1) What inspired you to start this business, that is, to make soaps?

I studied natural essential oils and herbs and the benefits they provide for about 9 years before starting Nostalgia. During that time, I learned about soap making as well as creating natural balms and other botanical skincare applications. When I was pregnant, I started creating my own products, such as belly balm and aromatherapy spray for morning sickness, because I couldn't find similar products or 100% natural versions in stores. Those experiences, paired with my love of design, planted the seed for my future business.

2) How are your soaps different from others? Won’t the soap bar dry my skin?

Nostalgia’s artisan soap is made using the cold-process method of soap making. Every bar is made from scratch using generous amounts of skin-nurturing ingredients, like pure essential oils, organic vegetable oils and organic herbs. As a result of using the cold-process method of soap making, all of the vegetable glycerin, a natural moisturizer produced during soap making, is retained in our soap. The result is a soap that gently moisturizes the skin while you are bathing, often making lotion unnecessary. Also, our recipes are "superfatted", meaning that there is an additional amount of organic plant oil added to produce a bar which creates a luxurious smoothness on the skin, both during washing and afterwards.

3) What could you recommend to soothe the day after a highly stressful day?

After a long stressful day, I recommend a warm bath with 5-7 drops of lavender essential oil mixed in the bath water. Our lavender flowers soap pairs well with a relaxing lavender bath or can be used alone to help stress reduction. Lavender is a natural stress reducing aroma and one of the most popular essential oils for its many benefits. I would then gently massage our Ruffles de-stress-her or PlumTired balm to pulse points or behind the neck and let the plant aromas diffuse on your skin.

4) How long can a soap bar usually last?

The shelf life of our soap is 1-2 years depending on how it's stored. Store unopened soap away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry location. This will help extend the shelf life of the soap. Also, when using a bar of soap in the bath, it will last longer if kept dry in between uses.

Dated: 2 December 2009

By: Helen Lien, Pure Tincture