDesigns said 8 years ago
Very inspiring! Congrats on the feature! Beautiful shop!
Ioanna from IoannasVeryCHic said 8 years ago
Very beautiful soaps! Lovely! I already smell the aromas! :-)))))))
Caitlin Borck from TheSprightlyHound said 8 years ago
What a great interview! It's so nice to hear about how involved your family is and carrying on a tradition. Your soap looks lovely! Congratulations on your success!
Corinne from SeptemberHouse said 8 years ago
Congratulations on the feature Anna! :D
Dorinda from RaisingGreenKids said 8 years ago
congratulations on the feature. Great interview. The photos are fabulous!
Kate Jaeckel from orchardfarmsoap said 8 years ago
congrats! wonderful to see a thriving mama run business.
Nicole Dunn said 8 years ago
Well done, Anna! Your products are so fabulous. I recommend them to everyone!
D George from GeorgieGirlLLC said 8 years ago
Love the interview, it sounds like a family affair. Your photos are awesome!! Congratulations!!!
Genise Park from genisepark said 8 years ago
What a great interview! So happy to see the family involved in a big way!!!
Genise Park from GeniseParkArts said 8 years ago
Super feature! Love that the whole family is involved!
Brooke Weeber from thelittlecanoe said 8 years ago
Yay Anna! So happy to see you here! Good luck with the influx of orders! Well deserved feature. xo
Kristian Jessie Jessie from KristianJessie said 8 years ago
lovely work! your soaps are very beautiful... simply look like a candy bar..
Zandra Rincon from AllSheCraves said 8 years ago
amazing !!!! Congratulations!!!!
Alisa from AlisaDesign said 8 years ago
Awesome! Congratulations!
seasidecloth from seasidecloth said 8 years ago
OH, I love the picture of the soap "potatoes" - they look so fresh !
Leasa from LeasaDesigns said 8 years ago
They look yummy~ like they could lather you from head to toe and smell wonderful! What a fun process - who knew soap could be so creative!! Enjoy~
creativeclassics from creativeclassics said 8 years ago
Really lovely interview, your soaps are gorgeous! Best wishes for the future.
Marcy Chandler from QueenCitySoaps said 8 years ago
Congratulations on your Etsy feature, lovely!
jude McConkey from judeMcConkeyPhotos said 8 years ago
So exciting to see you here, Anna.. your shop has always been a stand out one.. very unique and very cool. It's great to learn more about you! Congratulations :)
Corina Henriksen from iSightUnseen said 8 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story. Your passion for your product really shows. Your soaps are beautiful! I am one day new to etsy and your story and photos are an inspiration!!
Mary from WoodenHeartButtons said 8 years ago
I've just fallen in love with everything about this shop/owner! She has a powerful pov without being preachy; a gorgeous product that I can practically smell from Canada; a cheerful and hard-working disposition and a baby on her back! Utterly charming interview. Congrats on the feature, may it lead to many more people discovering your wonderful shop.
Melissa Pedersen from melissapedersen said 8 years ago
wow, very inspiring! Thank you for letting us take a peek into your company.
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 8 years ago
Your shop looks amazing. I love your packaging as well. Congrats on the feature...
Irith Mashiah from rioritajewelry said 8 years ago
Very nice to know you! Taking care of your younger brothers at an early age - Probably not an easy task! ...Love the freshness of your story....
Marilú from MVDesignInk said 8 years ago
Love reading your story, very inspiring! Congratulations on the feature!
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 8 years ago
Love it!!! Congrats!!!
Melike from MeLikeyByMelike said 8 years ago
Congrats not only for being such a creative soap maker but also for the emphasis on upcycling you integrate into the process.
Martha M from LadyGatsbyLuxuryBath said 8 years ago
bravo anna! I love your story and shop!
Jackie from kookubug said 8 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats!
