When severe allergies inspired a Wodonga woman to create her own range of hand-made soaps, she never thought it would turn into a business venture.
Four years later and Gwen Roberton’s Back to Earth Soaps have become a popular fixture at local farmers’ markets.
“The reason I got into soaps originally is because I’m allergic to a lot of things with psoriasis, eczema – you name it,” Gwen said.
“Fragrance oils used to really make me sick, so I thought I’d have a bash at making my own soap, and before I knew it, I was totally hooked.
“I started off with a very plain soap and got a bit more adventurous. I have always been into growing things, so I grow my own herbs and infuse the oils with them and put that into the soap.
“I’ve really enjoyed studying up on what herb is good for what skin complaint and so on, it’s really become a learning process.”
It appears Gwen is not alone when it comes to sourcing natural products that don’t cause allergic reactions.
“The feedback is amazing,” Gwen said.
“Not just with the soaps, but I make a shampoo bar with apple cider vinegar which has just taken off and I can’t really keep up with demand.
“It’s really weird washing your hair with a bar of soap to start with, but once you get used to the idea, the lather is amazing.
“I used to have psoriasis through my hair and that’s gone. I also have people using it saying they were losing hair and their hair has stopped shedding like it used to, so they’re all good reports that are coming back.”
Back to Earth Soaps has also branched out into other areas, including magnesium oil.
You’ll find Back to Earth Soaps at Albury Wodonga Farmers’ Market each Saturday and other regional markets from time to time.
For more information visit their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Backtoearthsoaps/
