Loch and Thistle Soap Co.

Sometimes trying to do it all means not a lot gets done well, and some of the most important things, the things that make us who we are, get locked away for another day.

I have a job as an HR Director that I love. It’s hard work, but I am surrounded by great people, and have the privilege of helping them navigate difficult things, of hiring more great people, and helping my organization grow into a healthier place.

I have 3 boys and now a new daughter-in-law, all of whom I absolutely adore. I have wonderful, hilarious, big-hearted friends.

I have a little side hustle that, while it brings joy, I’m struggling to figure out the algorithm thing. I believe in it and am proud of my product. My amazing customers keep coming back and I think I’m on to something, so each day that goes by without a sale, I brush myself off and declare it a new day with new possibilities.

But…I also always dreamed of being a writer. As a little girl I would climb “my” apple tree in our small-town Ohio orchard, dream, and fall into a world I created, where words tumbled out and came alive. But now, with other responsibilities, I don’t write, not much anyway. It’s the part of me that has gone missing for a long time. Which is maybe why with each soap I make, there’s a story that goes with it - faerie tales, or history, or my own creation, lit up by a love for Scotland, but more so a love for story and words. Because that’s how we make sense of a world in which not a lot makes sense. It’s where we say, “This is the way it feels to me…Does it feel this way to you?” (Kazuo Ishiguro) It’s the place we stretch our hand out into the dark to take hold of another’s, so that we feel less alone in this very big place.

One day, maybe soon, I’ll start back on that novel that rumbles about in my head and heart, but for now, there are tales of Scotland, and of wolves; of standing stones, and twilight-year love. And in this little space I’ll find that words can rise from a heart that was once asleep.

While it isn’t all perfect, maybe just for today, it doesn’t have to be. Maybe it’s enough to simply begin again.

This is how it feels to me, anyway. Does it feel this way to you?

One of the things I love about soap making is learning how cool nature is and all the ways it cares for us and the skin we’re in.

Our Waterhorse is packed with skin loving ingredients. One of them is Peat Mud. Here’s a list of Peat’s power:

Exfoliating: Peat can remove dead skin cells and promote smoother skin.

Collagen production: Peat can boost collagen production, which can help prevent and preserve signs of aging.

Cell turnover: Peat can improve cell turnover, which can increase skin elasticity and tighten pores.

Hydration: Peat can help seal in the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF) to improve hydration.

Mineral balance: Peat contains minerals like zinc, magnesium, potassium, manganese, selenium, and sodium, which can complement the skin’s natural balance.

Did you know that cold process soap 🧼 needs to cure for 6️⃣ weeks, allowing moisture to escape, creating a luxuriously, latherously (not a word, but just go with me here) longer-lasting hard bar? That’s 42 days, or 1008 hours…just sitting there on a shelf waiting until you get to see it on our site, pick it and have it sent to you. In a world where we like everything faster, it’s a good reminder that sometimes things are Seen here: Solstice 🖤 and Thistle Honey 🍯 cozied up doing their thing until cutting time and the long cure 📆

📣 We’re Back! 📣

Hello, lovely friends! I’ve missed you all, but during this time away, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring something truly special for you. Our handcrafted, natural soap line inspired by the rugged beauty of Scotland is officially relaunching! 💚

I’ve poured my heart into reformulating a recipe that’s more luxurious, gentle, and nourishing than ever. And…we now have a brand new website where you can explore the collection and easily shop your favorites! ✨

Some of the classic bars you loved have a fresh new look, but rest assured, the essence of each one remains true to the Scottish landscapes and stories they’re inspired by. We’re confident you’ll love them even more!

As a little sneak peek, the soap you see here is The Wilds, featuring shea butter and turmeric for a rich, creamy lather and a warm glow. This bar pays tribute to a time when wolves roamed the Cairngorms, capturing the spirit of Scotland’s untamed wilderness. 🐺🌲

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of this journey. Can’t wait for you to experience the new collection! 💫