Jennifer Klein from JenniferKleinJewelry said 8 years ago
That's awesome Anna...we lived a very similar life (I'm the baby of 9, and also grew up on a small family farm). Cheers for learning all of those skills, it's something very few people know in this day and age. Congrats on your feature...your products looks and sounds very wonderful...now if only smello-vision worked!
Julia and Alex Wills from HerbivoreBotanicals said 8 years ago
yay!! congratulations! so happy to see you up here today and love all of your photos and story! : )
Brigit Juarez from TheDeerFox said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature!! Great products, they look so beautiful. :)
Megan Carty from MeandWee said 8 years ago
Such lovely looking soaps and I love the product styling and photography! Awesome!
becaruns from becaruns said 8 years ago
yay anna!!! so happy for you!! congrats! :)
katy from KisforCalligraphy said 8 years ago
Way to go Anna!!! Congratulations!!!
bertiescloset from bertiescloset said 8 years ago
congrats! love the packaging and soap ingredients!
Marianna from ManariDesign said 8 years ago
Lovely shop! Congrats :)
sweetanddirtys from sweetanddirtys said 8 years ago
Many congrats Anna! So happy to see your lovely shop featured here ~ ~
Manari Gems from ManariGems said 8 years ago
Superb! Congrats :)
Deborah McGovern from deborahmcgovern said 8 years ago
Congratulations!!! What an awesome article and feature. Your soap looks so lovely it is on my favorite list now and can't wait to buy some! :O)
Amy from SmallkineCreations said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Aloha. =)
Janette from AmericanDollClothes said 8 years ago
What a wonderful story and your soaps look so great! You do a beautiful job, thanks for sharing it with us .Congratulations!
Sukran Kirtis from SukranKirtisJewelry said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature, I get the beautiful smell here
SilverandEarth from SilverandEarth said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature. I have always admired your shop!
Peshka from Peshka said 8 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats
H88255 from HillarysSuperfoods said 8 years ago
Beautiful soaps! Congratulations on being featured! :)
Holly MarshMueller from MarshMueller said 8 years ago
YAY, Anna! Congrats on the feature! Well deserved!
Elisabeth Percival from ElisabethSpace said 8 years ago
Such a great story of small family business. Your shop is beautiful. Congrats on being Featured!
Melanie Cassar from gost said 8 years ago
spectacular. well done
Adriana from ripeshop said 8 years ago
Oh yay!! Congrats on the fantastic feature! I love getting a chance to learn more about your work and knowing that it is a family affair. Love the photography too!!!
Alex from AlexsCanvas said 8 years ago
Such an interesting feature! And a great shop!!! Congrats :-)
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 8 years ago
Loved this article!!
Amy Cherry from RootToVine said 8 years ago
I love how you began working with soaps as a child with your family. Im so glad that you get to stay home with your kids and that they can help make soaps with you. Love your branding and your product looks like quality.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 8 years ago
Wonderful shop! Great soaps!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 8 years ago
Beautifully crafted and packaged ~ These soaps look great and the feature reads them to come from a wonderful place.
Jason and Andie from andiespecialtysweets said 8 years ago
Great to see you here, Anna, and many congratulations to you and your fam.!
Jessie Archambault from 1509Partridgeberry said 8 years ago
Beautiful interview, your soaps look wonderful! Congratulations on the feature!
The Bosun and Sarita Li Johnson from TheLandlockedSailor said 8 years ago
Oooh, I love handmade soap!! Also, congratulations on being featured. :) :) :) {Her}
BonTons from BonTons said 8 years ago
I loved reading how your family is involved in the process, especially how your daughter builds structures from the scraps for her princesses and animals! Truly a fab Family Business. Wonderful shop. Congratulations on the feature
Aristocrafts from Aristocrafts said 8 years ago
I can almost feel and smell the lovely scents of your soaps, they just look so beautiful! I love how much tradition and family heart is put into your business! Congratulations on the feature and thank you for sharing your wonderful story!
kiamichi7 from kiamichi7 said 8 years ago
Anna's soaps are wonderful. Good ingredients and really like the round soaps that feel so nice in hand. I've gotten my favorite, patchouli/ylang-ylang rounds in the past and put them in drawers just because they smell good! Wishing you the best and continued success!
