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As a kid, I was captivated by my grandmother's perfume collection. They sat atop a dresser so old it whispered secrets, yet gleamed like new. I didn't know it then, but that quiet enchantment would stay with me, forever.
Years later, as a Licensed Massage Therapist, I was washing my hands constantly, and touching dry skin every day.
I thought that was just how soap worked; to get clean, it had to leave your skin tight and thirsty. But my young son suffered with eczema, and even ‘gentle’ soaps seemed too harsh.
I started wishing for something kinder, something that wouldn’t take so much from the skin. Something better- for him, for all of us.
Always an object of my affection, I began to tinker with traditional soap-making in 2011.
In rare moments between work and motherhood, I found myself drawn to old-fashioned methods using natural oils, butters and time- lot’s of time. The first batches were humble, but something about them felt right. My husband’s skin softened, and my son’s skin was improving, too.
One day, I gathered up my courage and brought a few bars into the studio to see if anyone might be interested. To my surprise, I sold every bar that very first day!
My clients couldn’t get enough, and I knew I was onto something. It wasn’t just about making soap anymore. It was about creating something people genuinely loved, something that felt good to use and good to give.
Learning the chemistry, testing formulas, and figuring out how to make each bar a joy to experience was a long process. But with each batch, I got a little closer to the vision in my head: a bar soap that not only left skin clean, but soft and conditioned, too. I wanted to create a luxurious soap that felt indulgent.
Gilded Olive Apothecary is inspired by the cheeky Flapper girls of the Roaring 20s. Each soap is named after these free-spirited souls. It was the dawn of modern independence for women, a legacy that lingers like a heady perfume, woven through each creation.
Today, every product I make carries the same intention: to nourish the skin, delight the senses, and add a touch of vintage charm to the everyday.
To slow down and savor life’s small luxuries. We’re here to help turn everyday routines into relaxed, self-care rituals, inspired by the charm of a bygone era.
Whether you’re a longtime customer or just stopping by, thank you for being here. You’re part of the story now, and it’s an honor to share it with you! ~Valerie
