JEAN EISENMANN 2023-07-18 07:08:21
Salted Sanctuary Soap
The owner of this local shop is cleaning up Denton with her handmade, natural soap products.
You might say Kimberly Bien is a soaperstar. As owner of Salted Sanctuary Soap, Bien fills her store with handmade, gift-worthy natural soap creations.
What is now a thriving business developed from Bien’s personal mission to discover products that wouldn’t irritate her skin.
“Due to an autoimmune condition, I was allergic to parabens used as preservatives, and other harmful chemicals that are absorbed into the system and irritate the skin,” Bien said. Determined to come up with a solution herself, she began experimenting with making natural soaps.
In 2012, brimming with motivation and guided by farming books from the days when housewives made soap with lard (no YouTube videos back then), Bien succeeded in creating soaps inspired by nature using all-natural ingredients, and without harsh chemicals, synthetic additives or preservatives.
The soaps are cold processed, the original, traditional way. Color is achieved with natural charcoal or clay.
“Many of the decorative herbs and flowers we use are grown in our garden,” Bien said. Scents reflect the bounty of nature’s fragrances and healing properties. Lavender products are sometimes paired with chamomile, eucalyptus or rose. Herbs range from relaxing patchouli to invigorating peppermint. Sweet orange, ginger, coffee, and even goat milk products fit into the collection.
What began as a hobby borne out of necessity bubbled over to a full-fledged business. “I started giving my products to family and friends,” Bien said. “Then friends wanted to purchase pieces for their other friends.”
That same year she was encouraged to display her soap products at the Denton Community Market, where she remained a vendor for seven years. These days, when she isn’t in the store or her workshop concocting soapy products, Bien continues to display her merchandise at various markets.
Over time, as Bien’s product line and popularity increased, a brick-and-mortar store was the next step. Salted Sanctuary Soap opened its doors in 2018 for customers who care about their health and supporting sustainability. “The word ‘salted’ is an ode to when salt was used as a trading commodity, and ‘sanctuary’ is a refuge for your skin,” Bien said.
The store is stocked with her natural soaps, body products, lip balm and room sprays, including items specifically for men. “Gluten-free oatmeal products are my personal go-tos,” Bien said. “It helps with eczema and psoriasis.”
Bien has a network of local creatives and supports their work by offering display space for their merchandise, such as ceramics, art and jewelry. Her generosity also extends to local organizations and nonprofits, donating a percentage of sales to their causes.
“Shopping trends have changed since I began this business,” Bien said. “Even with my shop, people now like to purchase online, not as much at a brick and mortar. More folks come out for events, rather than popping into a store.”
Being a woman in business, has Bien encountered obstacles? “Not within the walls of my store,” she said. “However, I’ve encountered men in finance who have been reticent to consider this a serious business because it’s in the arts. Overall, my journey has been a positive experience. Small business ownership is not for the faint of heart, but I’m incredibly grateful to be doing what I love.”
Salted Sanctuary Soap
525 N. Elm St. in Denton, north of the square 940-323-9831 SaltedSanctuarySoap.com
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday- Tuesday
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