Gino Escate from Gygante said 8 years ago
Great products!
Casey Sibley from caseydsibley said 8 years ago
Your packaging and photos are beautiful! Congrats on making a full time career out of your passions :)
Mollie Flatley from norajane said 8 years ago
Yay, Anna! So glad to see you featured!
Jean from SilverSmack said 8 years ago
Lovely soaps! Great feature! Congrats!
Camille Storch from RedOnionWoodworks said 8 years ago
Congrats, Anna! I'm so happy to see you here. Good luck with the rush. I hope it's crazy but not too crazy.
Sarah from Birchmoonrocksfibers said 8 years ago
Go Oregonians! Your soaps are so pretty, the photos are great! I love that you are up the way from me; good luck in all that you do! The shelves full of soap are great!
Lori from ThePackageHouse said 8 years ago
Well, well, well, you sold this earthy girl! I'm in for a jar of that family recipe salve. Great story and love your enthusiasm. You go girl and may your business "bubbleth" over!
Zaryana Bezu from BezuArt said 8 years ago
Wonderful story! Great products! Good luck!
prettyvintage90 from PrettyVintage90 said 8 years ago
Awesome! Congratulations
byjodi from byjodi said 8 years ago
Yaaaaay!! Congrats Anna!!! You and your amazing soap sooo belong here :-)!!
Giselle from MyArtAndFashion said 8 years ago
Nice soaps, lovely story. I like the way you stamp your soaps. Congrats on the feature!!!!
Dig Deep Vintage from digdeepvintage said 8 years ago
Congrats! Wonderful creations-your kids are lucky to be going up in a such a creative, cool household!
Michelle from BirchandBliss said 8 years ago
Love your story! Very inspiring and down to earth! Love your products as well... Congrats!!
Agnes Blum from KnockKnocking said 8 years ago
So happy to see you here, Anna! You and Darren are an inspiration!
Richard Lithgow from RichardLithgow said 8 years ago
Very nice.
Kirsten Hadley from PomLove said 8 years ago
Anna, I'm so proud of you! So happy for you, and glad to call you a friend! Congrats!
Stacy from humblepeacock said 8 years ago
congrats on the feature! love your shop and your soaps!
Mandi from BirchAndWillow said 8 years ago
I love how etsy provides an outlet to find natursl & organic wares! Im anti-chemicsld/processed/etc, and I love making natural perfumes and such! New favorite shop!
Lisa S from ThatOldBlueHouse2 said 8 years ago
Congrats! Well done!
Claire Varley from Brighteyesshop said 8 years ago
Oh, they're so beauitful! Such an inspiration!
Crystal Renee from ForeverRenee said 8 years ago
I enjoyed reading your story and it is so inspiring! Your soaps look amazing.
Jennifer and Sandra from JenSanHomeAndBody said 8 years ago
Hi Anna, Congratulations on the feature! I was so excited for you when I saw that Roots Soap was the featured seller. So happy for your success! And I really enjoyed the read. Sandra
Becky from wanderandroar said 8 years ago
I loved reading your story...your products,packaging and photos are top notch.
Andrea V from BeachyChicDecor said 8 years ago
LOVE! Your photography is amazing!!
Mimi Roy from mixedmetalmimi said 8 years ago
Very nice, MMM
Sue-Tom O'Grady-Haas from AntiqueShabbyandChic said 8 years ago
Wow what a great story. I have a young friend, she has recently launched her natural handmade soaps. She is earning money for her education. Nursing being her chosen career she realized she needed to contribute to the mounting cost. Being much like you, creative she began making soap. I'm so impressed with your humble determination you have given to your business and hope she is also. I'm sharing your wonderful story with her to inspire her further. Congratulations to you!
