“I was born a crafter, and for me, handmade soap is the perfect marriage of endless creativity and pampering practicality.”

It all started in 2013, around Mother’s Day. Every year, I made special gifts for the women who attended our church—a church my husband, Troy, and I had planted together in 2001. I loved finding new ways to honor all the women (not just the moms!) with something creative and pretty, and that year, I had decided I would try my hand at homemade soap. Things were going well until I received a difficult diagnosis—Multiple Sclerosis—and had to spend a week in the hospital. When I got out, Mother’s Day was only three weeks away, and I had a lot of soap to finish! I realized then that having such a big project was a gift from God, because I had to push away my fears and focus on preparing something beautiful for others. I also realized I was hooked on creating pretty gifts that make people feel special! What began as an experiment quickly became a hobby and then a small business.

In 2016, I experienced an even greater setback in my health when I suffered a near-fatal stroke. It was a really scary time for me and my family, but I’ve continued to push myself and reach new milestones in my recovery. I haven’t gotten where I would like to be just yet, but I’ve been able to recover more than the doctors ever thought I would. And I’ve never stopped making soap! Troy helps with the mixing and pouring, but I take it from there—wrapping every bar, tying all the ribbons, and putting the final touches on each gift box. I’ve always seen wrapping as my reward for all the hard work that came before.

Being able to make personal, handmade luxury items from my home has been a source of joy and strength in my recovery. Not only does it allow me to bless others by brightening their day, but it also helps me remember that—no matter what challenges life has thrown at me—I am still the creative, determined person God created me to be. I hope that my story can encourage others as well.