Cactus Mary making some Ocotillo Flower soap.
Many years ago, (at least as far back as 2000) I was looking for a good way to spend my time when I was not working in restaurants. I first tried making baskets decorated with dried flowers. That was not what I was naturally good at!
I began to think about what would be a good sideline for someone used to restaurant work and who had a little bit of an herb garden. I had never made soap before, but when I decided to try it I found that it was quite enjoyable. I was able to find all the information I needed on the internet and in books that I found at the bookstore. It turns out that a lot of soapmakers are very generous with their knowledge.
One afternoon sitting around with friends the subject of soapmaking as a business came up, and a name suggested by someone was “Cactus Mary’s”. I live in the Chihuahuan Desert and cacti are a fact of life. In fact, many desert plants really lend themselves to creative uses in soapmaking. I liked the suggested name, and I began checking into native plants that add regional flavor to my soaps. Today I offer many fragrances of soap, and use appropriate plants when and where I can.
When my business was just beginning I was married to a talented artist who designed my labels and helped with the business in many ways. Thanks, David, for all the help, too much to even begin to describe. He still helps once in awhile when the moon and stars and desert winds all come together in the right way.
Another early influence that I have found very useful is the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild. The Guild is made up of lots of wonderful folks who are great with advice and guidance and information about where to find a soapmaker or who to buy supplies from.
Anyway, I’m glad to offer some handmade soap that I am very proud of and really enjoy making. Look around my website and find out what you are interested in trying and we’ll go from there.
Thanks and enjoy!
-“Cactus Mary” December 2014
I began to think about what would be a good sideline for someone used to restaurant work and who had a little bit of an herb garden. I had never made soap before, but when I decided to try it I found that it was quite enjoyable. I was able to find all the information I needed on the internet and in books that I found at the bookstore. It turns out that a lot of soapmakers are very generous with their knowledge.
One afternoon sitting around with friends the subject of soapmaking as a business came up, and a name suggested by someone was “Cactus Mary’s”. I live in the Chihuahuan Desert and cacti are a fact of life. In fact, many desert plants really lend themselves to creative uses in soapmaking. I liked the suggested name, and I began checking into native plants that add regional flavor to my soaps. Today I offer many fragrances of soap, and use appropriate plants when and where I can.
When my business was just beginning I was married to a talented artist who designed my labels and helped with the business in many ways. Thanks, David, for all the help, too much to even begin to describe. He still helps once in awhile when the moon and stars and desert winds all come together in the right way.
Another early influence that I have found very useful is the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild. The Guild is made up of lots of wonderful folks who are great with advice and guidance and information about where to find a soapmaker or who to buy supplies from.
Anyway, I’m glad to offer some handmade soap that I am very proud of and really enjoy making. Look around my website and find out what you are interested in trying and we’ll go from there.
Thanks and enjoy!
-“Cactus Mary” December 2014