Lorraine Kilian from RainydayBibs said 8 years ago
You really gave us a peek into your life and business. Totally impressed with who you are and what you do. I have the pleasure of getting to see your beautiful family on a regular basis and it is clear that you strive to be a great wife, mother and entrepreneur. Love using your soaps too and knowing that the kids have a good, healthy product in their shower. Great interview and photos!
Kim from TimeNSeasonTreasures said 8 years ago
Thank you for sharing this Anna, especially about overcoming shyness, or overcoming anything. Everything about your shop and even your feature makes it seem as if it has been easy all of the way, yet.... Beautiful product and photos as well as your family. Again Thank You for sharing.
denise krueger from dkruegerbotanicart said 8 years ago
Congratulations, Anna! Love your wonderful soaps and I'm delighted to see you featured!
Cynthia from SewforYou said 8 years ago
Beautiful shop and wonderful products! So great that you can be home with your family and have them involved at different levels!
Caron and Susan from ecowalldecals said 8 years ago
Congratulations Anna!
Marietta from blueroompottery said 8 years ago
Love your shop Anna! Congrats for the feature, well deserved! Wish you continued success xox
Minkie from murmuration said 8 years ago
YAY! Congrats Anna!
Caitlin Edge from knitsbycaitlin said 8 years ago
So beautiful. Absolutely lovely!
Gracie Chai from graciechai said 8 years ago
Congrats Anna! We bought your soaps for our wedding favours and everyone loved it! The smells filled the entire room! So great to see your face here!
Martha Layton Smith from opendoorstudio said 8 years ago
love your shop... amazing to see how much work goes into the product you make. your photos are always wonderful as well. congrats on the well deserved feature.
Kiki Jane from TheOldForestCottage said 8 years ago
i love this im trying to get in business with soap as well!
Leslie Smith from 925maille said 8 years ago
Beautiful story! Congratulations on the feature!
Emho Supplies from SuppliesEmho said 8 years ago
Successful Brands ! Congratulations !
Kerri from ResparkableVintage said 8 years ago
i'm excited to try some of your soaps! love that it's not a business for you, but a LIVING! that is really cool. congrats.
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 8 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story! You have such a great talent and your soaps are just wonderful! Congrats! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
moon from jewelsbymoon said 8 years ago
Wonderful story! Congrats on your feature.
Joanne Poore from ArtiqueBoutiqueShop said 8 years ago
Gorgeous shop and products, and great interview! Thanks for sharing your story so far, and I wish all the very best with the rest of it!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 8 years ago
Congratulations on your feature. Your soaps look very inviting.
Nakkashe from Nakkashe said 8 years ago
Lovely shop, lovely organic soaps .. A great interview with a great lady ... Congrats on feature ..
agusha from agusha said 8 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! You have a great product line!
Lianne Glemboski from GrandFernAlley said 8 years ago
Inspirational!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 8 years ago
I really enjoyed your story. Thanks for sharing. Your soaps look great and congrats to establishing such a genuine flourishing business!
Lisa from NirvanaRoad said 8 years ago
Your soaps look fabulous!
janicewd from janicewd said 8 years ago
Creative Soaps! Love it.
Jeeranut Noikhong from Thaitreasure said 8 years ago
Awesome Natural Congratulations :)
R and S from MetalAccessories said 8 years ago
Great shop! Congrats on feature.
Tiffany from Needles2Needles said 8 years ago
Very neat to see someone local featured here! I loved reading your story and wish you all the best!
Elizabeth Veres from CoralHome said 8 years ago
Congratulations on being featured! AMAZING STUFF!! Your story made me want to buy everything from your shop! Maybe I will! ;)
Aimée from sapeterapi said 8 years ago
Well deserved feature!! Super congrats!
Kelly Percival and Molly Rose from livingwithrepurpose said 8 years ago
Thank you for sharing. What an amazing shop and business you have developed. So full of energy and love and family...
Sara Lorenz from SocialGoodsCo said 8 years ago
Beautiful product and wonderful story behind it. Wishing you continued success and happiness!
