Amber Dems — Staff reporter
LUCERNE — The Soap Shack Baby, an all-natural soap and beauty supply store, is set to hold its grand opening Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The shop is located at 6199 E. Highway 20 in Lucerne in the Harbor Art community.
During the grand opening, the soap shack will offer 50-percent off all merchandise. There will also be a raffle for a chance to win a crate of soap and lip balm; tickets are free-of-charge.
James Meek has been making soap for his family and friends for approximately 10 years as a hobby. It was no surprise when he and his wife Tiffany officially opened their business in February and worked right from their 27-foot travel trailer. With an online store and a strong presence at various events, as well as activities throughout the community, the business took off immediately. When opportunity arose to open their own shop, they jumped at the chance.
“What”s really cool and different about our shop is half of it will be our workshop and half will be retail,” Tiffany said.
Customers will have the opportunity to watch the couple make soap during store hours. In time the Meeks” hope to turn their workshop into a hands-on experience for customers, giving them the opportunity to take classes and make their own soaps.
The Meeks” spotlight concerns for the environment by doing things such as using recycled paper. In fact the paper used for the soap labels is seeded and can be planted; producing beautiful flowers or you can compost it.
Made in small batches to preserve the natural ingredients as much as possible, each bar of soap is one of a kind and varies in color and size.
Several different oils are used in the process of producing the soap, olive oil being the most essential, as it is good for skin. Coconut oil is used to produce a fluffy lather while palm oil is used to increase longevity. Cocoa and shea butters are used because of their superior moisturizing and skin care properties. Jojoba oil promotes silky, soft skin and castor oil creates a creamy lather. Sweet almond oil is used as well, for extra moisturizing. Each bar of soap is colored and scented with essential and fragrant oils, natural herbs and mica colorants.
Store hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Weekend hours will vary depending on events in which the shop participates.
The Soap Shack Baby will be in Kelseyville on July 20 at Steele Winery from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
For more information visit www.thesoapshackbaby.com or call 972-0163.
Amber Dems is a staff reporter for Lake County Publishing. She can be reached at adems@record-bee.com or 263-5636, ext. 39.
