Discover the Magic of Surfing Goat Soaps: Natural, Soothing Goat Milk Soaps
Updated: 5 days ago
Embracing Competition with Confidence
When I apply to a market, I often wonder how many soap makers will be there. In the past, I feared competition. But not anymore! I have confidence in our products, and that comes from years of hearing feedback from our wonderful customers.
Many soapers boast about their amazing scents. But I prefer to hear, “It’s so subtle.” I only use essential oils. I know they are as strong as artificial fragrances, but the long-term effects of the oils last even when the scent fades. Others rave about the luxurious oils they add to their soaps, like argan, macadamia, and hemp. Each soap maker makes choices based on what resonates with them. My choices stem from the beautiful milk produced by my goats. It complements our “wash local” theme, keeping things close to the source.
While olive oil doesn’t grow in New England, I can live with that footprint. The sunflower and canola oils we use are Northern Hemisphere products, and the lard comes from farmers I know personally.
The Unique Touch of Surfing Goat Soaps
What sets our soap apart? We don’t load it with color. We use a few natural colorants, like pink clay or activated charcoal, but only if they contribute something meaningful.
One reason we don’t sell as much during the summer is that some folks worry our soap will melt in the heat. It won’t! But unless they’ve tried it, they won’t know. Soaps that rely on heating and cooling to form shapes are more prone to melting. Surfing Goat Soaps hold up beautifully due to the composition of our oils, the aging process, and the careful percentages of each ingredient in every bar.
I remember one summer, over 20 years ago, when I had a bar melt at a market during a heatwave. It was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit for days! Even the shaded areas were sweltering. I was there for hours in direct sunlight, moving my tent for shade. In the end, my biggest bar bulged at the bottom. The interior had liquefied, but the outside held firm, so there was no leakage. I carefully placed it back in its shipping container and set it to cool by the air conditioner. It was as good as new!
Since then, we’ve learned tricks to protect our soaps from direct sunlight in the height of summer. We’re always happy to hold a customer’s purchases while they enjoy the market. But it’s up to them to remember to pick them up!
The Ingredients That Make a Difference
While our bar soaps may look like any other, the contents are very different. This difference comes from the breed of goat we raise and the ingredients we choose. I admit our beige collection can be a tad monotonous. To spice things up, we offer activated charcoal bars and “scratchies,” which include blueberry seeds, oatmeal, or coffee grounds.
But what truly grabs attention at our booth is our Molded Menagerie. This collection celebrates animals, nature, and fantasy. It makes for wonderful gifts when you’re unsure what to give. Whether it’s a cute kitten mold for the cat lover or a D20 treasure chest for the diehard tabletop gamer, there’s something for everyone!
We also know that most people use a towel when they soap up (and we want them to use our soap!). So, we create towels featuring items that complete a great gift set. Think dragons for the D&D fans, light jokes for those who appreciate a chuckle, and gorgeous mandalas to celebrate special breeds or activities. We even have towels that celebrate fencing, which is a delight of mine!
Crafting with Care
Recently, people have asked how much of our product is made by us versus poured from a base. I’m proud to say, “All of it! We do it the old-fashioned way.” While some soaps are re-batched for other products, like our PI bar or laundry soap, those methods minimize waste and maximize the use of our ingredients.
I don’t consider myself a “master soap maker.” I stick with what I know works. But I absolutely love the reactions from our shoppers as they discover what Surfing Goat Soaps has to offer.
Our website is currently undergoing yet another overhaul. Fingers crossed, it will be the last for a while! But you can still explore what we have by visiting the “shop” at www.surfinggoatsoap.net. We welcome special orders and requests.
I love formulating products for those who can’t use other soaps due to sensitivity. These unique offerings set us apart from other soap makers. Unfortunately, many market coordinators don’t know this. It’s frustrating to be excluded, but I believe our unique products will find their way to the right people.
Dive into Caprenity
Check us out on our website! Let yourself dive into Caprenity, our imaginary world inspired by our soaps and the magic of our farm. New items are always on the horizon, including gift sets and subscriptions. It’s worth checking back often. Who knows? You might discover a new soap as we play with our 3D printer and create even more unique molds.
I hope you’ll join us at https://www.surfinggoatsoap.net. Together, let’s embrace the joy of natural skincare and the soothing power of goat milk soaps!
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