Lorri from ScarlettSlipper said 8 years ago
Oh my goodness! What a delight to read your story. I'm a mother of three as well so your words echo my own. Your soaps are beautiful and I can just imagine the smell! I'm just into my second month selling on Etsy so stories like yours are just so very valuable and inspirational to me. Thank you!
Earl from EarlsBizarre said 8 years ago
Congratulations on your feature. Love it!
Kasey Hachler from KcSoapsNmore said 8 years ago
Congrats on being featured. Love you shop!
Andrea Lawson from MaeWarrenDesigns said 8 years ago
This is such a beautiful story and a lovely shop!! Keep up the good work. Your kind spirit and creativity shine in this interview. Congrats!!
N.E. W. from nonamenicole said 8 years ago
beautifully natural!!!
TheGemGirl from TheGemGirlJewelry said 8 years ago
Congratulations Anna! What a wonderful family business. You were a lucky girl to have a Mom that could teach you so much as you were growing up. It is so great you have a talent that allows you to stay home with your little ones. I wish you good luck and continued success.
Kelly from kmcandlesandbody said 8 years ago
What a nice story! Very inspiring! I'm hoping my business can evolve in an organic way like yours has! Congrats to you and your family.
Emily Wirt from emwi said 8 years ago
Beautiful! Love your branding, and your soaps looks amazing, too. :)
Erin Earth from InTheRhythmOfEarth said 8 years ago
Hi Anna, I used to buy soaps from your family years ago when you were in Indiana! I have continued to tell stories about the best soap ever that I used to buy that was no more, and I am so happy to learn that I can buy those delightful handshaped rounds again! Comfrey spearmint was always my favorite. Will be ordering in the future. Blessings on all your creations, Erin Rachel
bagladybooty from bagladybooty said 8 years ago
I'm a certified, soap fanatic. Your soaps sound wonderful. I look forward, to buying a bar soon.
Nicole Murray said 8 years ago
What a pleasure to read about your products, family, & pure joy for what you do. Hope to be shopping here soon! Best of luck always!
Sarah Pierzchala from HeronsGateArts said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature, Anna! Really great pics----makes me want to go pick up a bar of soap and lather it up!
Robin from TheRobinsTree said 8 years ago
Organic, handmade soap is so wonderful!
Ellen from OttavaDesigns said 8 years ago
Congratulations! Wonderful article and products.
Meiling Shimatsu from meilingsketchbook said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature! It is so inspiring! Your soaps sound so wonderful! Best of luck!
Cufflinked from Cufflinked said 8 years ago
Good Clean Fun!
danielle from PinchedBeauty said 8 years ago
Wow what a beautiful business you have built.This is what all Etsy sellers strive for! To great success!
Telle and Rex from ISWASANDWILLBE said 8 years ago
Heck yes woman! Congrats on the feature! PS Your hair has grown so much since I last saw you--where does the time go?!
Delma from LaughRabbit said 8 years ago
Lovely ! Congratulations on feature
Liz Davison from TheLotusRoot said 8 years ago
gorgeous work! congrats!
Ferdinanda Venturini from FerdysAprons said 8 years ago
beautiful I love your soaps and idea!!
Crystal Nero from CrystalNeroArt said 8 years ago
Very inspiring!! Congrats on the Feature!!
Dickson Lee from Favormaking said 8 years ago
Great! Love it! Congrats!
Wanda from Things2Have said 8 years ago
Your interview made me smile. Your love of family, work and the earth was inspiring. Congratulations!
Kelly Engel from GrowingUpWild said 8 years ago
Congratulations on the beautiful feature! I love your images and the your earthy products. Way to go Mama!
Theresa Ryales from TheresasGourmet said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature! My daughter also makes soaps and I love them... Would love to try yours.
The Rustic Home from TheRusticHome said 8 years ago
What a beautiful shop you have! Congrats to you and your family!
