From Sourdough to Soap: My Path to Goat Milk Soap
If you had met me a few years ago, you'd probably be scratching your head right now. "Goats? Soap? North Dakota? What happened to the person I used to know?" Well, the answer is simple: she grew up. Sort of. Let me explain.
It all started when I packed up my life, waved goodbye to Texas, and moved 1,500 miles away to North Dakota. I traded hot summers and my career in Oil and Gas for open prairies, long winters, and a life that is equal parts peaceful and chaotic. This new chapter wasn’t just about geography; it was about rethinking everything—my health, my habits, and what we bring into our home. I set out on a journey toward living more naturally, cutting out toxins, and being mindful about what we consumed. I wanted to raise my children the way I would have thrived.
Like so many others on this path, it started with...sourdough. Yes, that living, bubbling, flour-and-water science experiment that takes over your life (and fridge). But sourdough wasn’t enough. Soon, I thought, “Why not chickens?” After all, who doesn’t love fresh eggs? Before I knew it, I had a backyard flock. But then, a bigger question arose: “What’s next?”
The answer was goats. I mean, have you seen goats? They’re adorable, hilarious, and have the kind of personality that makes you wonder if they secretly run the farm. But let’s be real—I couldn’t justify owning goats just because they’re cute and fun to watch. They needed a purpose. That’s when I had the brilliant (and slightly impulsive) idea to make soap.
I had tried goat milk soap before and liked it well enough. How hard could it be, right? (Spoiler alert: It’s a little more complicated than whipping up a batch of cookies.) I plunged into research mode—watching videos, reading about the chemistry of saponification, and learning everything I could about oils, butters, and how to make a soap bar that wouldn’t turn into a sad lump.
At first, my attempts were...experimental. Let’s just say there were a few “learning opportunities.” But over time, I got the hang of it. I started calculating my own recipes, testing them, and tweaking them until they were just right. Along the way, I discovered something surprising: I was good at this. Really good.
Turns out, all that time studying interior design in college and working in the field paid off—I had a knack for color theory and design. My soaps weren’t just functional; they were tiny works of art. Swirls, layers, —you name it, I tried it. And the best part? The soap I was making wasn’t just pretty; it was hands-down the best bar of soap I’d ever used.
What started as a thinly-veiled excuse to get goats turned into a full-blown passion. And now, here I am, sharing these little bars of joy with the world. Every bar is made with care, a touch of whimsy, and a whole lot of goat milk.
So, if you’re wondering how in the world I ended up here, that’s the story. It’s messy, a little weird, and entirely me. And let’s be honest—life is better with goats, good soap, and a little adventure.