Meet Teri - Tree Marie Soapworks

My journey began in Indiana as a country girl in a large, wonderful family. At university, I immersed myself in the world of art. During this time, I met the love of my life, my husband, who was proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Our story was one of adventure, with deployments taking him to distant lands while I pursued my passions back home. It was during one of those deployments that I stumbled upon an unexpected fascination: soapmaking. The timing wasn't right then, with starting a family and my husband's military career demanding our attention, but the seed had been planted.

As the years passed, our family grew, and we relocated to various bases in the United States and abroad. Each move brought new experiences and challenges. However, deep down, we yearned for something more, something sustainable.

Our longing for a simpler, more sustainable life led us to explore several aspects of homesteading. Gardening and raising chickens have provided us with fresh, organic produce and connected us with the land and nature in a profound way. Amid this journey, as we delved into learning old skills and sustainable living, my husband suggested I revisit the idea of soapmaking.

Combining my newfound passion for sustainability with my background in art was a revelation. I realized that soapmaking could be more than just a hobby; it could become a means to express my creativity in a unique way. My love for making beautiful, handcrafted soaps involves making beautiful, nourishing, and functional soap. As my journey has continued, I have enjoyed sharing what I have learned with others.

Our concept for making soap includes 3 things:

Making Handcrafted Soap

During the soapmaking process, known as saponification, oils and an alkali react to produce soap and glycerin as natural byproducts. In the manufacturing of commercial soap, glycerin is typically extracted due to its value. Unlike commercial soaps, handcrafted soaps retain the glycerin.

When looking at store-bought soap ingredients, what are you putting on your skin? As I learn more about ingredients, I am more committed to using handmade soap.

Making Beautiful Soap

I enjoy crafting soap that combines utility and artistry. Most of my soap designs are captivating pieces of functional art. Using them offers a unique experience, as the design changes as the bar is worn away. Even my one-color designs are lovely in their simple handcrafted beauty.

In August 2016, I participated in my first global online competition, where I proudly tied for 3rd place. Subsequently, I have consistently achieved numerous top 3 finishes. I was invited to guest-teach the Soap Challenge Club on two separate occasions. (Please refer below for more details.)

Making a Useful, Functional Product

In the realm of artisan soap, you might have reservations about its everyday use, or perhaps you're content with your current shower gel routine. I once shared these sentiments myself. I received a handmade bar of soap as a gift, which reminded me of one I had received years prior and saved because I thought it was too nice to use.

Finally, I decided to use them, and handmade soap became a valuable addition to my daily regimen. My handcrafted soap journey began, and I would never go back.