Keatra from PattonPrints said 8 years ago
"It has also helped me define and understand better who I am as a creative, a woman, and a mother in this high-speed world where there is so much emphasis on professional careers and workplace performance." I love this quote! Wonderful feature. Reading about other Portland Etsy sellers always puts a smile on my face. Best wishes to you!
Kim from PaperTraits said 8 years ago
I love reading all these lovely comments! You are truly an inspiration to many! Cheers!
Hal Troller from BluRoot said 8 years ago
Happy for you and your family
Natalie B from SimonAndCool said 8 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Love your soaps, I've tried five different ones and loved them all. It was great reading your inspiring story and learning more about the person(s) behind such wonderful creations. Cheers, ^. .^
Alex Trumble from theshack said 8 years ago
Very nice! Great idea custom soap.
Naomi Martnick from DancingMoonDesign said 8 years ago
Congrats fellow Portlander! Such beautiful soaps and I want to smell every one of them, they sound amazing! I love that they are herbal and natural ingredients as well. Keep up the amazing work! =)
PetrA podnarcuk from notAjewelry said 8 years ago
Wonderful bubbles! Brava!
Hannah B from BridalEmbroidery said 8 years ago
Loved reading this!
Elektra bl from ARTiliciousss said 8 years ago
Well it sounds like a great life and job! :) Wish you all the best! :)
Bobbi Reinert from shopbobbi said 7 years ago
congrats on the feature...
Marina Palovaara from LaPetiteNina said 7 years ago
Gorgeous feature! Love the pictures and the interview is great.. Good luck with your shop! It's great..
Holly from StylesbyHolly said 7 years ago
Congrats on all your success! Your soaps look amazing: ) Wishing you much continued success.
dawna rubihid from lepetitchatrobin said 7 years ago
simply stunning! :-) :-) Oh la la....gorgeous!
Karen from SmallEarthVintage said 7 years ago
So happy to see this interview with the lovely Anna! I have a Roots lavender soap that I use for washing my face, and it's so gentle and wonderful. Congratulations on the feature, Anna! xo
Sarah Lust from HoppingTheFence said 7 years ago
Congratulations on your success. I like seeing women doing what they love. It is a really hard world sometimes but we keep trying good things will happen.
FreakyPeas from FreakyPeas said 7 years ago
I love how you are able to stamp the soap for custom orders!
Meghan P from BustinCaps said 7 years ago
Congrats on the feature. Lovely work. Cheers!
emberair from EmberandAir said 7 years ago
Great shop to have as a feature!
Vera Hall from hoosiermamma1 said 7 years ago
Congratulations on your feature! You have branched out and met needs. Amazing that soap could be used as wedding favors. Who knew? Keep up the good work and enjoy the process.
Gloria Freshley from gloriafreshley said 7 years ago
Such a great feature! Wonderful images, wonderful products! All the best to you . . .
Rachel from PeppersJewelry said 7 years ago
I enjoyed reading about your beautiful work. I love your soaps!
Stacey Lou from BehindMyEyeballs said 7 years ago
mmm looks delicious
Jess Fetzner from sweetpinesoaps said 7 years ago
hey anna! just saw this! congratulations on the feature! well deserved. love seeing those stacks of soap :)
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 7 years ago
You soap looks very inviting...Great post!
Adriane Tran from panchipancake said 7 years ago
I'm always so impressed how people can build such a wonderful shop in such a little time! I love this shop!
Saron from SassyCandleFavors said 7 years ago
lovely!
Johann Richard said 7 years ago
where can i find a stamp like that? HELP!?!?!?!
vintageminx01 said 7 years ago
Hi Anna! This was a great interview, I really enjoyed learning about you, and your family. I love learning the stories behind the people who create on etsy. I dream of opening a shop here pretty soon, and you've definitely given me the push to get started. So excited to continue watching your shop grow!
Roberta Devers Scott from robertadeversscott said 5 years ago
anna, i too would love to know where i can find a stamp like that? thank you
WITCH and CRAFTS from Witchandcrafts said 2 years ago
Love this article!! Well done Anna!!