My Story

Nearly two decades ago, I began making soap out of necessity and curiosity. What started as a simple solution quickly grew into a passion, and eventually, a calling.

Fourteen years ago, that passion became a place when I opened my small boutique in the heart of historic Troy, NY. Today, my shop is filled with small-batch artisan soaps, all made completely from scratch. I create around 40 different varieties at any given time, including soaps made with local beer, wine, and tea. Inspiration is everywhere, and community matters.

Soapmaking may be self-taught, but art has always been at the core of my work. With degrees in Fine Art and Art Education, and years spent teaching high school art, I approach soapmaking the way I approach sculpture: thoughtfully, creatively, and with deep respect for materials and process. Each bar is designed to be both functional and beautiful. My soaps delight the senses while being kind to your skin.

Alongside soap, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of body care products including lotions, bath bombs, soaks, and hand-poured soy candles. Everything is made with intention, care, and a little bit of magic.

When you step into my shop, or explore online, I hope you feel the same warmth, creativity, and love that goes into every product I make.

What makes your business unique?

While I use traditional methods to create my body care products, I like to keep things fun by consistently creating new designs and scents. Customers will always find a wide range of options in my shop, from classic favorites like lavender and oatmeal to more playful, pop-inspired scents such as ginger ale, cotton candy, and oatmeal stout.

Many of my soaps are colored using natural ingredients like turmeric, cosmetic clays, parsley, activated bamboo charcoal, and beetroot, all of which are thought to offer additional skin benefits. At the same time, my artistic style also embraces modern color, bold design, and playful aesthetics alongside more traditional looks.

My soaps are luxurious yet affordable, and are made using high-quality ingredients that are paraben- and sulfate-free. Tested only on friends and family, many of my products are 100% natural. All items are made in small, carefully controlled batches, and customers often enjoy watching me make products when they visit the shop. I love seeing the joy on their faces as they get excited about discovering new scents.

In addition to my own creations, I also carry fine art and handcrafted goods by local artists. This allows me to support my community while bringing more beauty into the world.

What is the best advice you have received?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who believe in me, including many of my former students. Their encouragement continues to motivate me, and I want to show them that success can take many forms and that it’s possible to build a meaningful life doing what you love.

One of the best pieces of advice I received early on was to surround myself with people who truly believe in me. Not everyone will celebrate your success, and sometimes negativity comes from others trying to make themselves feel better. Learning to tune that out is essential.

At heart, I am still a teacher, and I know we learn best through experience. Even when something doesn’t work out the way you hoped, there is always a lesson to carry forward. Don’t give up, don’t give in, and keep moving forward.

Come visit our store in the heart of Troy, NY! We are located at 271 River Street, Troy, NY 12180.

You can find our products at the summer session of the Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market and

Elissa Halloran Designs at 229 Lark Street, Albany, NY.