Rising Stars: Meet Margaret Hart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Hart. 

Hi Margaret, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved handmade soap from all-natural ingredients – real soap! To me, the feeling is nothing even remotely comparable to detergent soaps commercially made and sold in stores today, and this is not even mentioning other possible health benefits. For years, I would search out and shop local Farmer’s Markets just to find them. After what seems like a lifetime, I started to learn more through reading books and online resources. Finally, I took the leap and made my own small batch cold process soap bar! When I make soap it’s similar to making a recipe from scratch. I buy all ethically sourced ingredients, organic when available, and always cruelty-free. I create formulas using local ingredients, formulate using soap calculators, and then start crafting from scratch. My products are handcrafted in small batches in my soap kitchen and made only with natural oils and butters. There are no premade kits used, no melt and pour bases used, and no chemicals used. 

Outside of soapmaking, I am a single mom of 3 beautiful grown children now all in college. I, myself, have a college degree and full-time career during the week with an office of Financial Planners and CFPs. I spend my weekends crafting new small batches of handmade soaps and handmade blankets. My family gets to test and use them all. When family and friends started to want more, I thought maybe it is time to start a small business. 

Lastly, I cannot skip mentioning my Parents. In 2017, I lost my mom to Pancreatic Cancer which makes me question all the products we use every day. In 1999, my dad passed away from heart disease. I have him to thank for my desire to create and showing me how to garden. Now, while I find it so overwhelming to change everything in our lives that we buy and consume instantly, I try to make better choices over time, small steps, small changes each day; it can happen. Since our skin is the largest organ on our bodies, changing the soap we use daily was my first place to start. All reasons supporting my journey and so much more to come! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been challenging building a small business by myself and all while working a full-time weekday job. I truly appreciate when my children can help me at events. I envision so much more over time, adding more products and one day having my own storefront. All of this, of course, needs funding as well, so there are obstacles to navigate. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart from others is my creative nature coupled with my desire to make soap more than just a square block. I like to explore different shapes and designs while still using all-natural ingredients. For example, learning how to pipe, like frosting a cake, can be a fun way to create new soap top designs. Using assorted ingredients from natural clays, mica colors, fragrance oils, therapeutic essential oils, botanicals to crystals expands the creativity of my soaps. I can make custom orders that meet a client’s needs. And, while I have been told some of my soaps are too pretty, I strongly encourage you to use the good soap because life is too short and we should enjoy it. I will be making more and continue to evolve in this space. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Visit me online at www.footsietootsiesoapery.com and link to all of my social media pages. You can also see where I will be attending upcoming events, farmers’ markets, and festivals. Feel free to reach out by email or phone as well. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://footsietootsiesoapery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footsietootsiesoapery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/footsietootsiesoaperyllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/footsietootsiesoapery/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FTSoapery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCSzijMdINqM6QO1DBcWZZA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@footsietootsiesoapery